Fly Girl by Ann Hood (memoir)

This was one of those books that I could not put down. I read it all in one sitting on Christmas Day. I do think it helps when the reader has met the writer. Years ago, I met Hood at a Writer's Conference in Florida and she made me laugh with her fantastic sense of humor. That humor really shines in her book. It's extremely entertaining. She clearly has as great memory and is a terrific storyteller. From an early age she wanted to be both a writer and a flight attendant. Both her dreams have come true!

Hood was a stewardess (now called "flight attendant") in the '70s and has so many hysterical and mind-boggling stories. As Hood is about the same age as me, there were several scenarios that resonated. The idea that air travel has changed over the years is clearly an understatement. As she mentions, by 2001, seven of the major airlines had gone out of business. She writes about how both men and women who traveled by air were dressed in suits--now anything goes. Her description of the flight school teachings were shocking. Of course, things have shifted since. In those days, if you gained more than five pounds you could potentially get fired. Today there would be--understandably so--a huge uproar about this restriction!

She writes, "Life unfolds on airplanes. People are flying to funerals and weddings, they are on their honeymoon or leaving a partner, they are carrying a newborn on their first flight to meet grandparents or taking a kid to college or on their way to adopt a baby. And they fall in love." (p. 203)

I simply loved the nostalgia of this book and what her job taught her, including the ability to talk in front of a couple of hundred people, and navigate the subways and streets of foreign cities with ease. It also taught her to listen, and to be kind, helpful, and compassionate. All such wonderful teachings!

Highly recommended!