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There are currently 18 member reviews
for Enduring Courage
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David M. (Glendale, CA)
A 20th Century American Hero
In Enduring Courage, John F. Ross provides a vivid portrait of the utterly amazing Eddie Rickenbacker, who was forever at the center of action throughout his long life. Rickenbacker's resume included that of a successful racecar driver in the early 1900's, America's top flying ace in WWI, and some 24 harrowing days adrift at sea in WWII. Not only is this a thrilling tale of bravery and perseverance, but Ross also presents a window into eras of time that have long gone bye.
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Carol T. (Ankeny, IA)
All the things I didn't know
John Ross's historical research is impeccable - and his writing draws the reader in. I've lived in Iowa my whole life; we tend to claim anyone who crossed our borders or lived here for any time at all as Iowans, yet I had no idea Eddie Rickenbacker lived here to drive the Cornstalk Circuit and work/race for the Duesenbergs. There was much more to this man than being a WWI flying ace.
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Judith G. (Ewa Beach, HI)
History in the air
Perfect for auto and air aficionados. Bits of history revealed. Tales of daring on the ground and in the air. Filled with mechanical details that may make it difficult reading for the non-mechanically minded. Overall an entertaining and enlightening read. My husband, formerly a race car mechanic and pilot ad well as my son, also a pilot, will both find this under the Christmas tree.
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Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
Portrait in courage
Driven by his poverty-stricken, abusive childhood, Rickenbacker's courage and determination carried him through an extraordinary life. It's an amazing story and an example of how true life can be more incredible than fiction.
The book chronicles more than just the life of Eddie Rickenbacker. It's an amazing journey through the history of car racing and the rapid evolution of the airplane.
We forget the cost and sacrifice for so many things we rely on in our daily lives today and take for granted. Reading this historical account definitely makes one aware of that dangerous journey and those courageous men whose vision and guts brought us to this point.
The book hit a few slow spots (for a non-mechanical female), but overall it was wonderful and kept me glued to its pages.
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Laura G. (Conroe, TX)
Enduring Courage
I liked this book a lot, not a whole lot is written about Eddie Rickenbacker and his name probably would go unnoticed, although he truly was a pioneer in the racecar and aviation field. His childhood was a tough one, but like a phoenix he rose above the ashes and made the most of his life. When racing was newly introduced, as well as flying the biplanes, Eddie Rickenbacker pushed it to the maximum in his need for speed. I had never heard of him, but was intrigued with the words Enduring Courage on the cover and the flying/racing helmet on the cover. If you are looking for your typical biography, this one is not typical, more of a historical blast from the past. I like how the author did extensive research especially since not much has been written about Eddie Rickenbacker. I would be more inclined to pick up another title from this author, this was truly a gem.
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Judy B. (Santa Fe, NM)
Speed
An excellent biography of a young man fascinated with speed. Eddy was born in Columbus, Ohio of German-Swiss immigrants, left school by the 8th grade to support his family after his father died. His fascination with cars and speed brought him his first jobs, which he, with perseverance and luck turned into a car racing career. At the beginning of WWl, he was on his way to England to look at racing cars and almost did not get into England because of his German last name. However, he managed to talk his way into England, looked at the racing cars, and became enamored with flying. He went back to the US and tried talking his racing buddies into becoming pilots. Only one thing was wrong--you had to have a college degree! He did managed to get into the Army and finally got to France as General Pershings "driver." The book is divided into four parts: Racing, Flying, Fighting, and Immortality--the rest of the story!! Each section tells a story of a congenial, lucky young man who manages to set waymarks for the US in car racing, flying, dog-fighting with his mechanical understanding of speed and the power go FAST! But, please more pictures!!!
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Cynthia S. (Rensselaer, NY)
Enduring Courage by John Ross
Reading Enduring Courage transported me back to a time when daring men risked their lives. I recently read about the Lindberghs so it was interesting to think of the early aviation days. In this book I especially enjoyed the exploits of Eddie Rickenbacker with race cars. It was amazing to read of all the dangers and experiences this man faced. This is a history of car racing, airplanes, wars and survival. History buffs will enjoy this book. It is a good one for book clubs with men members.
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