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Above and Beyond: Inspiring Adventures into the Blue
Have you ever wondered about the person sitting next to you a plane? Who are they, why are they traveling, and what is their life like? For flight attendant Heather McKeown, by the time the plane has taken off and subsequently landed, she has heard countless stories of these men and women who shoot through the sky with her, and truth be known, she cannot wait for her next flight, for the next series of stories that strike a curious and caring chord in her soul. With the easy rattle of turbulence, many flyers look to their fellow travelers and the flight attendants charged with caring for them, for assurance. Heather has the ability to tune in to any person she meets and she believes most of her peers could develop this innate but often dormant quality. With profound listening skills and total recall, Heather writes down her observations and stories after almost every landing.
Now, in ABOVE AND BEYOND, Heather presents a compilation of stories that encompass the microcosm of the traveling public—all the blessings, troubles, moods, foibles and insecurities of those who have been put in her flight path. This inspiring, humorous, and empowering book is evidence of how close a flight attendant can get to someone in the space of one airplane ride. Heather passion is meeting new customers and welcoming them to “her” airplane, and she believes that all of those who work in the service industry can benefit from her worldly experience. The relationship between the buyer and seller can evolve into a sacred trust. Heather McKeown, now a grandmother, says, “People tell me everything. Other times I glean information from observation of behaviors, attitudes and other clues. I’m open and most folks are looking for just such an invitation to share their stories or display dispositions to leave an identifying impression on someone they’ll never see as anything but a servant. I love them all unconditionally.” Welcome aboard."
Now, in ABOVE AND BEYOND, Heather presents a compilation of stories that encompass the microcosm of the traveling public—all the blessings, troubles, moods, foibles and insecurities of those who have been put in her flight path. This inspiring, humorous, and empowering book is evidence of how close a flight attendant can get to someone in the space of one airplane ride. Heather passion is meeting new customers and welcoming them to “her” airplane, and she believes that all of those who work in the service industry can benefit from her worldly experience. The relationship between the buyer and seller can evolve into a sacred trust. Heather McKeown, now a grandmother, says, “People tell me everything. Other times I glean information from observation of behaviors, attitudes and other clues. I’m open and most folks are looking for just such an invitation to share their stories or display dispositions to leave an identifying impression on someone they’ll never see as anything but a servant. I love them all unconditionally.” Welcome aboard."
323 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 24, 2012
It is so freaky that I won this wonderful book "Above & Beyond" by Heather McKeown. Like Heather when I was growing up I too wanted to be a flight attendant; just like her I didn't have the looks, the height or the right weight.
So, to get to read about the adventures as a flight attendant first hand; not by someone who has only done that particular job but someone with experience from other jobs.
She takes you into the world where you deal with people from all over an where each has their own personalities; which lie hidden beneath their exteral.
If you have flown the blue sky or never have you must read this book. You will see how she helps others deal with the long hours of layovers or delays. How they help the passengers from pulling each others hair out.
You will see how the crew work together as a team; what happens when a passenger gets out of hand; or when a student sees a teacher from years past on the same flight as himself; does it change his behavior running into his mentor? What type of stories do the passengers tell abut themselves.
Heather has a knack in seeing these people an trying to reach out to those she feels need an extra pat or just needs someone to listen. Did you ever wonder if they do anything about people that actually do smoke in the bathroom? Read the book
I would love to be able to fly one day on one of her flights. I have flown but honestly never had a flight attendent that ever stood out. Only one that wouldn't hold my 3 month old so I could take my 2 yr old to the potty; she was too busy. Think it was due to my baby having downs syndrome.
Read this book and hopefully some day you can find Heather or maybe another great flight attendant.
Nice & easy read with no overhead; which after reading mysteries is a nice break. There is action, laughs and a lot of knowledge.
Put this book on you to read list today.
So, to get to read about the adventures as a flight attendant first hand; not by someone who has only done that particular job but someone with experience from other jobs.
She takes you into the world where you deal with people from all over an where each has their own personalities; which lie hidden beneath their exteral.
If you have flown the blue sky or never have you must read this book. You will see how she helps others deal with the long hours of layovers or delays. How they help the passengers from pulling each others hair out.
You will see how the crew work together as a team; what happens when a passenger gets out of hand; or when a student sees a teacher from years past on the same flight as himself; does it change his behavior running into his mentor? What type of stories do the passengers tell abut themselves.
Heather has a knack in seeing these people an trying to reach out to those she feels need an extra pat or just needs someone to listen. Did you ever wonder if they do anything about people that actually do smoke in the bathroom? Read the book
I would love to be able to fly one day on one of her flights. I have flown but honestly never had a flight attendent that ever stood out. Only one that wouldn't hold my 3 month old so I could take my 2 yr old to the potty; she was too busy. Think it was due to my baby having downs syndrome.
Read this book and hopefully some day you can find Heather or maybe another great flight attendant.
Nice & easy read with no overhead; which after reading mysteries is a nice break. There is action, laughs and a lot of knowledge.
Put this book on you to read list today.
January 27, 2013
Nice writing style. The first few chapters are explanatory and probably more helpful to people in service industries. Inspiring story of a strong, caring, independent woman.
April 13, 2014
Skimmed through three quarters and then gave up. Just not my sort of read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews