Sky Rivals

Reviews

“Get ready to loop the loop and fly sky high in this enthralling story of the race to be the first pilot to circumnavigate the world. Events are related in an easy to get lost in manner, making this a real page turner, packed with information about the people and events. The two main stars of this historic race are Wiley Post and Jimmy Mattern, both of whom are very colourful characters in their own rights and they are brought back to life in the pages of this book.

“This is not a dry, fact filled book, it is one which shares the background information in an engaging manner, keeping the reader wanting to learn more about what happens next. The author’s interest and intrigue is apparent throughout the book and his writing style encourages readers to share his love for the characters and events involved in these historic events. I don’t often read non-fiction novels like this but this is certainly one I have no hesitation in highly recommending.”

— Splashes into Books review blog

“A wonderful account of the epic race around the world between Wiley Post and Jimmie Mattern in 1933, the peak of the Golden Age of Flying. Penenberg describes in vivid detail the struggle of two aviation pioneers trying to overcome bad weather, poor equipment and difficult circumstances as they attempt to become the first to fly solo around the globe. Riveting and suspenseful, this book takes readers into the cockpit of these primitive airplanes as two reckless thrill-seekers push themselves physically and emotionally to the limits of endurance in their attempt to become a part of history. Now mostly forgotten, this incredible race was followed by the media for weeks while millions of people worldwide held their collective breaths in anticipation of record-setting accomplishment. Great read!”

— David D. Kindy, Amazon reviewer

“This book will take your breath away! There are so many thrills that reading this story is like riding a roller-coaster. Having been born into a flying family, I have always admired the pioneers of aviation and the risks they would take just to see if it could be done. The two rival pilots in this story, Wiley Post and Jimmie Mattern, were the best of their day. During this Golden Age of Aviation, pilots were competitive but also willing to help each other out. Jimmie and Wiley were determined to beat each other at circumnavigating the world, but only one can be the winner. This is their story.

“Adam Penenberg has done a fabulous job of telling this story. You will be right there in the cockpit with these guys, and it’s a thrill. These two were flying around the world before there were instruments to tell you where you were. They get lost and found and lost again, and they have the whole world waiting to see if they will be heard from again. Sometimes they go days without contact, living on chewing gum and tomato juice. And Wiley is doing it with just one eye. I think everybody should read this book but it will be especially appealing to aviation history buffs or lovers of thrilling stories.”

— A Line from a Book review blog