Flight from Fear

by Sarah Byrn Rickman

In Flight From Fear, dynamic young women fly fast airplanes -- not always with safe, happy landings. The live, they love and, because it is wartime, they lose loved ones. World War II tested the mettle of a generation -- men and women. The WASPs were not found wanting!

250 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) awarded Sarah's two-volume work, “WASP Pilots,” their 17th Annual Combs-Gates Award. The award is presented for projects that reflect an emphasis on the individual pioneers – the people – who defined America’s aerospace horizons. This is the second time Sarah has won the Combs-Gates Award.

The WASP Pilots Series, written for readers age 10 to adult, now consists of three biographies: the World War II stories of three outstanding women pilots Nancy Love: WASP Pilot; ‘BJ’ Erickson: WASP Pilot and the newest, released October 15, 2020, Betty Gillies: WAFS Pilot..

Sarah is a former reporter/columnist for The Detroit News (Michigan) and former editor of the Centerville-Bellbrook Times (Ohio). She earned her B.A. in English from Vanderbilt University and an M.A. in Creative Writing from Antioch University McGregor.

Reviews

[Anna Gorka]

What a spectacular book! I picked it up hoping for a nice fictional look at the real-life WASP, and WOW was I in for a treat! The attention to detail, richness of character development, the plot, the history, the setting, the writing style—all of it was perfect. I truly don’t think there is a better fictional book about the WASP out there right now. Sarah Byrn Rickman captured the spirit of these women: their bravery, their spunk, their camaraderie, their determination, their hopes, fears, dreams and talents. I absolutely cannot recommend this book enough. It will be a cherished book on my shelves for years to come! (One to reread many, many more times!) Bravo!

[Lori Shafer]

I came across this book at the library. The cover caught my eye. I added it to my to-read pile.

Flight from Fear follows the story of a young war widow who wants to keep a promise to her late husband. She wants to continue fighting the war that took his life. She decides to learn to fly like he did. This journey takes her into the history books as a WASP.

This book is enjoyable. Simple. I liked how it showed the experiences of the women who flew for our country during World War II. These women have often been neglected by history and by authors. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a nice easy read.

[Ann Otto]

This historical novel is about several women in the second group of recruits for the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP's) in WWII which transported military airplanes around the US and overseas to free up men for direct war duty. The characters face many personal and professional challenges, including concerns from their families for their decision.