Close Encounters with the Pilot's Grim Reaper

Mr. Schmidt's review was both complimentary and critical. He states that, "The book belongs in the library of aviation enthusiasts along with books written by Tex Johnson, Chuck Yeager and Bob Hoover." This statement parrots unsolicited comments from other readers. A Mr. Sam Elder recently wrote. "Dear Lou, I just finished reading Close encounters with the Pilot's Grim Reaper which you autographed at EAA AirVenture 2007. What a great read. I read unitl my eyes hurt. You have lead an amazing life. It brouight back many memories. Thanks." Mr. Schmidt, pointed out what he considers several imperfections along with criticizing self-published books. There are many well-written and interesting self-published books, however,book stores shun them out of a sense of protectionism. If it were not for self-published books many World War II veterans would not be able to tell their story. He states that Lou did not employ the services of an editor, but If he had read the entire book he would have noted that Martin employed the services of an outstanding editor and he mentions her by name, along with her qualifications,on page three,under "Acknowledgments." He was also critical of the Microsoft Word,font 12 text used. I found this text easy to read,especially in dim light. Mr.Schmidt stated that there were some spelling errors,references to things that are not explained elsewhere,that the timeline is not clear, and that Lou used real names when referring to divisive colleagues. His comments in this regard bear some justification and it was the reason the book was reviewed, errors corrected and reissued as Volume Three,on February 15, 2008. His review missed the comments on page two,under Notes, which states,"A few liberties were taken in the sequencing of events, but they all happened" and "The use of pseudonyms when referring to a few colleagues were employed." Mr. Schmidt seems to have been offended by a pious sensibility toward the author exposing life as it was, not what he thinks it should have been. Lou attempted to provide life like it was as a combat crew member in a wartime enviroment. He infers, incorrectly, that Martin had a girl in every port but unfortunately this was not the case. Apparently, the personal medical matter he found objectionable was most likely the beef tapeworm Lou picked up in Nothern Thailand during the Vietnam War. Surprisingly, in spite of some harsh criticism he gives the book "Four Stars" and states, "Still, the reader is not put off by these problems and Martin's book remains an overall good read." I feal it was great that Mr. Schmidt took the time to write such an interesting review and hope he finds time to review Lou's other book "Wings Over Persia" which was rated the best aviation writing by the Minesota Aviation Hall of Fame for 2004. It is a true account of Martin's flying as a civilian charter pilot in Iran (1976 to 1979) during the overthrow of the Shah.

I enjoyed reading Lou Martin's autobiographical book, "Close Encounters With the Pilot's Grim Reaper". It is, for the most part, clearly written and the author's style is engaging. I feel that this book belongs in the library of any aviation enthusiast, along side the biographies of Tex Johnston, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, etc; even though Martin's exploits don't have the same historical significance. The book does have some flaws, all typical of self-published books by untrained authors, especially those who did not employ an editor. The entire body of text is set in a sans-serif font, rather than a serifed font such as virtually all other books use; this increases eye strain. There are numerous spelling errors, as well as homophonic errors. The text often refers to incorrect figure numbers in the illustration section. Many times there are references to things that are not explained elsewhere, even though the text will say, "More explanation on this later". Sometimes the timeline is not clear. All of these issues would have been addressed by a good editor. Still, the reader is not put off by these problems, and Martin's book remains accessible and an overall good read. It is also brave of Martin to mention real names of people, often in reference to personal details. The reader wonders if any of those people are still alive to object to having their dirty laundry exposed in this manner. Out of fairness, it is worth saying that Martin is not shy about detailing the many instances when he did improper things, such as risky behavior while flying, engaging in sexual relations with 'girls in every port' while he was married, and very personal medical matters are also disclosed.

"Close Encounters With the Pilot's Grim Reaper" became a very personal book that I slowly read and savored each chapter as it told of dreams unfulfilled. The writing style or should I say the story telling style of the author draws one in so that you live it along with him, and it did not hurt that I have visited or lived in the same places during my 65 years of life. I am sure there are thousands like myself who had the same dream and they too will live them though the pages of this book as I did. Yes, I have been successful in my chosen field and received the recognition of my peers and those I serve, but I would gladly give it all back to have walked in the author's shoes as this is how strong my dream was. If one ever dreamed of become a military pilot this book is a must read. Thanks Lou for the many hours we did spend together cloud dancing and you teaching me how to do loops and rolls in the T-6 and T-34, and thanks for letting me live my dream through your book. Al Pike, CP Past President American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists [email protected]

For all military pilots and maintenance types, this book sure brings back the memories. On the flight line, in flight and TDY's, he tells it like it really was and doesn't leave anything out. The personal stuff, the women, the training and the flying, it's all there and very well done. A must read for all pilots !

Lou Martin's autobiography tells of both the good and the bad during a lifetime of flying. He came close to the Grim Reaper, many times, and knew others who did not survive such meetings. Thanks to the examples of WWII pilots, Martin learned to plan, train and be ready for the unexpected that could have been his last flight. Along the way, he tells of exepriences that included piloting a C-82 in France, F-100 fighters at Misawa AB, Japan and the C-133 transport. After the Air Force, life as an airline pilot in Japan and an FAA inspector gave more opportunites to tweak the Grim Reaper's scythe. Along the way, Martin had other non-flying adventures that livened up his life in interesitng ways. A great book that I thoroughly enjoyed.