poofy review FLYING DRUNK Northwest Redemption ebook
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in two days... a rarity for me. I do tend to like real-life stories, as this book is, over fiction, but it shares aspects of both. If you enjoy the idea of piloting, it does give some insight into the life and struggles of a commercial pilot, however, its main focus is the negatives of alcoholism and how it can destroy ones life and those close to you. It illustrates the realities of the "Adult Children of Alcoholics" syndrome and carries the reader from the ideal life to the ramifications of excessive drinking to recovery. Whether you have a substance abuse problem or not, it truly is a good read and offers hope for recovery for those who are addicted. Although the ending is predictable, I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
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This is a great read and a great story from beginning to end about an determined man who fought to regain his life. An inspirational story for all -- not just aviation types. I had the opportunity to meet the author, Joe Balzer, at AirVenture 2009 and was impressed with his passion for life. Now that I have read his book I am even more impressed.
BalasHapusThis book was truly awesome! Inspirational to the max. I finished the book, my husband finished the book and now we have passed it on to our daughters. It shows that no matter what the odds- the tenacity of the human spirit and faith in God combined, even against incredible odds what can be overcome and accomplished. I had the pleasure of purchasing the book from the author himself, I am a flight attendant and was working a flight that Joe Balzer was commuting home on and he had some of his books with him. It is the best book purchase I have made and it was an honor to meet him in person.
BalasHapusWhat an inspiration. Here was a guy that had it all, successful high profile position, and then lets it all go down the drain after a night of hard drinking. There are many lessons to be learned by reading about Joseph's experiences, but none more that hope. hope that he could turn his life around and hope that someone would give him a chance again. His story makes your worst day seem like a cake walk. Truely uplifting, and will make you look at your situations in a different light. Thanks for sharing your heart and soul with us, Joseph.
BalasHapusThe enduringly exhilarating dynamics of the aviation industry have produced a number of books, but none quite like Flying Drunk, the new and deeply personal memoir by one of the industry's most infamous commercial pilots. Pilot-flight engineer Joseph Balzer made history in March 1990 when he was arrested along with the rest of his cockpit crew for flying a Northwest passenger jet while under the influence of alcohol.
BalasHapusImages and stories of the "drunken pilots" appeared in major news outlets around the world (including The New York Times, Newsweek, and Time). The stunned (and justifiably angry) American public watched as Joe lost his pilot's license, faced federal felony charges, and hit rock bottom with a paid ticket, courtesy of the American taxpayers, to prison. The sensationalist news story faded as quickly as it had exploded, but Joe Balzer's journey was barely out of the starting block.
Written with an intimate and chatty prose, Joe reveals himself completely and with humility. Indeed, he leaves out few details of his difficult story, beginning with his earliest recollections about living in a dysfunctional alcoholic family. The fallen and resurrected pilot offers a riveting look inside the world of alcoholics, their families, and his own state of mind throughout the recovery process. Readers will join Joe's struggle early, realizing well before the protagonist that his desire to be a pilot and consume large quantities of alcohol was a potentially fatal mixture. His experiences with familial separation and his harrowing and nearly deadly time spent in the federal prison system (and it was anything but the Club Fed we hear so much about) provide the most gripping sections of his memoir. At absolute rock bottom, Joe decides he must and will fly again. Because that seems such a hopeless pipedream, his ultimate redemption and success (accepting a pilot position with American Airlines) is that much sweeter and offers a good lesson for others who are experiencing problems in their lives. If Joe can do it . . .
At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Balzer's Flying Drunk offers a message of hope and the endurance of the human spirit that is not easily forgotten. It may well take its place on the literary shelves as a personal classic about the aviation world's favorite comeback kid.
For those of you interested in learning more about Joe Balzer, there are a number of articles and media interviews with him posted on the Flying Drunk website here [...]
From "having been there," I can relate to Balzer's story. I commend him on his candor and his honesty throughout his book. It takes courage and guts to reach inside; to be able to pull yourself up from the depths of Hell.
BalasHapusIf you know anyone who is "struggling" with recovery from alcoholism, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It exudes "hope." It shows that no matter how far down one has fallen, there is a better life.
So often in life we are taught by 'story.' Most, if not all, of my greatest lessons of life were learned through 'story.' Vacation Bible School, scout camp, academic classes - whatever, and wherever. Joe offers an excellent 'story' here for anyone interested in recovery, and making something of themselves... "Recovery" is not a 'spectator sport;' you have to get involved! And Joe sets a great example of getting involved with his recovery, and allowing others into his life to help him along the way.
Good job, Joe, and the very best!
After a really lousy week and allowing my personal chaos to reel out of control, I picked up Joe Balzer's book. I finished the book the next day and couldn't put it down. I found the story to be an easy read and magnetic. For those in recovery, the experience, strength and hope of Joe Balzer comes through in a powerful way. It gives all of us in recovery the hope that we seek daily. It is so encouraging to know that things can be as bad as Joe Balzer's journey, and yet, he has built himself a successful (and sober) life by never giving up and relying on his Higher Power. Kudos to you Joe! Thanks for helping me to remember to take care of myself and do it one day at a time.
BalasHapusI really enjoyed this true story. The author took me behind the scenes into his territory, the pilot's sky, and it was a good trip. He laid it all out there which I'm sure wasn't easy, and it was a good read. Makes you wonder how many pilots are flying under the influence on any given day.
BalasHapus
BalasHapusI thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in two days... a rarity for me. I do tend to like real-life stories, as this book is, over fiction, but it shares aspects of both. If you enjoy the idea of piloting, it does give some insight into the life and struggles of a commercial pilot, however, its main focus is the negatives of alcoholism and how it can destroy ones life and those close to you. It illustrates the realities of the "Adult Children of Alcoholics" syndrome and carries the reader from the ideal life to the ramifications of excessive drinking to recovery. Whether you have a substance abuse problem or not, it truly is a good read and offers hope for recovery for those who are addicted. Although the ending is predictable, I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
BalasHapusI had heard about this story as well when it happened and was lucky enough to meet the Balzer family in 1998. The book blew me away- not so much an aviation story but one of perseverance, perspective, faith, and family. I truly enjoyed the story immensely. 5 Stars.
BalasHapus