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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A beautifully crafted dual timeline novel that I didn’t want to put down. Ackerman’s captivating prose pulled me completely into the aviation world of Olivia West, a female pilot who can smell weather and who dreams of qualifying for and winning the Dole Derby, a 1927 race from Oakland to Oahu. Sixty years later, artist Wren Summers, desperately in need of a life reset, comes into possession of relics from the Dole race. Uncovering the truth about the derby and Olivia’s life illuminates Wren’s own clouded past.
This was an interesting enjoyable historical fiction with dual timelines. I enjoyed learning about the Dole Derby and the important accomplishments of Olivia West. However I think the dual timelines came together too close to the ending forcing a lot of unnecessary filler in between. I liked it, didn't love it but its worth a read if you're so inclined. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Pros:
Love love love the plot and stayed thoroughly invested in the dual storylines. I had to keep reading each time it switched between the two because both stories were so interesting. (This saved it from a lower score, considering the cons, for me.)
Cons:
There was a bit more romance & language than I prefer (or had previously read in other Sara Ackerman books). There were also several grammatical errors throughout the book that readers may find obnoxious.
Themes & Such:
Historical fiction (1920s & 1980s), female aviation, romance (mostly light but one descriptive scene), Hawaii/Pacific islands, slow to medium-paced, adventurous, encouraging, informative, inspiring, relaxing
Love love love the plot and stayed thoroughly invested in the dual storylines. I had to keep reading each time it switched between the two because both stories were so interesting. (This saved it from a lower score, considering the cons, for me.)
Cons:
There was a bit more romance & language than I prefer (or had previously read in other Sara Ackerman books). There were also several grammatical errors throughout the book that readers may find obnoxious.
Themes & Such:
Historical fiction (1920s & 1980s), female aviation, romance (mostly light but one descriptive scene), Hawaii/Pacific islands, slow to medium-paced, adventurous, encouraging, informative, inspiring, relaxing
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thought this book was a sweet inspirational read showcasing women at the beginning of aviation. This book was inspired by true events, though the main character was fictional. I love books like these because I feel like I get a mini history of a portion in time while also following a story with a plot.
Toward the last quarter of the book I became heavily invested, but getting there felt a little slow. Though I loved both main characters, I just couldn’t really feel deeply for one of them until we got closer to the end, so that took away some of the draw for me.
I also felt like this book was a little cheesy at times. I’m not sure what it was, but something in the writing left me feeling a little bit like a child having things laid out for me. Overall, though, it was enjoyable just not my favorite.
Toward the last quarter of the book I became heavily invested, but getting there felt a little slow. Though I loved both main characters, I just couldn’t really feel deeply for one of them until we got closer to the end, so that took away some of the draw for me.
I also felt like this book was a little cheesy at times. I’m not sure what it was, but something in the writing left me feeling a little bit like a child having things laid out for me. Overall, though, it was enjoyable just not my favorite.
This is up there with my fave books of the year so far (with The Frozen River). Olivia is delightfully unconventional, determined, brave, and lovely, and it's impossible not to root for her as she fights for a spot in the Dole Race from California to Hawaii in 1927. Meanwhile, in 1987, Wren inherits an old farm on the Big Island and escapes there to figure out her life. When she finds an old piece of aviation history, she begins to unravel a mystery that hits pretty close to home.
This is brilliantly told, with vivid characters, a gorgeous setting, amazing technical detail that never feels forced, and even a helping of romance. Do not miss this one! Highly Recommended!
This is brilliantly told, with vivid characters, a gorgeous setting, amazing technical detail that never feels forced, and even a helping of romance. Do not miss this one! Highly Recommended!