Shatter the Sky

What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me About Self-worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline

By: Merryl Tengesdal

Narrated by: Merryl Tengesdal

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Merryl Tengesdal, has become one of the most interesting and compelling maverick women in aviation.

In this inspirational memoir, retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal shares her life lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only Black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood–and everything in between.

This book is a deep reflection on life in the military, with mesmerizing storytelling. Merryl invites listeners into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her–from her childhood in the Bronx, to her years deployed in the Middle East, South America, and Asia, to her experience on the hit reality show Tough As Nails. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her life as she lived it - in her own words and on her own terms. With wisdom and warmth, Shatter the Sky is the deeply personal story of a woman of substance who has steadily defied expectations and whose story inspires us to do the same.

©2021 Merryl Tengesdal (P)2023 Merryl Tengesdal

You’re reliving her life!

Absolutely engaging and telling story about her life. Imagine sitting out around the fire with your favorite beverage and telling life stories. You will laugh, smile, cry (at least I did), feel the suspense to your soul, and feel the fire she went through during the listen and read. Highly recommend adding this to your list!

memory lane

I loved Merryl's story and life. it would have been an honor to have connected with such an amazing person when I too was going through the military, AOCS. you are absolutely a force to be reckoned with and I am very proud to know your story and your life.

most people don't know how to survive challenges. but anyone that has gone through the military basic training has my total respect. I too would turn down that $2 million dollar challenge. only the best survive and the rest of the world needs to learn that color and gender is not part of the equation. thank you for your book.

Entertaining, most importantly honest.

Highly recommend. Incredibly inspiring and motivating. Love your no nonsense take on challenges. Lots of great life lessons for us readers to take with us.

Merrel's delivery is not to be missed

This is a fascinating story of the heights of aviation, the cameraderie and challenges of military life, a socioeconomic portrait of growing up in complex NYC, the families and friendships interwoven throughout, and the experience and decisions of the woman who lived it all. But what makes it especially rich is hearing it all from Merrel herself. She is vibrant, personal, spicy, heartfelt, and absolutely authentic. She recalls so many great memories and walks the listener through all the points at which she had to recalibrate and do absolutely whatever it took to get the job done. Her drive is uncompromising and her vision is clear. A master class in taking life as it comes and making it one's own. Plus fun, lots of fun.