A Race to Freedom: The Mira Slovak Story

by David Williams

Mira Slovak was born in Czechoslovakia and endured both the Nazi occupation and the brutal Russian liberation. He joined the Czech Air force, rising to Captain by the age of 21. When he could no longer tolerate life under the Communists, he hijacked an airliner and flew across the Iron Curtain to freedom. He went to work for the CIA and was eventually sent to the US and given a job as Bill Boeing, Jr's personal pilot. When Boeing began racing Hydroplanes in the late 1950s, Mira was his driver. During his ten year career as a hydroplane driver, he won many races and two national championships. He met Presidents and dated movie starlets. After a serious hydroplane accident, Slovak switched to airplanes where he won another national championship. When he retired from racing he became a stunt pilot and public speaker and talked about the value of freedom and how we should value it above everything else. He outlasted Communism and when it collapsed in 1990 he returned to his home, only to realize that his true home was, and always would, be the United States.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2018

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Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Race to Freedom
The Mira Slovak Story
By: David Williams
Narrated by: Brian Callanan
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
Wow, this guy's life is so remarkable! From seeing Jews in cattle cars, living under the communist party, stealing a plane, fleeing to be American, becoming a friend to Mr Boeing! Becoming a famous super fast boat racer, test pilot, and so much more! Don't want to spoil it. What a life! Amazing!
The narrator was very good but I didn't like the voice he chose to use for the main guy, Mira. Mira was very tall and brave and accomplished so much yet the voice the narrator gave him was very mousey. I expected something a bit more manly.

[Reuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book for his escape and for the aviation, so I was not as interested in the boat racing parts. Very interesting man and very interesting biography.

[Brett Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Who needs fiction? These real life people are so inspirational and fun to learn about. I hope the next generations will take time to learn about the previous generations who’s character and boldness led the way for the great life we get to enjoy today. A great book!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Mira Slovak, defected from Soviet Czech, became a famous Hydroplane Racer, Air Racer and Aerobatic Pilot.
Classic "Been there, Done that -- got the Tshirt" story.
Reads like a novel - I HIGHLY recommend!

[Richelle Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

As an avid unlimited hydroplane fan since the late 1950’s, this book relived an era past. Likewise, having had the 1971 opportunity to go behind the Iron Curtain, Mira’s experiences conveyed an accurate, special…and sad overview. One of the best reads…ever!

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira's story is one for the ages. Great read for the aviation and Seattle fan in your family.

Truly inspiring!