The Cannibal Queen

Some people might consider this a book about flying and nothing more. If so, they will most likely be dissapointed. Cannibal Queen is a story about one man's journey into his heart & soul. It's a story that happens to take place in an airplane; I love flying so please don't misunderstand me if my review isn't more centered on the act of flying. If you love flying you'll love this book, but if you are equally interested in what the author is like, this is his story. He could have ridden a motorcycle across all 48 states and written the story, and it most likely would have been very similar to this one; just longer. In Cannibal Queen one is taken along for the ride as if you are acually there. You'll feel his impatience to get back in the air, and flying again. If you've never seen America from the air in an open cockpit airplane, this story might just leave you wanting to find some one who can take you up for a ride .... do it; you won't be left disappointed no matter what the cost is. As for the heart & soul, Stephen gives a rare glimps into the inner self of the writer in the manner of Richard Bach. This character of the book is quite nice. Here's a guy who puts his pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us ... he talks about his feeling of returning to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and the memories this generates,as well as the emotions too. It's truly a love story of sorts. In reading it I could transport myself into the story as if it were my story; wondering how I would feel upon returning to the unit location where I flew in the Army, and the memories of those bygone days. Stephen has accomplished this magic in his words. If you like a well written story of a journey of the heart & soul, then you need to read this book, make sure you have the requisite time for it; if you're like me you won't be able to put it down until you have read it all.

A few years ago I bought this book in Sidney as I prepared for the long flight back to the US. The book was so entertaining that it made that journey not only bearable but a pleasure. It is the story of a trip that we would all like to make in a plane we would all like to own. Get it, read it, enjoy it and pass it along to another pilot.

I am a pilot: general aviation and US Army. The words of Coonts in Cannibal Queen run true and deep. Mr. Coonts captures the essence of pleasure flying . . . this is a must read for anyone who has a love of aviation.

A thoroughly enjoyable chronicle of flying. Every pilot will enjoy Coonts' travels with envy. If you are into the true flight experience this book is a must, it would however, be somewhat boring for the non pilot. My only regret is that it had to end.

This is a great book about Coonts' flight around the US in a biplane without electronic navigation aids through mostly uncontrolled airspace. He shares his thoughts, experiences and observations along the way. This book will appeal primarily to pilots who can appreciate the freedom associated with this kind of flying.