Dare to Fly

Simple Lessons in Never Giving Up

By: Martha McSally

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

"Like the A-10 aircraft she flew in combat, retired colonel and fighter pilot Martha McSally is a gritty individual who loves our Air Force and personified its core values of excellence, integrity, and service before self, while standing up to make it a better institution for everyone who serves. How to be resolute, do the right thing, persevere, find gratitude, and learn compassion are just some of the lessons in her inspirational life story." (Ron Fogleman, general (ret.), US Air Force; former Air Force chief of staff) 

Combining the soulful honesty of Make Your Bed with the inspiring power of You Are a Badass, America’s first female combat jet pilot and former Arizona Senator Martha McSally shows you how to clear the runway of your life: embrace fear, transform doubt, succeed when you are expected to fail, and soar to great heights in this motivational life guide.

Martha McSally is an extraordinary achiever whose inner strength and personal principles have helped her overcome adversity throughout her life. Initially rejected from Air Force flight school because she was too short, she refused to give up, becoming the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat and the first to command a combat fighter squadron in United States history. During her 26-year military career, she fought to free American servicewomen stationed in the Middle East from restrictions requiring them to don black full-body abayas and ride in the backs of cars - and won. McSally has continued to serve America, first in the House of Representatives and then as a US senator from Arizona. 

McSally is also a survivor. She shares how her experiences propelled her to become a fighter for justice in and out of the cockpit. In this powerful, uplifting audiobook, McSally reflects on her successes and failures, shares key principles that have guided her, and reveals invaluable lessons to break barriers, thrive through darkness, and make someone proud in your life. "Courage isn’t magic or genetics. It is a choice. By choosing to do things afraid, you discover your own power to overcome". 

Filled with fresh stories and insights, Dare to Fly will help each of us find the courage inside to break our barriers, endure turbulence, and keep flying high.

©2020 Martha McSally (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

not for me

Just couldn't relate and get into this one. A little fantastical. word minimum met

Inspiring & Courageous

Another example of courage and wisdom—just as Col. McSally has displayed her entire life.
If you are looking for guidance and inspiration for the next big (or small) thing in your life, this book is a must read.

courage

Easy to read from start to finish! This is is an inspirational story. I am glad she shared her story

Yes!

Ms. McSally shares why she is a true champion and how anyone can follow in her example with the thinking that she has learned along her path. I will listen to this one again.

Hit and miss

I really wanted to like this "book" as I am a sucker for pretty much anything military or aviation. My time as a cadet at one of the other military academies was prior to the time women were admitted. I can only imagine the battles she endured while breaking that barrier. I spent 21 years in the military and well remember the struggles my enlisted female soldiers went through as the culture in ranks changed. So I have nothing but respect and admiration for Colonel McSallys intelligence, grit and determination.

As to her fight to release women from having to wear an Abaya during deployment I have mixed reactions. She makes a point that she is a Christian woman and that she objects to the requirement. McSally seems to feel that her Constitutional rights are being violated. She also rejects to sitting in the back of military vehicles or not being allowed to drive. I initially felt "When in Rome...". However, she then goes on to point out that, as a male, I would not have been required to follow any similar regulations. Worse still, the requirement was the work of a single officer, not the request by any of the Nations hosting us. Being an American does not accord me some special status when in someone else's country, nor does my religion. However I agree completely with the argument that all military personnel regardless of gender should be under the same or similar regulations.

Finally, I found the narration grating on this one. Another reviewer commented that McSally was "whiny". I'm not sure whether it was her choice of words or the tonality of the narrator but it definitely diminished by enjoyment of this book. I am within two hours of finishing but will not likely make it to the finish.

What an amazing trail blazer!

Wonderful autobiography of faith, courage perseverance and encouragement to others!! Triumph in the face of obstacles!!!!!

My Favorite Audible Selection thus far

An excellent story about being unique, authentic, and strong enough to take on challenges with perseverance and trust. Thank you for sharing!

Good Life

Very interesting life. Her description is exciting and inspiring. Should be a good book for a teen girl to understand how hard work and perseverance gets you success.

Amazing story

Martha's honest about her difficulties, is refreshing and inspiring. Sharing her failures and successes.

An Exceptional Book !

Having been an Army Nurse in Vietnam & on active duty for 4 years, I couldn’t stop listening:) Martha is truly an exceptional and courageous leader, who happens to be female! Her life has been & continues to be based on integrity. Bless her family, her Dad for his life lessons & encouragement & love & a fabulous example of a human. Her strong mother & siblings who let her live to grow up:) ( spoken as an only girl with 4 brothers :) ). They all have supported her always, a priceless gift. She is still a stand up person in the Senate for the rights of all people, all are God’s children. A must read. Thank you, Senator Mc Sally for this book and for being you, the best. God bless you.