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Blue Skies, Red Carpet
The true story of an airline pilot's remarkable recovery from a devastating illness to a new life as an actor and finding freedom again.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 15, 2024
Many people dream of becoming a pilot as children, but only a few of them succeed in doing it in adulthood.
This book is a realistic account of the ups and downs of achieving a dream... from dreaming of becoming a pilot to achieving success and flying and starring in a Star Wars movie!
Reading this book will not take you much time, but if you are interested in reading biographies, it can be a good experience for you.
I think it takes a lot of courage to share our life story, whether it's a success or a failure, and Captain Appleton showed that courage...
Reading someone else's life story helps you get a part of their life and lived experience without having to put a lot of effort into it, so with that being said, I definitely recommend reading this book.
Thanks to the Booktester team for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
This book is a realistic account of the ups and downs of achieving a dream... from dreaming of becoming a pilot to achieving success and flying and starring in a Star Wars movie!
Reading this book will not take you much time, but if you are interested in reading biographies, it can be a good experience for you.
I think it takes a lot of courage to share our life story, whether it's a success or a failure, and Captain Appleton showed that courage...
Reading someone else's life story helps you get a part of their life and lived experience without having to put a lot of effort into it, so with that being said, I definitely recommend reading this book.
Thanks to the Booktester team for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
October 28, 2025
Blue Sky Red Carpet, what a misnomer? Given a chance, I would have given this wonderful book a different name, much more in resonance with it's therapeutic impact and usefulness, but that was not to be hence I urge everyone to stick with the given title.
This book ranks among the few books that I finished within a short space of time. The book had a dramatic effect as I found the author unapologetically, with the circumstances of his life directly mirroring mine.
I was raised in a catholic family, schooled in catholic schools, went to a boys only high school, lived under my mother's strict catholicism upbringing with it's myriad "dos and don'ts" that characterized my overall life outlook and sadly incubated a futuristic future within the confines of religion.
With striking formative similarities, came identical adult life vicissitudes. A religious, if not catholistic trust that everyone out there are good people with unassailable moral high ground, which experience confirms that such an expectation is misplaced.
Reading through this book for me was a healing journey. An unassuming therapy that came in a non conventional way. Throughout this book I got healing that no pharmaceuticals could achieve.
The prose is simplistic and accessible to literally anyone but the challenge is resonance. Those who have tasted the kind of illusion of life like the author and I will want to buy this book and use it as a form a reset tonic from time to time to quuieten ones nerves. I was particularly astounded by the playful use of language that literally left me creased up as I even felt like I already know the author in person.
Given the enigmatic dynamics of my life, I have been approached by a number of people to write a book about my life. I did entertain the idea a bit even going to an extent of producing a manuscript. This effort was choked somehow and left midstream. I feel I need to make an effort to connect with the author of this book for guidance and tips.
Yes this is a book not to be enjoyed by everyone but only those with scars of life to use it therapeutically to heal the world. The book is a lifeline most men need to keep a copy and read it every now and then.
What gives this book maximum impact is that it's a true story of the author himself which I will argue that if the author had read a similar book, he would not have undergone the annoying pharmaceutical suppressants and could have kept his pilot career throughout his life. I personally feel healed just by reading his book.
I repeat, with humility, that I strongly laud the author, his courage, grit and tenacity to produce this 'medication' which I believe every man needs out there.
I thank you kindly
Mako Lefosa
This book ranks among the few books that I finished within a short space of time. The book had a dramatic effect as I found the author unapologetically, with the circumstances of his life directly mirroring mine.
I was raised in a catholic family, schooled in catholic schools, went to a boys only high school, lived under my mother's strict catholicism upbringing with it's myriad "dos and don'ts" that characterized my overall life outlook and sadly incubated a futuristic future within the confines of religion.
With striking formative similarities, came identical adult life vicissitudes. A religious, if not catholistic trust that everyone out there are good people with unassailable moral high ground, which experience confirms that such an expectation is misplaced.
Reading through this book for me was a healing journey. An unassuming therapy that came in a non conventional way. Throughout this book I got healing that no pharmaceuticals could achieve.
The prose is simplistic and accessible to literally anyone but the challenge is resonance. Those who have tasted the kind of illusion of life like the author and I will want to buy this book and use it as a form a reset tonic from time to time to quuieten ones nerves. I was particularly astounded by the playful use of language that literally left me creased up as I even felt like I already know the author in person.
Given the enigmatic dynamics of my life, I have been approached by a number of people to write a book about my life. I did entertain the idea a bit even going to an extent of producing a manuscript. This effort was choked somehow and left midstream. I feel I need to make an effort to connect with the author of this book for guidance and tips.
Yes this is a book not to be enjoyed by everyone but only those with scars of life to use it therapeutically to heal the world. The book is a lifeline most men need to keep a copy and read it every now and then.
What gives this book maximum impact is that it's a true story of the author himself which I will argue that if the author had read a similar book, he would not have undergone the annoying pharmaceutical suppressants and could have kept his pilot career throughout his life. I personally feel healed just by reading his book.
I repeat, with humility, that I strongly laud the author, his courage, grit and tenacity to produce this 'medication' which I believe every man needs out there.
I thank you kindly
Mako Lefosa
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Blue Skies, Red Carpet as Phil Appleton the author titled his book you can definitely feel the color changing when you reading the book. Starting where he came from his humble beginning to achieving his goals not only the glitter he also describe the not so glitter parts in this book which take you to all the blue sky but with unexpected reason it fell down to the zero that even you gonna feel bad that it happened to him because he manage to capture what was he feeling at that time and making it to perfect collection of words where the reader can feel. He then goes to the carpet where it’s all red and the with glitter but as I said before he go further and talk about not so glitter part.
Thanks to the glossary i manage to understand what he was talking when he was up sky as he talk not just surface level but everything involved in the sky. As I wasn’t ready for that but get ready for everything because phill has no filters he tell it all without no filters and thats one thing this book stand out for me. Human nature is not to show strangers your weakness or your downtime but phill get to the story of all and talk it all because of that he manage to make connection with the reader in human level. As normal human face what his story different was specially his profession and the unexpected event that led to not one but many changes in his profession and his personal life and how he manage to overcome. I have to admit that reading this was so interesting because of the industry he involved within and i couldn’t wait to read what was he up to. Author didn’t disappoint with his writing style as I read the next chapter. Also one thing I learn about this book as he talk about his life story here it gives you strength that you’re not alone here and someone went before you did and they overcome and so you can too. Reading this book was helpful to get insight of industries that I’m not familiar with and was helpful for personal level as he talk about his struggle and how he manage to face them. There is no superpower Phil had so he had to overcome all of it and take control of his life like a pilot would do as everything is on pilot’s control so your life too.
Thanks to the glossary i manage to understand what he was talking when he was up sky as he talk not just surface level but everything involved in the sky. As I wasn’t ready for that but get ready for everything because phill has no filters he tell it all without no filters and thats one thing this book stand out for me. Human nature is not to show strangers your weakness or your downtime but phill get to the story of all and talk it all because of that he manage to make connection with the reader in human level. As normal human face what his story different was specially his profession and the unexpected event that led to not one but many changes in his profession and his personal life and how he manage to overcome. I have to admit that reading this was so interesting because of the industry he involved within and i couldn’t wait to read what was he up to. Author didn’t disappoint with his writing style as I read the next chapter. Also one thing I learn about this book as he talk about his life story here it gives you strength that you’re not alone here and someone went before you did and they overcome and so you can too. Reading this book was helpful to get insight of industries that I’m not familiar with and was helpful for personal level as he talk about his struggle and how he manage to face them. There is no superpower Phil had so he had to overcome all of it and take control of his life like a pilot would do as everything is on pilot’s control so your life too.
October 18, 2025
Blue Skies, Red Carpet" is the autobiography of Phil Appleton, chronicling his journey from a life in aviation to a career in acting, including a role in a Star Wars movie.
The book is an unflinchingly honest account of both his professional successes and his personal struggles, particularly his battles with mental illness.
Key Plot Points and Themes: Aviation Dream: The memoir begins with Appleton's early life and his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. He achieves this goal, becoming a British Airways pilot, fulfilling his childhood passion for flying and maps. Health Crisis and Transition: His career in aviation is unexpectedly cut short due to a health crisis. This forces him to leave the cockpit and embark on the painful process of rebuilding his life after losing his dream career. The World of Acting: Following his career change, Appleton transitions into the world of acting, eventually landing a role in a Star Wars movie—the "Red Carpet" part of the title. This highlights his ability to achieve a second, completely different, ambitious goal. Personal Struggles and Mental Health: A significant and deeply personal part of the book is Appleton's candid discussion of his struggles with mental illness. He portrays the impact of his mental health on his life with "unflinching honesty." Relationships and Heartbreak: The memoir details the effect his struggles had on his relationships, including a painful divorce from his first wife, betrayal, and his relationships with his parents and children. Despite repeated setbacks and heartbreaks, the narrative emphasizes his ability to keep loving and experiencing life.
The story is ultimately about achieving dreams, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery and rebuilding one's life after significant loss.
The book is an unflinchingly honest account of both his professional successes and his personal struggles, particularly his battles with mental illness.
Key Plot Points and Themes: Aviation Dream: The memoir begins with Appleton's early life and his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. He achieves this goal, becoming a British Airways pilot, fulfilling his childhood passion for flying and maps. Health Crisis and Transition: His career in aviation is unexpectedly cut short due to a health crisis. This forces him to leave the cockpit and embark on the painful process of rebuilding his life after losing his dream career. The World of Acting: Following his career change, Appleton transitions into the world of acting, eventually landing a role in a Star Wars movie—the "Red Carpet" part of the title. This highlights his ability to achieve a second, completely different, ambitious goal. Personal Struggles and Mental Health: A significant and deeply personal part of the book is Appleton's candid discussion of his struggles with mental illness. He portrays the impact of his mental health on his life with "unflinching honesty." Relationships and Heartbreak: The memoir details the effect his struggles had on his relationships, including a painful divorce from his first wife, betrayal, and his relationships with his parents and children. Despite repeated setbacks and heartbreaks, the narrative emphasizes his ability to keep loving and experiencing life.
The story is ultimately about achieving dreams, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery and rebuilding one's life after significant loss.
July 20, 2025
I particularly enjoyed this book because it was so real and relatable. A real-life story of the author's journey, navigating the complexities of mental illness while having to give up on his dream job of being a pilot to having diverse careers and experiences, some fulfilling some not, resonated deeply, very inspiring.
The author's experiences with mental illness and its impact on his life were portrayed with unflinching honesty. The account of how his mental health affected his relationships, including the painful divorce from his first wife, the betrayal by Lynn, her infidelity, and the reasons behind it, his relationship with his parents and his children were presented with a rawness that made it all the more impactful. Despite the setbacks, his ability to keep loving and experiencing life, even after repeated heartbreaks, was admirable. His adventures with various women, his willingness to open himself up to new experiences, and his refusal to be defined by his past failures, were truly inspiring. The author's journey in building his acting career, from being an extra to landing a major acting deal, was a compelling narrative of perseverance and ambition. I was most impressed by the author's willingness to take accountability for his mental illness and his proactive approach to seeking help and improving himself. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has faced mental health challenges, experienced relationship difficulties, or simply needs a dose of inspiration.
The author's experiences with mental illness and its impact on his life were portrayed with unflinching honesty. The account of how his mental health affected his relationships, including the painful divorce from his first wife, the betrayal by Lynn, her infidelity, and the reasons behind it, his relationship with his parents and his children were presented with a rawness that made it all the more impactful. Despite the setbacks, his ability to keep loving and experiencing life, even after repeated heartbreaks, was admirable. His adventures with various women, his willingness to open himself up to new experiences, and his refusal to be defined by his past failures, were truly inspiring. The author's journey in building his acting career, from being an extra to landing a major acting deal, was a compelling narrative of perseverance and ambition. I was most impressed by the author's willingness to take accountability for his mental illness and his proactive approach to seeking help and improving himself. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has faced mental health challenges, experienced relationship difficulties, or simply needs a dose of inspiration.
November 9, 2024
"Blue sky to red carpet" is the real story of Captain Appleton, who decided to share with us his life successes and failures.
His dream was all the time to be a pilot, since childhood he was devouring maps and atlases imagining himself flying. Besides pilots he found new heroes in actors, in time he had enough ambition and strenght to achieve both goals, fly the airplanes and be an actor. But sometimes life interferes and things do not go as we would like, our health becomes our enemy.
The technical details about airplanes and flying were a bit too much for me but it is never too late to learn. The author encourages us to fight, sometimes even against ourselves, as our mind and body can put the biggest obstacles in our way.
"Brought up by perfectionist parents, my view of life was that it was supposed to be blue skies, warm sunshine, and sparkling seas, with fit, happy, smiling people all around. The practicalities of daily existence were expected to slot into place, while professionals all did their jobs faultlessly."
His dream was all the time to be a pilot, since childhood he was devouring maps and atlases imagining himself flying. Besides pilots he found new heroes in actors, in time he had enough ambition and strenght to achieve both goals, fly the airplanes and be an actor. But sometimes life interferes and things do not go as we would like, our health becomes our enemy.
The technical details about airplanes and flying were a bit too much for me but it is never too late to learn. The author encourages us to fight, sometimes even against ourselves, as our mind and body can put the biggest obstacles in our way.
"Brought up by perfectionist parents, my view of life was that it was supposed to be blue skies, warm sunshine, and sparkling seas, with fit, happy, smiling people all around. The practicalities of daily existence were expected to slot into place, while professionals all did their jobs faultlessly."
February 23, 2025
This memoir by Mr Phil Appleton, chronicling his extraordinary journey from a commercial airline pilot to an actor navigating the world of film and television. It follows his early life, his passion for flying, and his career as a British Airways pilot before an unexpected health crisis forces him to leave aviation behind. Poignant!
Struggling with the loss of his career and personal setbacks, Appleton reinvents himself in the entertainment industry. He takes on roles in various productions, including Star Wars, Grace of Monaco, and London Has Fallen, gradually building a new identity. Along the way, he encounters fascinating characters, from Hollywood elites to Bulgarian filmmakers, while grappling with his personal challenges, including mental health struggles.
The memoir captures Appleton's resilience and adaptability, illustrating how he navigates through life's turbulence and ultimately finds a new purpose. It is a story of transformation, survival, and the pursuit of passion against the odds. Great metaphor!
Struggling with the loss of his career and personal setbacks, Appleton reinvents himself in the entertainment industry. He takes on roles in various productions, including Star Wars, Grace of Monaco, and London Has Fallen, gradually building a new identity. Along the way, he encounters fascinating characters, from Hollywood elites to Bulgarian filmmakers, while grappling with his personal challenges, including mental health struggles.
The memoir captures Appleton's resilience and adaptability, illustrating how he navigates through life's turbulence and ultimately finds a new purpose. It is a story of transformation, survival, and the pursuit of passion against the odds. Great metaphor!
November 18, 2025
From this book, Phil articulates clearly on his life.
One can learn that the development of children is based on the ways of their parents. They are the ones who instil in their children the first lessons of life.
Another lesson is that the path to one's desired career is not easy, it requires passion and dedication. Many sacrifices will have to be made.
At some point in our path we will encounter setbacks or drawbacks _ that moment will be our turning point, to discover one's purpose in life.
Life will not always turn out to be the way we imagined but that's not a problem.
Lastly, mental illnesses can affect anyone regardless of one's family history. The most important thing is learning how to handle that situation.
In this book, Phil gives an account of his life, how after facing a setback he was able to go about it.
Otherwise, looking at his story not many can, by their own will, overcome such setbacks he had to go through.
One can learn that the development of children is based on the ways of their parents. They are the ones who instil in their children the first lessons of life.
Another lesson is that the path to one's desired career is not easy, it requires passion and dedication. Many sacrifices will have to be made.
At some point in our path we will encounter setbacks or drawbacks _ that moment will be our turning point, to discover one's purpose in life.
Life will not always turn out to be the way we imagined but that's not a problem.
Lastly, mental illnesses can affect anyone regardless of one's family history. The most important thing is learning how to handle that situation.
In this book, Phil gives an account of his life, how after facing a setback he was able to go about it.
Otherwise, looking at his story not many can, by their own will, overcome such setbacks he had to go through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
I just realised that I have read less non-fiction books this year than I normally do. Hmm.
This story is a very interesting one, and I am not talking about the red carpet part of the book here. What a journey this must have been for Mr. Appleton!
Along with the actionfilled adventures, we also get a healthy dose of humour and some much needed explanation of aviation terms that actually do not go voooosj over your head.😄
I get the feeling that Captain Appleton has been refreshingly open in his stories. A feeling of solitude and loneliness already in his childhood. Followed by insecurity and ED.
I believe he is right about transparency of psychological challenges.
After all, all it takes is a tiny hormonal imbalance to knock you off your socks.
Thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Appleton.
This story is a very interesting one, and I am not talking about the red carpet part of the book here. What a journey this must have been for Mr. Appleton!
Along with the actionfilled adventures, we also get a healthy dose of humour and some much needed explanation of aviation terms that actually do not go voooosj over your head.😄
I get the feeling that Captain Appleton has been refreshingly open in his stories. A feeling of solitude and loneliness already in his childhood. Followed by insecurity and ED.
I believe he is right about transparency of psychological challenges.
After all, all it takes is a tiny hormonal imbalance to knock you off your socks.
Thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Appleton.
October 31, 2025
I’d give Blue Sky Red Carpet 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a real, honest story that hits u with life lessons and inspiration. It’s not super fancy or flashy in writing, but it’s full of truth and moments that make you think and feel.
The writer grew up with a French mom and English dad, dreaming of flying planes. He made it, soaring at 30,000 feet, living the high life. But then everything crashed, even his mental health issues, hospital stays, losing his job, marriage, and home. Over 40+ years, he rebuilt his life, became an actor, wrote his story, and faced bullying, racism, and setbacks head-on.
This book is all about resilience, identity, and taking control of your life which made me to love this book fr .
The writer grew up with a French mom and English dad, dreaming of flying planes. He made it, soaring at 30,000 feet, living the high life. But then everything crashed, even his mental health issues, hospital stays, losing his job, marriage, and home. Over 40+ years, he rebuilt his life, became an actor, wrote his story, and faced bullying, racism, and setbacks head-on.
This book is all about resilience, identity, and taking control of your life which made me to love this book fr .
June 11, 2021
You probably wouldn't recognise Phil Appleton if you bumped into him in his local pub in Windsor, but you may well recognise many of the mental tussles he's been through in his eventful life. In this refreshingly honest memoir, Appleton tells us of his journey from airline pilot to acting in a Star Wars movie, and all the ups and downs (quite literally) along the way. Full disclosure, I have worked with the author and knew something of his life before reading the book, but that's not a precursor to enjoying this insight into the thought processes we all probably go through. I read the book in two days and happily recommend it.
November 23, 2024
I really enjoyed Blue Sky Red Carpet.
His story of rebuilding his life after losing everything was raw, inspiring, and full of hope. I liked how he shared his struggles with mental health honestly, and it made me feel connected to his journey. The mix of personal growth and his adventures in acting kept it interesting. Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but overall, it was motivating and uplifting.
I walked away feeling that even the hardest challenges can lead to something meaningful. A great read for anyone needing inspiration
His story of rebuilding his life after losing everything was raw, inspiring, and full of hope. I liked how he shared his struggles with mental health honestly, and it made me feel connected to his journey. The mix of personal growth and his adventures in acting kept it interesting. Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but overall, it was motivating and uplifting.
I walked away feeling that even the hardest challenges can lead to something meaningful. A great read for anyone needing inspiration
December 20, 2024
Appleton offers a compelling exploration of fame, self-identity, and the price of success. The novel follows a rising star as they navigate the high-pressure world of celebrity, struggling with the tension between public expectations and personal fulfillment. Appleton skillfully portrays the allure and emptiness of stardom, blending emotional depth with sharp social commentary. Before reading this I was unfamiliar with Appleton. His journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable, making this a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern fame.
November 23, 2025
Blue Skies Red Carpet” is deeply insightful and inspirational. From battling mental health challenges to becoming more self aware, mature, and comfortable in his own skin, the author takes us on a vulnerable and honest journey. He even invites us to reconsider the line between mental illness and mental health issues, reminding us of how important it is to speak up. The book also highlights the need to take it easy on ourselves, because sometimes we are our own biggest critics. A powerful, reflective read.
February 8, 2026
This book is an absolute beauty well written .Through this book one can travel with the author and feel his emotions as though they are your own . You can resonate with his personality his fun side his moments of reflection , how deep is his passion for being a pilot and doesn't want to go wrong when it comes to flying in open blue skies .
His crazy luck by chance as he tries to give his best shot to acting the roles he gets offered and fearlessly he jumps into this adventure and his curiosity of what next . Loved it
His crazy luck by chance as he tries to give his best shot to acting the roles he gets offered and fearlessly he jumps into this adventure and his curiosity of what next . Loved it
December 17, 2024
Without exaggeration, anyone with sense of purpose would feel like reading about themselves in the book. It feels intimate when he opens up about his flaws, including love life.
I learnt that God is a better and a master planner. I'd say a life of dreams takes us to unexpected places to meet unexpected people in unexpected manners".
After reading the book, I loved life more. And I believe, there'll always be a reason to live.
I learnt that God is a better and a master planner. I'd say a life of dreams takes us to unexpected places to meet unexpected people in unexpected manners".
After reading the book, I loved life more. And I believe, there'll always be a reason to live.
December 5, 2025
This book was an awesome read the writer took us into his story, his motivation and struggles to become his dream. His story resonates with anyone interested in making a path for themselves no matter their present situation.
Overall, this is a well-crafted, thought-provoking book that leaves readers with a renewed appreciation for the aviation industry and the people who shape it. I highly recommend it.
Overall, this is a well-crafted, thought-provoking book that leaves readers with a renewed appreciation for the aviation industry and the people who shape it. I highly recommend it.
December 19, 2024
Blue Sky Red Carpet is a riveting memoir but also a tale of faith as Phil's struggles and his overcoming adventure was so inspiring. I enjoyed the vulnerability and honesty with which he told his story and it made me feel even more attuned to his life. I sometimes get lost in all the airplane technical details but apart from that, it was an interesting read. Worth a read!!!
October 3, 2025
The courage to write without casting yourself as a hero or victim is what makes readers lean in.
Phil Appleton nailed this in Blue Sky Red Carpet.
Find my full review here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/unfilte...
Phil Appleton nailed this in Blue Sky Red Carpet.
Find my full review here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/unfilte...
January 18, 2025
I feel he has been as honest as he could be about the journey the struggle of mind , life in general and various mental and physical health struggle he had . It was my first time reading someone biography because I have always been interested in the fictional side more but I am glad I did
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