Like just about everything else Richard Bach has written, I was charmed and captivated by this book from page one. Bach has such a lively, intimate, conversational writing voice that it’s impossible not to feel like he’s sitting right there next to you, spinning his tale. I love how he weaves his love of airplanes, and his comprehensive knowledge of their workings (at least to the uninformed observer), into his stories. I’ve never had a real desire to become a pilot, but when I read his books, I’m lifted into the world of flight and for that time, I love flying, too.

As with any book, you take what you like and let the rest fall by the wayside. I’m not much for the reincarnation, the walking on water, the “messiah” concept. But I do love several of the messages embedded in this book, about passionate pursuit of what makes us happy, about learning from experience as our highest value and raison d’etre, about taking responsibility for our choices, and above all, the italicized reminder that “We are all. Free. To do. Whatever. We want. To do.” Such a simple dictum, and yet one too often forgotten.

I’m ever so glad that a friend recommended this book to me! I’d heartily recommend it to others.