Ann Hood's Fly Girl made me nostalgic for the days of my youth when I, too, watched with admiration as the TWA flight attendants walked confidently, in their high heels, through the airport, pulling their roller bags behind them. To a young girl, they seemed so worldly, so
…more competent, and so "put together," in their navy and red uniforms. I was impressed with the glamour of flying, but totally ignorant of the required training. Much later, as a business traveler, I marveled at the skill required to cope with mechanical issues, obnoxious passengers, and medical emergencies.
Hood skillfully documents the technical and historical aspects of flying and the human experiences, good and bad, of her passengers. She also chronicles her own development as a woman and as a writer.
Anyone who has ever traveled by air will enjoy this look behind the scenes. Book clubs, especially those members of a certain age, will enjoy comparing the good old days of the sexist skies with today's cheaper, no frills flying, TSA inspections and mask mandates. (less)
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