I have so many good things to say about this book, I don't know where to start... First, I loved the heroine, Ida Mae. Ida is a small town farm girl whose father introduced her to crop dusting at an early age. Ida loves to fly and when America enters World War 2, she gets tired of collecting silk stockings and cleaning houses and decides to join the WASP. Despite her amazing flying abilities, the WASP will turn her away simply because she is half black. Ida's desire to fly and aide her brother overseas in the only way she knows how overcomes her fears and she passes herself off as white so that she may do so. Her mother gets upset, her best friend gets upset, but Ida doesn't let them stop her and off she goes Sweetwater, Texas to fly.
On top of getting a firm feel for life at Avenger Field during world war 2 and the flight training and procedures, readers also get a look at what it is like to be black in the 1940s. Ida is always having to worry about her hair curling too much or somebody figuring out her secret because back then, her secret could get her killed. On top of the racial tension is the fact that she is a woman to boot. I doubt anybody had it harder back then. Women in general had it rough, but being a black woman... most of us would not have had Ida's courage.
Also in the story is how Ida deals with conflicting emotions regarding her family in New Orleans (she feels she is denying her own heritage and family, especially when her mom comes to visit and has to act like her maid) and her family in Sweetwater. How would her newfound white friends act if they knew the truth? My only complaint about this novel is we never found that out.
There is also a situation with the loss of a friend. Ida has to deal with her grief as she watches a friend die and her conflicting emotions about the situation as she realizes it could happen to her.
I absolutely loved the courageous flight Ida takes with Lily in a B-29. Great way to end this novel. Readers see how the WASP was literally used and discarded. I feel for all the women that were involved. Yet, this does not stop Ida Mae. Despite the fact that the Army betrays her and her female comrades in the end, Ida Mae still wants to fly, not as a white woman, nor a black woman, but as Ida Mae.
Ms. Smith, I would like to see a sequel to this book. I would like to see Ida Mae go work for Walt and come clean about her heritage. I'd like to see her overcome the 1950s and keep on flying despite all odds. We need more books with strong female heroines, white, black, latina.... Thumbs up, Ms. Smith.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Library Binding
"Please retry" | $19.97 | $14.50 |
|
Preloaded Digital Audio Player, Unabridged
"Please retry" | $64.99 | — |
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
$9.66
Get it as soon as Thursday, Nov 17
In Stock.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
All Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly, but she’s Black and a woman in 1940s Louisiana. She joins the WASP-Women Airforce Service Pilots and has to pretend to be white. But having to turn her back on her race comes at a high cost as she navigates how far she will go to accomplish her dreams.The discrimination based on her race and her gender still feels relevant. I couldn’t help but cheer for Ida Mae as she struggled to accomplish the impossible. To be an equal on a bus or in a plane.The female friendships are beautifully rendered as they help each other to succeed.The history of WASP was fascinating as these incredible women put their lives on the line but weren’t considered a part of the army. If they died on duty, the government didn’t pay for their funeral. During the war, they transported officers and even tested planes.This story will make your heart soar.
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 13, 2009
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 23, 2020
The discrimination based on her race and her gender still feels relevant. I couldn’t help but cheer for Ida Mae as she struggled to accomplish the impossible. To be an equal on a bus or in a plane.
The female friendships are beautifully rendered as they help each other to succeed.
The history of WASP was fascinating as these incredible women put their lives on the line but weren’t considered a part of the army. If they died on duty, the government didn’t pay for their funeral. During the war, they transported officers and even tested planes.
This story will make your heart soar.
Your Heart Will Soar
By SH on June 23, 2020
All Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly, but she’s Black and a woman in 1940s Louisiana. She joins the WASP-Women Airforce Service Pilots and has to pretend to be white. But having to turn her back on her race comes at a high cost as she navigates how far she will go to accomplish her dreams.By SH on June 23, 2020
The discrimination based on her race and her gender still feels relevant. I couldn’t help but cheer for Ida Mae as she struggled to accomplish the impossible. To be an equal on a bus or in a plane.
The female friendships are beautifully rendered as they help each other to succeed.
The history of WASP was fascinating as these incredible women put their lives on the line but weren’t considered a part of the army. If they died on duty, the government didn’t pay for their funeral. During the war, they transported officers and even tested planes.
This story will make your heart soar.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 18, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 16, 2020
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 23, 2014
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 4, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
Elle L
Well written historical girl power novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 16, 2011
Amazon Customer
I applaud Sherri. L Smith
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 25, 2017
Guérin Marie
Promising story missing something
Reviewed in France 🇫🇷 on September 13, 2020
