Fly Girls

Book Overview: "Fly Girls" by Keith O'Brien

Plot Summary

"Fly Girls" by Keith O'Brien is a historical narrative that recounts the stories of five remarkable women who defied the odds and made aviation history in the 1920s and 1930s. The book focuses on the lives of Florence Klingensmith, Ruth Elder, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Louise Thaden as they fought to compete against men in the high-stakes national air races.

The narrative begins by setting the context of aviation in the early 20th century, highlighting the dangers and popularity of airplane racing. It then delves into the challenges faced by female pilots, who were often ridiculed and marginalized by the press and society. Despite these obstacles, these women banded together to break the "original glass ceiling" and prove their skills in the male-dominated field of aviation.

The book chronicles the personal struggles and triumphs of each woman, from Florence Klingensmith, a high-school dropout who worked at a dry cleaner in Fargo, North Dakota, to Ruth Elder, an Alabama divorcee, to Amelia Earhart, one of the most famous but not necessarily the most skilled pilots. The story also includes Ruth Nichols, who chafed at the constraints of her blue-blood family's expectations, and Louise Thaden, a mother of two young kids who got her start selling coal in Wichita.

The climax of the book is the 1936 Bendix Trophy Race, where one of these women would ultimately triumph in the toughest race of all, marking a significant milestone in their fight for recognition and equality in aviation.

Key Themes

1. Gender Equality and Prejudice: The book explores the entrenched prejudice against women in aviation, highlighting how they were ridiculed and marginalized by society and the press.
2. Perseverance and Determination: The stories of these five women illustrate their unwavering determination to succeed despite the numerous challenges they faced.
3. Trailblazing and Pioneering Spirit: The book celebrates the pioneering spirit of these women who paved the way for future generations of female aviators.
4. Personal Struggles and Triumphs: Each woman's story is a testament to their personal struggles and triumphs, showcasing their resilience and courage.

Critical Reception

"Fly Girls" has received positive reviews for its inspiring and deep portrayal of these female aviators. Here are some key points from the critical reception:

• BookBrowse Review: The book is described as an "inspiring and deep review of the lives of these female aviators, who excelled despite the odds that were stacked against them." It is noted that the book "recounts how a cadre of women banded together to break the original glass ceiling: the entrenched prejudice that conspired to keep them out of the sky."
• Goodreads Review: The book is compared to other historical narratives like "Hidden Figures" and "Girls of Atomic City," celebrating a little-known slice of history where tenacious, trail-blazing women made significant contributions.
• SuperSummary Review: The summary highlights the book's inspiring nature, noting that it provides a deep review of the lives of these female aviators who excelled despite the odds against them.

Additional Resources

For a more detailed analysis, readers can refer to the study guide provided by BookRags, which includes comprehensive information and analysis of the book, including detailed chapter summaries and character descriptions.

Overall, "Fly Girls" by Keith O'Brien offers a compelling narrative that not only highlights the achievements of these pioneering female aviators but also sheds light on the broader themes of gender equality and perseverance in the face of adversity.