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Honor Bound: An American Story of Dreams and Service
The inspiring story of the first female Marine to fly a combat mission in an F/A-18—and the transformative events that led to her bold decision to take on the most powerful man in the U.S. Senate.
Amy McGrath grew up in Edgewood, Kentucky, a childhood shaped by love of country, baseball (the Cincinnati Reds), and, from the age of twelve, a fascination with fighter jets. Her devastation at learning that a federal law prohibited women from flying in combat fueled her determination to do just that--and then, to help change the laws to improve the lives of all Americans.
McGrath writes of gaining an appointment in high school to the U.S. Naval Academy, making it through Marine Corps training, graduating from Annapolis, Maryland, becoming a Second Lieutenant, and raising her right hand to swear to defend the U.S. Constitution, honor bound.
She vividly recounts her experiences flying in the Marines, and her combat deployments to Iraq (Kuwait) and Afghanistan, her work as an Air Combat Tactics instructor—and what it was like to finally fly that fighter high-speed, intense, and physically demanding.
Here is McGrath, training to do the most intense tactical flying there is (think the Navy's TOPGUN ); meeting the man who would become her husband; being promoted to major and then lieutenant colonel; marrying, having three children, a career and life in Washington and then moving her family back to Kentucky to begin a whole new chapter in politics; her roller-coaster congressional campaign (she lost by three percentage points); and making the tough decision to run again, in an even bigger, higher-stakes national campaign, against the five-term leader of the U.S. Senate, Mitch McConnell.
A moving, inspiring American story of courage, determination, and large dreams.
Amy McGrath grew up in Edgewood, Kentucky, a childhood shaped by love of country, baseball (the Cincinnati Reds), and, from the age of twelve, a fascination with fighter jets. Her devastation at learning that a federal law prohibited women from flying in combat fueled her determination to do just that--and then, to help change the laws to improve the lives of all Americans.
McGrath writes of gaining an appointment in high school to the U.S. Naval Academy, making it through Marine Corps training, graduating from Annapolis, Maryland, becoming a Second Lieutenant, and raising her right hand to swear to defend the U.S. Constitution, honor bound.
She vividly recounts her experiences flying in the Marines, and her combat deployments to Iraq (Kuwait) and Afghanistan, her work as an Air Combat Tactics instructor—and what it was like to finally fly that fighter high-speed, intense, and physically demanding.
Here is McGrath, training to do the most intense tactical flying there is (think the Navy's TOPGUN ); meeting the man who would become her husband; being promoted to major and then lieutenant colonel; marrying, having three children, a career and life in Washington and then moving her family back to Kentucky to begin a whole new chapter in politics; her roller-coaster congressional campaign (she lost by three percentage points); and making the tough decision to run again, in an even bigger, higher-stakes national campaign, against the five-term leader of the U.S. Senate, Mitch McConnell.
A moving, inspiring American story of courage, determination, and large dreams.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published August 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 3, 2022
Amy McGrath for President!
October 19, 2022
During a time of stress, I picked this book off of my pile. I enjoyed reading about her hard work to become the first woman to be a fighter pilot. You have to admit, the woman has drive. Hope she goes on to replace on of the senators in Kentucky.
August 17, 2021
Unique insight into Amy’s world!
A story I know well. Amy’s book provides insight into one female Marine aviator’s experience as she navigated gaining acceptance into the military, thriving as she set and met her personal and professional goals, and balancing work and family life as she discovered her purpose beyond active duty.
My recommendation: Keep an open mind. Do not read this book with an assumption that all military member experiences are the same or by looking for a hidden political agenda behind the writing of this book. While she shares her experiences and beliefs with us, she does not press readers by suggesting her views are the only way - rather presents them in a way to give readers a better understanding in why she served in the military and felt obligated to continue serving our country by running for office.
Proud to call her a friend and thankful that she chose to share her story with a world that would not normally share her unique perspective.
A story I know well. Amy’s book provides insight into one female Marine aviator’s experience as she navigated gaining acceptance into the military, thriving as she set and met her personal and professional goals, and balancing work and family life as she discovered her purpose beyond active duty.
My recommendation: Keep an open mind. Do not read this book with an assumption that all military member experiences are the same or by looking for a hidden political agenda behind the writing of this book. While she shares her experiences and beliefs with us, she does not press readers by suggesting her views are the only way - rather presents them in a way to give readers a better understanding in why she served in the military and felt obligated to continue serving our country by running for office.
Proud to call her a friend and thankful that she chose to share her story with a world that would not normally share her unique perspective.
February 14, 2022
I met Amy at the Veterans Campaign workshop she mentions in the book. We’ve followed similar career paths, from starting out as navigators, her link to the C-130 community, similar assignments and deployments…and soon, to public service. Hearing her tell her story (on audiobook) was eye-opening and amazing. I hope she decides to run again…we need her in office. America needs her to keep serving.
September 3, 2021
Amy McGrath has already done more than most people do in a lifetime. And she’s just getting started.
March 22, 2026
I randomly bought this book at the airport after visiting Annapolis for the first time and being intrigued by the Naval Academy and career paths of their students. I love memoirs and Amy McGrath’s did not disappoint. Her relentless drive is impressive and reminded me of Sally Ride constantly having to be better and prove everything as the first female aviator in her fighter jet class. I was also interested in her childhood and backstory in Kentucky. She really did grow up in a different time when education was truly a meritocracy and hardworking young people without connections or money (I say that relatively—her mother was a pediatrician also a great model and first female in her field) could rise to the top and be selected for leadership roles solely through hard work and great grades. We are lucky to have candidates like her willing to run for office as true public servants but sadly her odds of being elected in Kentucky and defeating geriatric Mitch McConnell are not good.
November 6, 2021
The oath each military person makes (“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”) is never taken lightly nor easily forgotten. It binds one — body and soul — to the Constitution and the ideals of American democracy.
So it is with Amy McGrath, who reiterates that belief and dedication constantly throughout her memoir, Honor Bound . This is one woman’s journey to serve her country.
She epitomizes Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s words, “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”
She is what makes America great.
So it is with Amy McGrath, who reiterates that belief and dedication constantly throughout her memoir, Honor Bound . This is one woman’s journey to serve her country.
She epitomizes Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s words, “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”
She is what makes America great.
August 27, 2021
Not just another Marine’s memoir
I really liked this book because Amy McGrath was really insightful. You can really read her assessment why we Americans were struggling in Afghanistan- the Afghans were struggling just to survive- and her blunt views on Trumpism towards the end were much appreciated.
But this book is also a decent autobiography of her time in the Marines. Well worth a read.
I really liked this book because Amy McGrath was really insightful. You can really read her assessment why we Americans were struggling in Afghanistan- the Afghans were struggling just to survive- and her blunt views on Trumpism towards the end were much appreciated.
But this book is also a decent autobiography of her time in the Marines. Well worth a read.
August 12, 2021
Loved this book!!!
Loved this book and have nothing but admiration for Amy. No matter your political affiliation you will enjoy Amy’s story and be moved by her patriotism and service to our Country.
Loved this book and have nothing but admiration for Amy. No matter your political affiliation you will enjoy Amy’s story and be moved by her patriotism and service to our Country.
August 31, 2021
Narrated by the author. A earnest sharing of her life growing up Kentucky, college and military training at Annapolis and beyond, experiences as a Marine pilot, most recent experiences running for office.
November 25, 2021
I first heard Amy’s book on Pantsuit Politics and developed a liking and respect that this book has doubled if not tripled. Thank you Amy for your service.
From a British citizen living in the red state of Missouri. Don’t be a stranger if you are ever in St Louis :)
From a British citizen living in the red state of Missouri. Don’t be a stranger if you are ever in St Louis :)
August 17, 2021
Audiobook - 5.0
August 20, 2021
Hard to put down!
Lt. Col (Ret.) Amy McGrath is a true American hero. The Commonwealth of Kentucky and our great nation have been well served by patriots like her.
Lt. Col (Ret.) Amy McGrath is a true American hero. The Commonwealth of Kentucky and our great nation have been well served by patriots like her.
October 2, 2021
Best book I’ve read in a while - wish I could give it more than 5 stars! McGrath is an amazing woman and trailblazer who has truly served our country with honor.
October 12, 2021
Pleasant book by the Democratic candidate for the Senate in Kentucky in 2020. Tells her life in the military, her marriage and career in the Pentagon.
May 5, 2026
It’s May 2026. After 14 long years, we are rid of Mitch McConnell. Get your ass out & vote on May 19th Kentucky‼️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews