She Flew Bombers

 “Women pilots were an exotic and unappreciated item during WWII and, as such, had to fight their own battles against gender discrimination before it became a problem. The same was not true of Russian women pilots, as Violet found out in the course of delivering a pursuit airplane to self-proclaimed "Night Witches," as those extraordinary women combat pilots were called because they made their aerial raids under cover of darkness. Flying a dizzying variety of airplanes was a constant challenge of WASP, as well as the terrifying problem of sabotage. Add to this the knowledge that many of the planes they flew were relatively untested as they came off the assembly line, and the reader will easily understand the origin of the term, "flying by the seat of their pants!" 

- Mary Lynn Archibald, author of Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse, and No Clue

 Author Jeane Slone Does an outstanding job in her new novel She Flew Bombers. This well written and fast-paced book chronicles the history of the WASP through the personal experiences of fictional aviatrix, Violet Willey. This civil service organization transported all types of military aircraft across country to bases so male American flyers could be freed up to do the job of winning the war. Violet's passion for flying is documented from her first experience as a young girl going on a flight with a California barnstormer to joining the WASP and flying pursuits. Little seems to be written about this heroic status until 1977. The obstacles and biases they managed to overcome as women pilots during their service to our country are expertly put to paper by author Jeane Slone. Written with humor, emotion, and accuracy, this film-worthy story will be enjoyed by anyone interested in military and aviation history, a plain good book, or a fast read. 

- Tony Lazzarini, president, Military Writers Society of America

 She Flew Bombers is a fascinating account of one woman's love of flying and her involvement with the WASP during World War II. Anyone interested in aviation history, women's history, or the World War II "war effort" will appreciate Jeane Slone's careful research, as well as her ability to bring this little-known aspect of U.S. history to life so vividly.  

- Jean Hegland, author of Windfalls

 What a great story! I think chauvinism was much more prevalent in those days. When I was 16, I couldn't even picture a girl driving a car. Those women in your story were certainly deserving of all they could earn. I have to give them credit for putting up with men who didn't want them doing the job they did. I was quite surprised that there were incidents of sabotages against them. Unbelievable that some men can stoop so low. You did a good job in putting out a good story. 

- Stanley E. Richardson, author of Growing up in a Foxhole 1944-1946

 I really enjoyed your book! I laughed, cried and wondered about those exciting times and amazing women! So much of the book reminded me of my mother reminiscing about her days at Boeing Aircraft Co. She told me that when the woman who was a WASP came to visit on leave, it really caused Big excitement. Everyone was all ears listening to her stories! I do think your book would make a great movie. 

- Lisa Rathbun-Hannan

 She Flew Bombers could be considered required reading in the schools because of the heroine's unusual occupation. How many times have you had a conversation about a female who flies bombers? Ms. Sloane's artful style of writing utilizes dialog, poems, letters and songs that make the heroine, Violet come alive before our very eyes. The reader is easily transported right back to the 30's and we can feel, see and hear exactly what it might have been like to be a young woman flying BOMBERS! It is evident that Ms. Sloane did extensive research, because her book is sprinkled with so many interesting historic facts making remembering our history lessons a cinch. This is a must read for students who are interested in learning in a fun, relaxed manner and who enjoy surprise endings! Way to go Jeane. Thanks for bringing this part of women history forward and into our consciousness in a delightful way. 

- Amy Calhoun