Supersonic Saints 2: More Thrilling Stories from LDS Pilots

by John Bytheway

The adventures of LDS pilots continue in Supersonic Saints 2 . After Supersonic Saints hit the shelves in 2007, many other LDS pilots came forward to share their stories of faith and flying in this exciting sequel. These pilots rely on the Lord for help when poor weather, mechanical problems, or aggressive enemies threaten their lives.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Military Fiction, History, Historical

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2008

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Ryan Rowbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a culmination of stories of many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who also serve in the military. While it doesn't follow a single, specific story, it contains many interesting, small stories. This is a wonderful book. I have always been fascinated by military aviation. The big reason is that it is so different from regular aviation (completely different radio syntax, operational procedures, and of course, it's military, which I love). My favorite story in the book is chapter 27, "Shoot," which covers an MH-60 Pave-hawk flight engineer being protected from a hailstorm of anti-aircraft fire. I would recommend this book to just about anyone. It doesn't really cover the gore like other military-themed books cover and has an element of faith that feels natural instead of forced.

[Joy]

Reading this book reminded me of the stories my older brother told about his time in Vietnam and miracles he witnessed while flying and working on helicopters. I also reflected on a time When my Dad was flying his Cessna Golden Eagle from Sun Valley to Utah and one of our planes engines stopped working. He turned the plane around when another engine stopped working too and because of God’s providential intervention all those on the plane were saved. Including myself.

This book is filled with collections of stories. My three favorite ones were “Help, Anyone”, “Shoot”, and It’s a Small World”. Definitely an interesting read.

[R Waterfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-eight suspenseful and thrilling stories of LDS pilots receiving heavenly help just when needed kept me engaged in this book. I love the variety of pilots, places, and planes included! The illustrations are also pretty cool. Definitely recommend! ✈️

[Shantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to on CD

[Heidi Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love John Bytheway - such entertaining stories which ALWAYS teach a gospel principle.

[Eric Burgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for any aviation enthusiast.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice stories.

[Jw423 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book,
Fun to read about others experiences with aviation and the help of the Lord. I have had some "close calls myself".
Flying an airplane is somewhat a miracle all alone. I think that a lot of people don't realize just how much training and "guidance" is involved to stay safe. I know that the still small voice helps me almost every trip I go on, if only a prompting to add a little more thrust than I usually do. Some of it is training and experience but some of it is more than that. This is one of the reasons that flying is so fun.
Sometimes people will ask, are you ever afraid? I know that with my training and experience, and most of all with the help of God there is nothing that my crew can't overcome.

Besides, nobody can beat my view out the window of my office. Heavenly Father really has given us a spectacular world.

Sorry for not too much about the book, I'll fix that.The stories really are great and not all are jet storeis either or military for that matter. A good read for anyone with an interest in aviation and spiritual stories. I don't even feel that the stories are only for LDS people. Anyone with a relationship with God will enjoy the stories. I think.

Enjoy!

[Braedin Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book of short stories told by pilots who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Various life lessons and principles are shared by the pilots with previous life and death experiences. The book was compiled by John Bytheway. In his introduction, John describes how his desire to overcome his astigmatism and to be able to fly in an F-16 becomes true.

I would recommend this book to anybody who finds joy in flight, and the gospel. It has taught me a lot about the real world. If ever there was a bad situation that a certain pilot was in, he would always refer back to staying positive and finding the right solution. I've learned that staying positive can help me throughout my daily life and that I am always opened to many opportunities. Reading this book is very different than if I were reading any other book. It always has my attention. The reason for this is because all of the stories that are compiled in this book are of my interests. I have always had an interest of flying and a very strong belief in the Gospel. Combining the two subjects just makes this book one of a kind to me and it helps me keep a positive attitude.

[Dallin Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. It is a book about LDS pilots. One of the pilots is in my ward his name is Gordon weed. He gave me the book and i read it he has amazing stories. You will have to read them to know.

There actually is a movie on this it is just for the most part the pilots telling their stories about the flights they have been through I love this book and movie.

I most deffinatly reccomend it. This a great and inspiring book it makes you know what they go through for our country.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved reading the stories from the different authors and the lessons they learned. One thing I got out of it was the importance of always having a plan and constantly training so your body and mind do what they're supposed to do in case of emergency. Relying on the Spirit helps, too. Great book!

[Quirky Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession: one of my favorite movies is TOP GUN. Because of this, I really enjoyed these accounts of flying often in battle situations. There is a little more detail about the mechanics of flying, often during war. I do believe God is in the details of our lives and this is reflected in these memoirs.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this aloud with 14-year-old Josh. Though I am realizing that reading about these near-death experiences in malfunctioning planes is not a good choice of reading material for a mother of a possible future pilot...

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We didn't finish all of the stories, but we enjoyed the ones we read! A little too much detail about airplane parts for me, but great for anyone interested in flying.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the stories in this book are written by my Grandfather about his experiences as a pilot during the war. I just got my autographed copy in the mail from him! I of course skipped right to reading my grandfather's stories. But the other pilots' stories are also interesting and inspiring.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a personal interest in this book because my dad's story is in this book. Also, I grew up around airplanes, airshows, and plenty of flying talk so I could follow things fairly easily. It isn't a page turner, but the stories are inspiring if you like airplanes.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two books were compiled of experiences that LDS pilots had during wars, or just when they were out flying. I loved the testimonies that were born and the spirit that I felt while I was reading these neat stories. Thanks Dad for letting me borrow these two books :)

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave this two stars since most of it was not my thing and I was kind of bored till the end. I don't know how this one ended up on my "to read" list. If you like aviation and you understand the lingo you might like it. It was too technical for my liking. The spiritual stories were good.

[Aaron Ashton]

Finished listening to the audio recording of the book. Incredible stories from real people who are pilots in the military. Incredible life experiences with the Spirit and with tender mercies of the Lord.

[Rikki Stewart]

Still reading, but is a guy book. All about pilots and flying. It is not bad though. Has a really good message.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really cool and inspiring stories.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sons insisted I had to read this; it was fun!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son-in-law, Derek "Maestro" O'Malley wrote one of the stories in this book. Be sure to have a Kleenex handy.

[Karl Tenney]

You kind of have to be interested in aviation to get into this book. Since I am, I enjoyed it. Nothing deep, heavy or profound but definitely entertaining.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any person who loves to fly or is interested in what it is like to be a pilot needs to read this book. It is first hand accounts of those who experienced battle from a different point of view.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott and I listened to this book on a trip. It definately gives an appreciation for those who have fought for our freedom.

[Karie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in John Bytheway's Super Sonic Saints series. While this one had more civilian pilots, I still felt that the personal stories captured great faith promoting lessons.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have still yet to read Supersonic Saints 1, but I really like this one.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories about pilots from World War 2 to the Global War on Terror (and in peacetime) that demonstrate that miracles still happen to those with the faith to ask a loving God in an hour of need.

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was worth the read. And if you are real lazy it is even on audio. I had a few good laughs while reading this book.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great faith-promoting stories. Aimed at young adult boys/girls.