Title: Sully: My Search for What Really Matters
Author: Chesley B. Sullenberger
First published January 1, 2009
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062561206 (ISBN10: 0062561200)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
Get ready to be inspired by the captivating autobiography of Capt. Chesley B.
Sullenberger, the American hero who landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew. In his book, Sully: My Search for What Really Matters, he shares the important lessons he learned through his life, military service, and work as an airline pilot.
His story of dedication, hope, and preparedness is now a major motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, and Aaron Eckhart. Sully’s remarkable story reminds us that even in the face of conflict, tragedy, and uncertainty, there are still values worth fighting for and that life’s challenges can be met if we’re ready for them.
About the Author
Meet Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, an accomplished American airline transport pilot (ATP), safety expert, and accident investigator hailing from Danville, California. He is famous for his incredible feat of emergency ditching US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, off the coast of Manhattan, New York City, on January 15, 2009.
Thanks to his quick thinking, he managed to save the lives of all 155 people on the aircraft.
Today, Sullenberger is an internationally renowned speaker on airline safety. He has played a vital role in developing new protocols for airline safety, ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.
Additionally, since September 30, 2009, Sullenberger has been co-chairman of the EAA’s Young Eagles youth introduction-to-aviation program. His contributions to the aviation industry have been invaluable, and he continues to inspire the next generation of pilots.
Editoral Review
Sully: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley B. Sullenberger is a memoir that was first published in 2009.
As a veteran pilot, Sullenberger became well-known for his heroic actions on January 15, 2009, when he safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in New York City. His memoir recounts his life as a pilot, his experiences during that fateful flight, and his subsequent journey to process and understand the impact of the event.
Sullenberger’s memoir is a powerful and emotional story, written in a lucid and engaging style that makes it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Though the bulk of the book focuses on the Flight 1549 ordeal, Sullenberger also provides an insightful and candid portrait of his life before that day.
His writing is poignant and direct, capturing the highs and lows of a remarkable career that spanned over three decades. The book brings to light the complex and high-pressure world of aviation, exposing the immense psychological and logistical demands of the job.
It also touches on the theme of fate and the role that it played on the day of the Hudson River landing. Sullenberger’s account is not just a memoir, but also a testament to the importance of diligence, teamwork, and perseverance in high-stress situations.
As far as style and structure go, the book is well-paced and evenly crafted, narrated in a first-person voice that enhances its sense of immediacy and emotion. Sullenberger vividly paints a picture of the plane’s descent into the Hudson River and his thoughts and emotions during that time.
In doing so, he creates a sense of intimacy with the reader that is both captivating and authentic. While many people may already be familiar with the story of Flight 1549, Sully provides a fresh and valuable perspective on the events.
It helps demystify the mythic-like status that Sullenberger acquired after the incident, emphasizing the importance of the whole crew in the successful landing. The book also touches on Sullenberger’s personal struggles and journey after the events of that day, adding a layer of depth and complexity to his story.
One potential limitation of the book is that it can be overly technical or jargony for readers who are not familiar with aviation or the airline industry. Additionally, some readers may find the sections that focus on Sullenberger’s personal life to be less engaging compared to the sections on the flight.
In conclusion, Sully: My Search for What Really Matters is a beautifully written and moving memoir that provides an insightful and detailed account of one of the most compelling aviation stories of our time. The book is a testament to the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership in high-stress situations.
It is highly recommended for aviation enthusiasts, readers interested in memoirs, and anyone looking for an inspiring and well-crafted story. Washington Post gives the book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
