Amber Smith (2)

I really enjoyed this book. As much military history as I’ve studied over a lifetime , this was the first memoir of a female combat helicopter pilot I’ve ever read. As such it was a window into a world I wanted to but couldn’t experience this lifetime - dadt etc being what it was when I was young enough to serve - that of a proud, capable, warrior woman serving the United States armed forces. I’m grateful she told her story and for her service, too. If I sound like a fan girl, I can show more live with it. show less

This could have been so much better. While it is entertaining and interesting, it lacks any depth. There is no discussion of the merits of these wars she participated in, other than a few jingoisms. Are our warriors really that blindly obedient? There are a couple vague hints that she is a lesbian, but no discussion of how that was a part of her life in the military. It would have been interesting to know what problems she encountered with that. Not much information about the countries she show more was in, the local history or dynamics. It's a shame, there's a nice framework that could have been fleshed out much better. show less

If anyone has any questions that women served in combat in these two regions, simply read this book for the truth. They do, and they do it with courage and honor. Smith describes her love of flying that started in childhood, her decision to enlist and serve, as well as what it was like to be one of the few women in this dangerous role. She is a true American hero, as are her two sisters who also served.