suebrownreads's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book! It is well written, and the reader is very good! I read a lot of WWII non-fiction, but never really anything written from the German perspective. Most of this book is about the life of the the German flier. It was hard to believe, but at times, I found myself rooting for the Germans. This flier was never a member of the Nazi party, and most young men didn't have a lot of choice about fighting for their country. I loved the story, and especially the ending.

rhonifoni's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

lauracatereads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

To be completely honest, I picked this book off the library shelf not truly knowing what it would be about. I understood the premise and was like ooh a great B-17 book, but did not realize it would almost entirely follow Franz’s journey through the war. And I’m so glad I didn’t realize this before I grabbed the book, because there may have been a small chance that I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m so thrilled that I did.

Wow. This book was such a riveting, informative, emotional story of two men who faced impossible odds & honor and faith guided them through it. I learned things I would’ve never know, and had viewpoints that I previously held challenged in a way I never would’ve considered. 

What may be one of the craziest, most incredible war stories I’ve ever read or heard, I was riveted from the first page to the final page. Franz & Charlie’s story, but even more so their reconnection after dozens of years, is a testament to humanity & goodness & empathy. 

Cannot recommend enough.

dtab62's review against another edition

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5.0

One of the best books about the air war in Europe I've read. The incident that the book is titled after is only a small part of the story. Most of it is the story of a Luftwaffe pilot, Franz Stigler, and provides an excellent look inside the Luftwaffe from the point of view of the average pilot, opposed to the generals.

Charlie Brown is the American pilot who, through his chivalry,Stigler allowed to escape in his bashed and battered B-17. His story is recounted as well, though not as in-depth as Stigler's.

I can't imagine that anyone interested in history, military history, or aviation in general would not like this book. I highly recommend it.

amber_ek24's review against another edition

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adventurous informative inspiring slow-paced

3.0

rarchar's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

5.0

lady_weatherby's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

5.0

Favourite book, what a journey. The hope that flows from every page. Even in the darkest of days there is still good in people. 

kylerchester's review against another edition

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reflective tense medium-paced

4.25

monicaedvenson's review against another edition

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5.0

This is just another fine example of Adam Makos’ incredible research and writing skills. He never fails to impress with his way of telling a story. I will read every book he writes!

lexi11095's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

3.75