Fighting for Space

Author Amy Shira Teitel narrates her portrait of women aviators Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb. While the two women had significant achievements as airplane pilots, both dreamed of being the first American woman in space. While Teitel's delivery is strong overall, she could have varied her tone and pacing somewhat to better match the levels of excitement in her stories. In addition, her habit of using first names only in second references can make it difficult for listeners to discern whom she is referring to. This is especially true of minor figures. Aviation and space enthusiasts will easily look past these minor flaws. The work is a veritable Who's Who of post-1930s American aviation. R.C.G. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Starred review from July 1, 2020

Spaceflight historian Teitel tells the empowering true story of two female pilots who fought to be the first women in space. This dual biography captures the brilliant lives of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb as they trailblazed their way into the cockpit and into the hearts of millions of Americans. Both became pilots at a time in America when women were expected to restrict themselves to the domestic sphere--certainly not setting flying records or breaking the space barrier. Cochran and Cobb fought against sexism and proved time and again that they belonged in the air. The dawn of the space age brought new dreams and both women longed to get into space. Cobb took all the same tests as America's first astronauts and refused to let the matter lie. She had already proved she could be a pilot, she could prove that she was astronaut material as well. The book is passionately narrated by the author, who gives both women vim and vigor, causing them to leap from the page right into the listener's imagination. This inspiring story highlights two women that challenged the social norms and used their grit and determination to prove themselves the equal of any man in the air or the atmosphere. VERDICT An awe-inducing biography that space junkies, feminists, and historians will eat up.--Erin Cataldi, Johnson Cty. P.L., Franklin, IN

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