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Reach for the Sky

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"Reach for the Sky" by Paul Brickhill is a biography that tells the inspiring story of Douglas Bader, a British flyer who lost both legs below the knee but went on to fly with the RAF during World War II. The author, an Australian, portrays Bader's life in a captivating and engaging manner, covering phases from before the war and up to his war-time exploits. highlights Bader's determination, sense of humor, and his ability to overcome physical challenges to achieve remarkable feats in the air.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and immersive, blending a narrative enthusiasm with deeper philosophical insights, effectively bringing Bader's story to life.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot narrates Douglas Bader's transformation from a talented pilot to a legendary hero who defied the odds after losing both legs, showcasing his wartime achievements and resilience.

Setting:

The setting is rich with historical context, emphasizing prominent locations in WWII Britain and the experience of air combat.

Pacing:

The pacing is dynamic, combining fast-paced action with reflective moments, maintaining reader interest across Bader's life story.
When Douglas Bader was nineteen, his flying instructor said, “That young man will either be famous or be killed.” It seemed simply a matter of which would happen first, there being no likely alternati...

Notes:

Douglas Bader was a talented RAF pilot who crashed in 1931, leading to the amputation of both his legs.
Despite losing his legs, Bader returned to flying and led his own squadron in World War II.
He was known for his charm, charisma, and determination, inspiring those around him.
Bader was shot down in France and had to deal with German captors who confiscated his tin legs to prevent escapes.
The book 'Reach for the Sky' by Paul Brickhill tells Bader's incredible story of perseverance.
Bader's flying skills and leadership contributed significantly during the Battle of Britain.
Paul Brickhill, the author, was also a pilot and wrote about his POW experiences in 'The Great Escape.'
Bader's story includes three main phases: his pre-war flying, his war exploits, and his time in captivity.
The biography highlights the theme of the human spirit's resilience and strength.
It's considered a must-read for history buffs and those interested in World War II.

From The Publisher:

In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did he represented the Royal Air Force in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins, and was tipped to be the next England fly half.

But one afternoon in December all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane doing a particularly difficult and illegal aerobatic trick. His injuries were so bad that surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs to save his life. Douglas Bader did not fly again until the outbreak of the Second World War, when his undoubted skill in the air was enough to convince a desperate air force to give him his own squadron.

The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain he led his squadron to kill after kill, keeping them all going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape.

Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with the same charm, charisma and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.

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