Skies To Conquer
Hello!
Yea, I read
Skies to Conquer this summer. It's an okay book - nothing really bad. It does, however, focus a lot on the sexual and cheating scandals that faced the academy early last decade, creating a more dark tone to the academy than what is usually perceived. What I liked about the book, though, is that is did show the good, bad, and the ugly. It adds more depth, showing that going to USAFA isn't just -"Yay, I'm going to the academy; it's going to be really hard and tough, but if I just push through, I'm sure I can make it." It shows that some people aren't really meant for the academy, even though they seem to be at first. For instance (spoiler!), the
main character at the beginning of the book seemed to have high hopes in the academy, but she doesn't make it - very surprising. Everyone faced many difficulties that really tested them to stay at the academy. It made me really open my eyes and made me really, really, really think for a couple of days - Do I really want this? Is the Air Force right for me? Where do I see myself in 5, 10, 20 years, and if something doesn't work out as planned, will I able to get through it, no matter what?
So, I guess in summary,
Skies to conquer, sheds a new light, at least for me (being far from a military family or anything to do with one). It may have some typos and the author seems kind of ?, Je ne sais quoi, but at least it's a different perspective - AND it has Pictures!
Oh, sorry, I haven't read
Absolutely American for a comparison, but this is what I can give you on
Skies to Conquer. Maybe someone else will fill in. But seeing your name tag as "Fencer's Mother" and a founding member, you might have a different perspective than me since I have a totally different background and are in a different situation.
Hope this helps a little
(doubt it answers your question of buying it though, but at least you got some 17 year-old-kid-you don't-even-know's perspective). Maybe others will help you decide if you want to Amazon it.