Come Fly With Me is a heartfelt tale of friendship, romance, secrets, and the thrilling world of 1960s aviation, where two women redefine their futures.
Length: 347 pages.
Genre: General Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Summary:
Set in 1962 at the dawn of the jet age, this captivating novel follows Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell as they embark on new lives as Pan Am stewardesses, escaping their pasts and chasing dreams. Judy flees an oppressive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania, while Beverly leaves behind the constraints of New York high society to forge her own path. Immersed in the glamour and challenges of the airline world, the two women form a deep bond, encounter love and danger, and travel to far-flung destinations. Along the way, they must confront life-altering secrets that could change everything.
My Thoughts:
I’ve always loved mid-century settings and stories about flight attendants, so Come Fly With Me was an absolute delight to read. Camille Di Maio’s storytelling transported me to the glamorous and challenging world of Pan American Airlines in the 1960s, where two women from vastly different backgrounds form a deep and transformative friendship.
The story is beautifully told through a dual timeline of “then” and “now.” Judy Goodman is escaping an abusive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania, bravely carving out a new life for herself with the help of a kind neighbour. Beverly Caldwell, on the other hand, is fleeing the gilded cage of New York high society, determined to create a future of her own choosing instead of being tied to the man her father has selected for her. Their paths cross during flight attendant training in Florida, where their shared passion for adventure and new beginnings forges a powerful bond.
The book brilliantly captures the demanding yet exhilarating life of a 1960s flight attendant. From long-distance romances to the excitement of experiencing faraway destinations, Di Maio’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in a bygone era of travel. The story also touches on the restrictions of the time, particularly the rule that married women could not continue working as flight attendants.
While there are romantic elements, the heart of this book lies in the relationship between Judy and Beverly. Their friendship is the true star of the story, and it was a joy to watch how it shaped and changed each of them over the course of the novel.
Final Thoughts:
Come Fly With Me is an engaging and heartfelt read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction with strong female friendships at its core. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to exploring more works by Camille Di Maio.
A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:
Come Fly The World by Julia Cooke
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Excellent review, Jodie💜 I was worried that the story might feel dated in the context of modern times. Glad you loved it.
thathappyreader
Thanks Jonetta. This is one of my favourite historical periods to read about.
Her Digital Coffee
I loved reading your thoughts on this book, Jodie. It sounds like a great story centered on friendship. I also enjoy mid-century settings, and this definitely sounds like a perfect one to add to my list. Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you Winnie!
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
It sounds like you really enjoyed this one, Jodie. Great review.
thathappyreader
Thank you Carla!
Yvonne @ It's All About Books
Fab review! I love the sound of this one… I’m definitely adding it to my wishlist.
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it Yvonne!
Melike
Wonderful review!
thathappyreader
Thank you Melike!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
This one could go in my post about book titles that make me sing. I’ve got that song going through my head again. Love the cover and it also makes me think of that movie Catch Me If You Can from the title and cover. But it sounds like a good story, great review!
thathappyreader
Thank you! I hear it too Lisa!
Susan
Beautifully written. My mom was going to be a stewardess in the mid 50s for Braniff, but married before she would have been able to make her first flight. She gave me this book to read. At 92 she still talks about how much she loved working for the airline and the friendships she made. My dad retired as an air traffic controller and at 91 still fondly talks about his time in the tower, so the airline/airport runs deeply in our family.
The love of friendship and bond that Judy and Beverly had for one another in the short time they knew each other shows that they truly become a family unit. This is a wonderful read that will make you laugh, cry, and reach out to your loved ones.
thathappyreader
That’s so interesting! Thank you for letting me know!