Lone Star Book Blog Tour: Ely Air Lines by Mike Ely and Linda Street-Ely (Review of Volume 2)

“When evidence of past eras is erased, when only a couple of original hangars and some photos and maps exist, there will still be stories to remind us of intriguing people and fascinating adventures.”

Ely Air Lines Volume 2 by Mike Ely and Linda Street-Ely is a delightful collection of stories from the Elys’s column in a Texas newspaper that showcase the many facets of airplanes, airports, pilots, and everything in between. The stories include just about every topic related to flying, including air racing/contests, medical missionary work, philanthropy, crop dusting, and chunking pumpkins at targets. This couple’s enthusiasm for piloting and aircraft in general is more than evident in each well-told story.

With Ely Air Lines, be prepared to be thoroughly entertained and to learn a few things along the way, such as the origin of those delicious Biscoff cookies (yum) offered on Delta Airlines. Most of the stories relate to smaller aircraft, situations, and personal stories, but some of the larger aircraft/airlines grace the pages as well. Because the stories are varied and come from a published column, they are polished and well written and definitely appeal to a wide audience.

An interesting aspect of most of these stories is that they are told from the point of view of both Mike and Linda. This construction makes sense when telling a story about the same event because they both bring their own observations and memories. The views are presented almost seamlessly, indicating that these two are definitely in sync and share a passion for flying but can still inject their own unique flare for storytelling. Their style of narration is a great way to fit both perspectives into such charming and succinct tales.

All the stories are entertaining and enlightening, but I will say that the one about the history of the airport in Knock, Ireland, is a favorite because I visited Knock in October 2019 with my mom on a faith-based pilgrimage. Out of all the cities and religious sites in Ireland that we visited, Knock was our favorite and holds a special place in my heart. I also really enjoyed reading about the flying priests, learning how and why so many diverse people became interested in flying over the years, and  laughing at the aerobatics and stunts that never fail to enthrall, both live shows and on the silver screen.

You do not have to be a pilot or even a flying enthusiast to enjoy these stories because whether you have flown among the clouds or have kept your feet planted firmly on terra firma, almost everyone has been affected by flight in one way or another. Moreover, these stores are about real people and events that have shaped the lives of professional and amateur pilots and aerial aficionados alike, in addition to influencing the evolution of airports and runways over the years. There really is a story or two or ten in Ely Air Lines for everyone.

Enter the giveaway below on or before January 29, 2021, for a chance to win an autographed copy of the the 2-volume set of Ely Air Lines by Mike Ely and Linda Street-Ely.