What do you think?
Rate this book
Pearl: You are Cleared to Land
Have you ever heard of The Pearl of Alaska? How about The Hillbilly Eskimo? Do you know the name of the woman who received the Wright Brothers’ Master Pilot Award at the age of ninety-seven? Well, her name is Pearl and this is a story about her and her family and friends. To be more precise many of these stories are hers—authentic memories written by an amazing woman. Pearl Bragg Laska Chamberlain was the first woman to fly her own plane from the Lower 48 up the Alaska Highway to Alaska. She worked as a flight instructor, bush pilot, cryptographer for the Pentagon, flew in five Powder Puff Derbies, and was also a WASP trainee and famous “99er.” Pearl was a member of the UFO’s (United Flying Octogenarians), and the mayor of Fairbanks actually declared a “Pearl Laska Chamberlain Day.” Pretty impressive, eh? I am very excited to bring you this fabulous collection of “Braggin’ Rights” stories that begin in the early 1900s on Chestnut Mountain in Summers County, West Virginia. Tales about bootleggin’ and learning to fly in the Appalachians are followed by adventures to exotic places. Narratives about living in the polar region and escapades of an aviatrix are accompanied by heartfelt memories of real-life victories and the sorrows of a lifetime. So settle down into the cockpit, buckle your seatbelt and get ready for an astonishing and amazing flight.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2018
189 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Edens
22 books62 followersDeanna Edens lives by a beautiful lake in Michigan, and is a native West Virginian. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty years. She teaches college classes in the areas of psychology and leadership. Deanna has several feline friends, and donates all proceeds from her book sales to her local Humane Society.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 9, 2018
I am familiar with the locations and the people in this book. The author brings both to life. I had read several of Eden’s books. Her technique of having a current character gives depth to the story. Also helpful are the notes and the bibliography. The Lexile of this book is 8.0. I have given a copy to each of my grandchildren: upcoming 5th, 6th, and 12th graders.
October 20, 2020
Incredibly Enticing
My friend, John Macfarland, was an early pilot who eventually came to be instrumental in the development of the Pennsylvania aviation industry. His stories made me love stories of early aviators. This book is absolutely one of the best books I have read and I was particularly fond of the Alaska aviation development. This book contains wonderful insights into early aviation and the woman who never let obstacles stop her. Reading this book was the highlight of my year. I flew to Alaska the first day airports opened after 9/11 to teach nursing law to nurses who flew in from all ends of Alaska including the Aleutian Islands. How brave and wonderful was Pearl and the women who followed in her footsteps. Thanks to this author who exposed this awesome part of our history.
My friend, John Macfarland, was an early pilot who eventually came to be instrumental in the development of the Pennsylvania aviation industry. His stories made me love stories of early aviators. This book is absolutely one of the best books I have read and I was particularly fond of the Alaska aviation development. This book contains wonderful insights into early aviation and the woman who never let obstacles stop her. Reading this book was the highlight of my year. I flew to Alaska the first day airports opened after 9/11 to teach nursing law to nurses who flew in from all ends of Alaska including the Aleutian Islands. How brave and wonderful was Pearl and the women who followed in her footsteps. Thanks to this author who exposed this awesome part of our history.
August 18, 2019
So happy to read about such an incredible woman
This is one of those feel good reads that prove strong dreams, hard work and perseverance win out over seemingly impossible odds. A true mountaineer spirit is shared by all the members of the Bragg Family. Read it and see if you don't resolve to go after a dream or two of your own.
This is one of those feel good reads that prove strong dreams, hard work and perseverance win out over seemingly impossible odds. A true mountaineer spirit is shared by all the members of the Bragg Family. Read it and see if you don't resolve to go after a dream or two of your own.
March 16, 2020
Wow!
Pearl was a real front runner in paving the way for women of today! Clearly a strong woman who knew what she wanted and went after it. She is an excellent example for little girls in our time. This is another wonderful story written by Mrs. Deanna Edens. Her stories are amazing!
Pearl was a real front runner in paving the way for women of today! Clearly a strong woman who knew what she wanted and went after it. She is an excellent example for little girls in our time. This is another wonderful story written by Mrs. Deanna Edens. Her stories are amazing!
October 19, 2020
An Endearing Bit of History
What a fascinating woman Pearl was! The author really brings her alive through interviews and stories. I wish there had been more photos, but the story was well told and captivating.
What a fascinating woman Pearl was! The author really brings her alive through interviews and stories. I wish there had been more photos, but the story was well told and captivating.
October 17, 2023
Great non-fiction history!
I throughly enjoyed reading about Pearl Laska Chamberlain’s well-lived life and her many adventures! She is the perfect example of a strong, determined woman and I hope many will take the time to read her amazing stories. I highly recommend this book.
Purchased from Amazon
I throughly enjoyed reading about Pearl Laska Chamberlain’s well-lived life and her many adventures! She is the perfect example of a strong, determined woman and I hope many will take the time to read her amazing stories. I highly recommend this book.
Purchased from Amazon
May 8, 2018
Sweet and inspirational, a lovely read.
I hadn't heard of Pearl or her love of flying before finding this book, so every bit read as a surprise as the story unfurled. It starts decades ago, in the time of one room school houses without indoor plumbing - unfathomable by most in current years. Pearl had a dream to fly, and worked hard through her life to make her dream come true.
The story is told as a group effort: Pearl's own stories, her son's memories, poems and oral history from others who were there. The author talks about researching the book in between recounting the tale, which plays out chronologically.
The biography is interesting on a number of fronts: life years ago, in both Alaska and the lower 48, as well as learning about flying. In current times when we proudly say that women can do anything, Pearl's story is an inspiration for what she did and what she helped others to do.
I hadn't heard of Pearl or her love of flying before finding this book, so every bit read as a surprise as the story unfurled. It starts decades ago, in the time of one room school houses without indoor plumbing - unfathomable by most in current years. Pearl had a dream to fly, and worked hard through her life to make her dream come true.
The story is told as a group effort: Pearl's own stories, her son's memories, poems and oral history from others who were there. The author talks about researching the book in between recounting the tale, which plays out chronologically.
The biography is interesting on a number of fronts: life years ago, in both Alaska and the lower 48, as well as learning about flying. In current times when we proudly say that women can do anything, Pearl's story is an inspiration for what she did and what she helped others to do.
January 10, 2022
Laugh out loud
I came across this by accident and stayed up all night reading about miss pearl, I fell in love with her. i cried, laughed out loud , held mybreath n just thought, why coulfnt that be me, to grow up in those mountains of wv with nothing but grit n determination, i give much respect I'm 50. n always wanted to live in alaska, fly high miss pearl fly high
I came across this by accident and stayed up all night reading about miss pearl, I fell in love with her. i cried, laughed out loud , held mybreath n just thought, why coulfnt that be me, to grow up in those mountains of wv with nothing but grit n determination, i give much respect I'm 50. n always wanted to live in alaska, fly high miss pearl fly high
September 18, 2020
Another great book! Getting ready to read the Abolitionist Wife....
May 21, 2023
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent family history from TheFussyLibrarian and author Deanna Edens. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read 'Pearl: You Are Cleared to Land' of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Deanna Edens to friends and family. She brings to us the life and times of Pearl Bragg Laska Chamberlain and the family and Tennessee mountains that formed her into the strong, stalwart woman she was.
I have always stood in awe of the 99ers, women willing to fight prejudice and social dictates to become the sky drivers they needed to be. Pearl is a perfect example of the sacrifices it takes for a minority in our society to find that dream. She is an excellent role model for our girls today who cannot see themselves bound to a traditional role in our society.
Reviewed on May 20, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
I have always stood in awe of the 99ers, women willing to fight prejudice and social dictates to become the sky drivers they needed to be. Pearl is a perfect example of the sacrifices it takes for a minority in our society to find that dream. She is an excellent role model for our girls today who cannot see themselves bound to a traditional role in our society.
Reviewed on May 20, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
October 16, 2019
Pearl Bragg Laska Chamberlain was an amazing woman. She didn't take no for an answer and didn't buy into the lies that women couldn't be tough enough to learn to do what men could do. The 5 stars was for that awesome woman and her family who shared her story with the world. This should be required reading at the high school level. Imagine what people could do if the learned not to limit themselves to what they are told they can accomplish. Growing up in rural West Virginia, held back from attending school for several years, Pearl sailed past all expectations and graduated ahead of time. Pearl reinvented herself many times: teacher, waitress, aviator, parka maker, store owner, mother, sister, daughter, wife. She came from ground of poverty, scrimping and saving for every dream she went after. I'd guess she didn't become wealthy financially but she had so many fabulous exploits. Wish I could have met her.
October 29, 2018
Up up and away
Great story about a life of a courageous women with very little boundaries on what she can accomplish. Smart and determined, lived her life not to step on anyone or say something bad about someone. A real accomplished human person. Love to you and her family for Bragging about her.
Great story about a life of a courageous women with very little boundaries on what she can accomplish. Smart and determined, lived her life not to step on anyone or say something bad about someone. A real accomplished human person. Love to you and her family for Bragging about her.
September 8, 2019
Lovely story
What a wonderful story about a woman who had the tenacity to reach her goals by whatever means necessary. Well written holding my interest throughout the story.
What a wonderful story about a woman who had the tenacity to reach her goals by whatever means necessary. Well written holding my interest throughout the story.
August 18, 2021
So glad I read this book
This is the story of Pearl Laska. Before reading this book I never knew that she existed. I am much better off knowing about Pearl. She is inspirational. .
This is the story of Pearl Laska. Before reading this book I never knew that she existed. I am much better off knowing about Pearl. She is inspirational. .
September 20, 2020
Thank you for being a pioneer for women’s rights, Miss Pearl!
November 14, 2020
Lovely story
I really enjoyed this book. At first I was concerned that it was going to be dry and disjointed but I soon got into it and from there it was a smooth flight. (Pun intended). I really liked everyone in this book and especially Pearl. Her story is amazing and inspirational. She was way ahead of her time and she blazed a trail for others to follow.
I really enjoyed this book. At first I was concerned that it was going to be dry and disjointed but I soon got into it and from there it was a smooth flight. (Pun intended). I really liked everyone in this book and especially Pearl. Her story is amazing and inspirational. She was way ahead of her time and she blazed a trail for others to follow.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews