Hornet's Nest: The Experiences of One of the U.S. Navy's First Female Fighter Pilots

This book was a real eye-opener. What is even more amazing is that the story continues. Ms. Cummings just won a landmark legal ruling which allows her to take the Navy to federal court over the events in the book. Since all the major characters in the book will now be called to the witness stand, it will be interesting to see whose version of the events was correct.

A) Enough psychological abuse to make her own body attack itself. Through the eyes of one of the US Navy's first and finest female aviators, this book reveals a wealth of information on psychological, professional, and even spiritual levels. Missy Cummings shows us that when talent and ability are not enough to fulfill our own immediate dreams, we can reach deeper into our individual souls and selflessly pave the way for others. The situation of women in combat roles and other traditionally male professions will continue to be hotly debated as our culture goes through its rapid changes. Hopefully, reading this personal experience of a pioneer female fighter pilot will help to generate greater understanding between soldiers (and civilians) of both sexes, for we are really not so different... In summary this book is very telling from its description of hostile group behavior and its consequent stress related medical impact on the isolated/target subject. It is sometimes painful to read but brutally honest and yes inspirational in that her defeat is not final; nor is it ever for one who looks for and finds a deeper meaning to life. Finally, the descriptions of training for and actually flying in the world's most powerful aircraft are just plain fun to read. A MUST read for any aviator.

Missy Cummings Hornet's Nest is a refreshingly truthful look at the life of a young female pilot breaking ground into an area that previously was off-limits to women. She vividly describes the trials and tribulations laid before her and other women beginning the journey to become fighter pilots. She has given us all a glimpse of what a person must do to attain ones goals. I strongly encourage anyone who is seeking a captivating true story to pick up a copy of this book and absorb everything she has written. This book hits the mark.

I found the book intriguing. It is amazing to me that females still have to fight for rights like Missy did. More power to her.

A great read! I found this book interesting and enlightening. Ms. Cummings has every reason to be bitter about her experiences but she isn't. She is justifiably angry about some of the life-threatening problems that she has encountered but describes her overall experiences from a rational perspective with insight and humor. Her experiences parallel those of so many women who are trying to make it in any male dominated profession. At first, young women are naive enough to think that talent alone will take them where they want to go. However, they are eventually faced with the fine art of trying to balance assertive actions in order to be successful without crossing the line to be labeled "bitch." When faced with women in this situation, many men (but not all!) are so sensitive about their own masculinity that they resort to emotional, irrational, and unethical tactics toward women to make up for their own insecurities. Unfortunately, these men often tend to be the most vocal because they are the most insecure and feel it is necessary to convince others that they are indeed masculine.I highly recommend this book to any man or woman who is interested in taking on a big personal challenge. Ms. Cummings reminds us all that success is always political to some extent and that we never have complete control over our own destinies.