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Windshift
Shirley Maxwell is a troubled young woman facing a complicated personal life, a culture that restricts female options, and a world at war. Yet, together with friends -- Emmie, Delores, and Mags -- she joins Jackie Cochran's Women's Air Service Pilots program (WASP) and participates in the adventure, challenges, and tragedies of the 1940s with determination and courage. Shirley and her friends know what they are tackling will be hard, but they do it anyway and relish the effort. In the process, they change what is possible in the minds of young girls everywhere. Lively and moving, Windshift inspires and educates. Appropriate for history buffs interested in the World War II era, students of social change, those who love tales of derring do -- and those who just love airplanes.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2012
7 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Faulkner
34 books33 followersJoyce Faulkner loves stories -- fiction or non-fiction. She also has a compulsive need to know why. To this end, her work focuses on how her characters react to their environment, to the people around them, to the events of their lives -- and to the various opportunities and disappointments impact their journeys.
She has studied the art of writing since the 1960s -- exploring not the right or wrong of a given approach, but the effectiveness of it on her declared audiences. She likes to manipulate her readers -- challenging them to navigate complex plots to get to the core question...why?
She has studied the art of writing since the 1960s -- exploring not the right or wrong of a given approach, but the effectiveness of it on her declared audiences. She likes to manipulate her readers -- challenging them to navigate complex plots to get to the core question...why?
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 1, 2012
Women did many things during WW II that they had not done on a regular basis previously, and piloting airplanes was one of those. This novel follows the lives of four female WASPS, Shirley, Mags, Delores, and Emmie. They are all very different, with individual strengths and faults that come across very strongly, yet they are all drawn into friendship through their common love of flying. Most readers will probably find themselves identifying with one of the women more than the other three because of your own personality and beliefs. I found myself caring about each of the four women in slightly different ways, just as you might respond in a variety of ways to the varied personalities of several friends. Just as life generally holds times of tragedy, romance, and change, these are all present in this story. The author also does an excellent job of conveying the culture of that time period and the prejudices that sometimes went along with it. The only drawback I found was the use of swearing; it did usually seem to be "in character", but I personally prefer to read books without cursing, although I realize it may not bother others at all. This review is of a copy I won through the firstreads giveaway program, but still reflects my honest opinion.
September 19, 2013
When you hear the word “pioneer” what do you think of? Until reading Windshift by Joyce Faulkner, I wouldn’t have thought of a group of WWII women pilots, but now, I’m amazed at what they accomplished in a “male dominated” world, during one of the darkest times in world history. Follow the story of four young women, all accomplished pilots, all from completely different backgrounds as they join together in a collage of personalities to serve their country without reserve.
Absolutely amazing! Joyce Faulkner pours out this fascinating story with such attention to detail that I swear, I saw these women, from head to toe as they lived their day to day lives training to serve without recognition. I felt what they felt, saw the inequities of being of “the fairer sex,” watched their personal transformation and growth as they learned to become a team on a mission.
If you’ve never read a WWII historical novel, Windshift is a great place to start, as you are taken back in time and walk side by side with some of America’s unsung heroes.
Joyce Faulkner provided this review copy as part of the Windshift Virtual Tour in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 22, 2012
Publisher: Red Engine Press
Available as: Hardcover, Paperback and eBook
ISBN: 1937958051 (Paperback)
Number of Pages: 310 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/WWII Women’s Fiction/Adults
Available From: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Connect with Joyce Faulkner at: facebook.com/WindshiftbyJoyceFaulkner
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
August 30, 2013
From my book review blog at:
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Through NetGalley I was provided a copy of this book by Red Engine Press for the purpose of reading and reviewing it. Although it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Set during World War II, this novel follows the paths of Shirley Maxwell and her three friends, Emmie, Delores and Mags. All of them have flight experience, and due to the shortage of available male pilots, they are recruited as part of the WASPs (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) program to ferry planes from the factory in Ohio to an airbase in California.
Facing hostility from traditionally-minded civilians as well as military personnel concerned the ladies are taking jobs from able-bodied men, the four forge a strong bond. This helps them face with dignity and strength the challenges ahead.
Along the way, one of the four dies, another is burned badly, and a third contracts polio. Each finds love in some manner with varying results. Most of all, they just keep plugging along in the face of adversity.
First and foremost, this is a story of strength of will and character. Even though each of the four ladies has significant flight time under her respective belt, they are faced with men and women who believe they are wasting their time or not filling a traditional female role. Of course, there are also men in the Army who view the women as, at the very least, an infringement on their territory or, at the worst, undeserving women who are taking pilot jobs from more skilled males.
This is also a story of growth and development. While most characters demonstrate this, none do so more than the protagonist, Shirley. The story is told in the first person from her point of view. While this can be difficult to pull off when it comes to including details the narrator may not be aware of, Faulkner pulls this off nicely.
Finally, I really enjoyed this as a historical novel because it was, ashamedly, a part of history of which I was unaware. Thanks to Faulkner I will dig into the history of these brave women even more.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Through NetGalley I was provided a copy of this book by Red Engine Press for the purpose of reading and reviewing it. Although it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Set during World War II, this novel follows the paths of Shirley Maxwell and her three friends, Emmie, Delores and Mags. All of them have flight experience, and due to the shortage of available male pilots, they are recruited as part of the WASPs (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) program to ferry planes from the factory in Ohio to an airbase in California.
Facing hostility from traditionally-minded civilians as well as military personnel concerned the ladies are taking jobs from able-bodied men, the four forge a strong bond. This helps them face with dignity and strength the challenges ahead.
Along the way, one of the four dies, another is burned badly, and a third contracts polio. Each finds love in some manner with varying results. Most of all, they just keep plugging along in the face of adversity.
First and foremost, this is a story of strength of will and character. Even though each of the four ladies has significant flight time under her respective belt, they are faced with men and women who believe they are wasting their time or not filling a traditional female role. Of course, there are also men in the Army who view the women as, at the very least, an infringement on their territory or, at the worst, undeserving women who are taking pilot jobs from more skilled males.
This is also a story of growth and development. While most characters demonstrate this, none do so more than the protagonist, Shirley. The story is told in the first person from her point of view. While this can be difficult to pull off when it comes to including details the narrator may not be aware of, Faulkner pulls this off nicely.
Finally, I really enjoyed this as a historical novel because it was, ashamedly, a part of history of which I was unaware. Thanks to Faulkner I will dig into the history of these brave women even more.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
July 1, 2012
Joyce Faulkner has done it again. Her novel, Windshift, tells the story of four obscure women who joined the Women Air Service Pilot program during World War II. Shirley, Emmy, Dolores, and Mags are fictional characters, but their experiences are accurate reflections of what the real WASPs did for their country. They came from different backgrounds, wih varying levels of skill, and they fought their own battles agains the resentment of male pilots and opposition from those who believed that women belonged in the kitchen. Their stories of courage, daring, and resilience will resonate with every woman who ever dared to fly beyond societal boundaries and wih every man who has known a woman like them.
Shirley, Emmy, Dolores, and Mags leap off the page into our imaginations, thanks to Faulkner’s skill as a story-teller. Her descriptions allow readers to confront the characters as living people. Gradually we learn their back stories and come to understand and forgive their flaws. We worry about them, applaud their successes, share their tears, and mourn their losses. We come to know them as friends because Faulkner never steps between her characters and her readers. She doesn’t add her own commentary or interject her own ideology. She just narrates their stories, letting us get to know each of these women as we might get to know a neighbor or colleague through their own words and actions.
The result is a story that will linger in the reader’s imagination long after the book itself has been lost or relegated to a shelf. Like Faulkner’s previous World War II novel, In the Shadow of Suribachi, this book forces us to look at history without flinching and without air-brushing its horrible truths. As she did with the unknown men who fought at Iwo Jima, Faulkner has rescued the WASPs from oblivion and allowed us to meet them as living human beings rather than as statistics or stereotypes.
Shirley, Emmy, Dolores, and Mags leap off the page into our imaginations, thanks to Faulkner’s skill as a story-teller. Her descriptions allow readers to confront the characters as living people. Gradually we learn their back stories and come to understand and forgive their flaws. We worry about them, applaud their successes, share their tears, and mourn their losses. We come to know them as friends because Faulkner never steps between her characters and her readers. She doesn’t add her own commentary or interject her own ideology. She just narrates their stories, letting us get to know each of these women as we might get to know a neighbor or colleague through their own words and actions.
The result is a story that will linger in the reader’s imagination long after the book itself has been lost or relegated to a shelf. Like Faulkner’s previous World War II novel, In the Shadow of Suribachi, this book forces us to look at history without flinching and without air-brushing its horrible truths. As she did with the unknown men who fought at Iwo Jima, Faulkner has rescued the WASPs from oblivion and allowed us to meet them as living human beings rather than as statistics or stereotypes.
September 7, 2013
This a wonderful story involving the reader in the personal and professional struggles of four brave female pilots at a time when it wasn't socially acceptable for women to take on male duties. My Rating: 4.75
This book tells the story of four young women in the short-lived Women's Air Service Pilots program (WASP) in the early 1940s. The experience is told by Shirley Maxwell, the conservative daughter of wealthy News magnate, George Maxwell. Through the pilot program Shirley meets three other young ladies at the Windshift Inn in Ohio.
The girls struggle to be accepted as they face public prejudice against women in the work force and cope with the hostility of resentful service men who feel they are taking their jobs. Shirley and her friends are adventurers in a time that doesn’t allow women much freedom. At one point Delores remarks “You know, I thought I was doing something good – something patriotic, but they make me feel like I’m a criminal, like I’m intruding on some private male domain.” Location 1478.
There is drama and romance that plays an important part in the emotional aspects of the girls’ lives. Shirley ends up with two love interests. One is a handsome, determined young business man who tries to get her to stop flying. The other is an exciting young man she meets in Key West. He shares her love of flying but could he be serious marriage material?
This isn't the typical story that I read but I was completely fascinated by the deep-seated resentment against women even though they were coming forward to help in the war effort. The story is well written and there is plenty of forward motion that captivated my interest. The characters are “real” making this seem like a memoir more than just fiction. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading historical fiction and courageous women.
I picked this up for review through NetGalley. (Full review available at blog.)
This book tells the story of four young women in the short-lived Women's Air Service Pilots program (WASP) in the early 1940s. The experience is told by Shirley Maxwell, the conservative daughter of wealthy News magnate, George Maxwell. Through the pilot program Shirley meets three other young ladies at the Windshift Inn in Ohio.
The girls struggle to be accepted as they face public prejudice against women in the work force and cope with the hostility of resentful service men who feel they are taking their jobs. Shirley and her friends are adventurers in a time that doesn’t allow women much freedom. At one point Delores remarks “You know, I thought I was doing something good – something patriotic, but they make me feel like I’m a criminal, like I’m intruding on some private male domain.” Location 1478.
There is drama and romance that plays an important part in the emotional aspects of the girls’ lives. Shirley ends up with two love interests. One is a handsome, determined young business man who tries to get her to stop flying. The other is an exciting young man she meets in Key West. He shares her love of flying but could he be serious marriage material?
This isn't the typical story that I read but I was completely fascinated by the deep-seated resentment against women even though they were coming forward to help in the war effort. The story is well written and there is plenty of forward motion that captivated my interest. The characters are “real” making this seem like a memoir more than just fiction. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading historical fiction and courageous women.
I picked this up for review through NetGalley. (Full review available at blog.)
May 2, 2014
Joint review between Shomeret and I:
Tara: I have a major complaint right off the bat. I can't stand Shirley, the heroine. She reminds me of Jack Nicholson's character in As Good As it Gets. WAY too uptight. She's constantly thinking of dirt, constantly criticizing others in her mind for their appearance or something, and even goes so far as to make the sheets a certain way. It's taking NEAT FREAK to a whole new level, making me think she has an obsessive compulsive disorder. I feel the author erred badly in one other thing regarding this heroine too. SHE DOESN'T LOVE TO FLY. For me, part of the enjoyment in reading about women pilots is always their love and passion for what they do. I can live through them. With this heroine, I'm not getting that.
What are your thoughts about the heroine? How do you feel about the other three pilots, Emmie and Delores and Mags? Mags makes me think of Pancho Barnes and I wonder if she was somewhat based on that woman, even though the real-life aviatrix was not in the WASP. I think she's my favorite character, with Emmie a close second.
Favorite line from Mags: "They need a strong hand, an educated seat, and a lot of praise."
Shomeret: I didn't like Shirley at all. I think the point of having her as the central character is that Joyce Faulkner thought readers would identify with her more precisely because she's more concerned with finding a man than with flying. At one point Shirley tells Mags about an incident in her past that is supposed to explain why she cares so much about getting married. As an explanation, it didn't make sense to me. I wouldn't have reacted the way Shirley did to that experience at all.
We're far from done. Our full discussion is here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
Tara: I have a major complaint right off the bat. I can't stand Shirley, the heroine. She reminds me of Jack Nicholson's character in As Good As it Gets. WAY too uptight. She's constantly thinking of dirt, constantly criticizing others in her mind for their appearance or something, and even goes so far as to make the sheets a certain way. It's taking NEAT FREAK to a whole new level, making me think she has an obsessive compulsive disorder. I feel the author erred badly in one other thing regarding this heroine too. SHE DOESN'T LOVE TO FLY. For me, part of the enjoyment in reading about women pilots is always their love and passion for what they do. I can live through them. With this heroine, I'm not getting that.
What are your thoughts about the heroine? How do you feel about the other three pilots, Emmie and Delores and Mags? Mags makes me think of Pancho Barnes and I wonder if she was somewhat based on that woman, even though the real-life aviatrix was not in the WASP. I think she's my favorite character, with Emmie a close second.
Favorite line from Mags: "They need a strong hand, an educated seat, and a lot of praise."
Shomeret: I didn't like Shirley at all. I think the point of having her as the central character is that Joyce Faulkner thought readers would identify with her more precisely because she's more concerned with finding a man than with flying. At one point Shirley tells Mags about an incident in her past that is supposed to explain why she cares so much about getting married. As an explanation, it didn't make sense to me. I wouldn't have reacted the way Shirley did to that experience at all.
We're far from done. Our full discussion is here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
September 17, 2013
Windshift was just like taking a refreshing step into the past. The author really nailed this historical fiction. Through the eyes of Shirley, I felt like I was right in the World War 2 era.
The author eases us into the lives of these women until we eventually feel like we've known them for a long time! This was not an easy time for our country, and the author somehow captures the very spirit of the people with her characters. These four young women see quite a transformation as the story unwinds.
Windshift is for those of you that enjoy a well-written historical fiction. It's realistic, interesting, and so full of history, you're going to wonder if the author managed to travel back in time to see it for herself. This is a well-recommended read, especially if you love history, the military, or the 1940's!
The author eases us into the lives of these women until we eventually feel like we've known them for a long time! This was not an easy time for our country, and the author somehow captures the very spirit of the people with her characters. These four young women see quite a transformation as the story unwinds.
Windshift is for those of you that enjoy a well-written historical fiction. It's realistic, interesting, and so full of history, you're going to wonder if the author managed to travel back in time to see it for herself. This is a well-recommended read, especially if you love history, the military, or the 1940's!
September 27, 2013
Excellant read for all adults and
YA. Not many books are written
about the Women's Air Service Pilots
program (WASP).
YA. Not many books are written
about the Women's Air Service Pilots
program (WASP).
April 10, 2014
loved it, fresh insight into the lives of women during war, characters to relate to, all well-drawn.
November 18, 2021
Author Joyce Faulkner documents a period of military aviation history often overlooked in her story of four profoundly different women and their experiences flying together as Women Air Service Pilots (WASPS) during World War II. Although historical fiction, the book provides readers a view into what some of these brave young women stepped into in a male-dominated and unfriendly environment. This book should be required reading for both male and female aviators to understand those that came before them. Highly recommended for those who like interesting characters, hidden history, and a well told stories.
August 17, 2017
Insight into the lives of the first women pilots
Actually knowing one of these courageous women, I was really interested in what this novel showed of what they went through just to do their jobs.
Actually knowing one of these courageous women, I was really interested in what this novel showed of what they went through just to do their jobs.
July 25, 2012
If you are interested in the real stories that inspired Windshift, please check out my facebook page:
www.facebook.com/WindshiftbyJoyceFaul...
You will find information about the history of WASP, the pilots who participated -- the real stories of the real women who lived it...and small social tidbits that I used as background. For example, at one point in the story, the women buzz a farm...and looking down, they see a goat tugging at the rear of a car. In a few midwestern states during World War II -- because metal was being used for the war effort -- made their license plates out of fiber...which the livestock loved.
Come join the fun. :)
JKF
www.facebook.com/WindshiftbyJoyceFaul...
You will find information about the history of WASP, the pilots who participated -- the real stories of the real women who lived it...and small social tidbits that I used as background. For example, at one point in the story, the women buzz a farm...and looking down, they see a goat tugging at the rear of a car. In a few midwestern states during World War II -- because metal was being used for the war effort -- made their license plates out of fiber...which the livestock loved.
Come join the fun. :)
JKF
May 31, 2012
Sweeping. Riveting. One of the best novels I’ve read in years.
Come let Shirley, Emmie, Delores, and Mags wing their way to your heart. Joyce Faulkner is one
of those rare storytellers who spins words into gold.
Windshift is so well written you’ll forget you’re reading a story.
Even before the propellers are spinning, you’ll be strapping on a pair of goggles, a leather helmet, and climbing into the cockpit to make history.
Kathleen M. Rodgers ~ author of the award-winning novel "The Final Salute"
Disclosure: My review is based on an advanced reader copy
Come let Shirley, Emmie, Delores, and Mags wing their way to your heart. Joyce Faulkner is one
of those rare storytellers who spins words into gold.
Windshift is so well written you’ll forget you’re reading a story.
Even before the propellers are spinning, you’ll be strapping on a pair of goggles, a leather helmet, and climbing into the cockpit to make history.
Kathleen M. Rodgers ~ author of the award-winning novel "The Final Salute"
Disclosure: My review is based on an advanced reader copy
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September 5, 2018Joyce knows ow to paint a picture with words. I'm enjoying this book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews