Jackie Cochran: An Autobiography

I very much enjoyed the combination of personal story and reflections of peers and friends presented in this book. It is both insightful into the life of an amazing woman and an amazing historical time in US History. I recommend this read to anyone interested in aviation history or women's history.

Readers should know that Lt. Col. Jacqueline Cochran made up her entire early life, presumably to get ahead, which she certainly did. She was able to keep this secret until after her death. Do look it up; aviation historians have known it for some years. Apart from that, this is an absolutely terrific read, both for aviation and biographical reasons. Cochran was a ferocious competitor who reputedly cussed a blue streak contrail after her. Knowing the truth about her adds a certain ghoulish quality to this book as you read it.

(by E.M. Singer, author of "Mother Flies Hurricanes.)This woman spares no punches. Jackie may have been many things to many people, but she never was (and never could be) self-effacing and passive! You've got to admire her determination in pulling herself out of the desperate poverty of her youth to achieve her dreams. Love her or hate her, (there really was no middle ground) the WASP program would never have gotten off the ground without her. For more recommendations on books about women pilots and the part they played in WWII, go to the motherflieshurricanes.com website.

Jackie Cochran was a personal hero of mine before I even read this book. Despite some grammar errors (Jackie never claimed to be a professional writer) Ms. Cochran's outstanding personality shines through every page. As a pilot and a woman, I loved reading about Jackie's adventures in the air. She led an amazing life and had incredible courage and abilities. I would recommend this book to anyone, of any age, who likes to read about real heroes.