Wingwalking: A Memoir

by Steven Slater

When veteran flight attendant Steven Slater told off his startled passengers and slid down the emergency escape slide of a JetBlue airplane on a sunny summer's day at New York's Kennedy Airport in 2010, he said goodbye to the world as he knew it. Overnight, Slater became a media sensation and working class hero. Now, for the first time, Slater writes in his own words about what really happened that fateful day at JFK and shares his experiences of the surreal whirlwind that is overnight celebrity. But behind the splashy headlines, Slater fought battles no one knew anything about. In Wingwalking, Slater shares his lifelong journey through bipolar disorder, suicidal idealization, and a powerful addiction that brought him to his knees. In Wingwalking, Slater recounts treasured memories of a privileged childhood as the son of an airline pilot and the gift of exotic travel his intrepid parents bestowed upon him growing up. He invites the reader into his younger years and arduous and painstaking process of self discovery as a gay man stifled by a small town and his great escape to the big city and a career as a flight attendant that spanned the globe with some of the world’s leading airlines. Sidelined by trauma and harrowing PTSD, Slater sought refuge in drugs and alcohol and found himself homeless on the streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row, lost in virtual obscurity and hopelessness. Slater fell into an underworld of danger and violence, barely escaping with his life. He lost his mind and was locked away from society in a succession of hospitals and psych wards. Yet, Slater is a born survivor, and fought valiantly for his safety and his sanity, prevailing over both his abusers and a mental health system that rendered him voiceless and powerless. At times hilarious and sometimes heart-wrenching, Wingwalking introduces the reader to the man behind the myth. Slater writes with startling candor and brilliant authenticity about what many face, but few speak of. Ultimately, Wingwalking is a story of resilience and transcendence and offers the reader hope and encouragement. Slater’s story is a true testament to the human spirit.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2020

Reviews

[Lisa Wilkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been flying six months when Steven Slater popped a slide at JetBlue and tumbled down with a case of beer in hand. At the time, I was appalled by the recklessness of the gesture. Knowing nothing else about Steven Slater, I read this book in the hopes that it would help me understand the logic behind such a ridiculous, irresponsible publicity stunt. Wingwalking did not disappoint. This book painted a clear picture of the devastating effects of mental illness. Steven takes readers on an emotional journey through his past and present struggles. I found the prose a bit wordy at times. Yet, overall, the book was gripping. It provided an authentic portrayal of Steven's ongoing desire to connect with others while battling serious, crushing demons. His story is tragic, filled with insecurities, trauma, and addictions. I believe Wingwalking is a worthy read and one that will help readers understand the far-reaching effects of mental illness.

[Hanajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing. Soulful vulnerability.

[Brenda D. Badders · Rating 1 out of 5]

James Frey repeat

Felt like rereading "A Million Little Pieces". Although parts of the story may be true, most appears very exaggerated and at times flat out fabricated.

[Crystal Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir stressed me out to the max. His inability to get sober and his poor life decisions made for a stressful read. Definitely makes me appreciate my life choices more!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

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