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Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me About Self-worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Merryl Tengesdal, has become one of the most interesting and compelling maverick women in aviation.
In this inspirational memoir, retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal shares her Life Lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood – and everything in between.
This book is a deep reflection on life in the military, with mesmerizing storytelling. Merryl invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood in the Bronx, to her years deployed in the Middle East, South America, and Asia, to her experience on the hit reality show Tough As Nails . With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her life as she lived it - in her own words and on her own terms. With wisdom and warmth, Shatter the Sky is the deeply personal story of a woman of substance who has steadily defied expectations - and whose story inspires us to do the same.
In this inspirational memoir, retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal shares her Life Lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood – and everything in between.
This book is a deep reflection on life in the military, with mesmerizing storytelling. Merryl invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood in the Bronx, to her years deployed in the Middle East, South America, and Asia, to her experience on the hit reality show Tough As Nails . With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her life as she lived it - in her own words and on her own terms. With wisdom and warmth, Shatter the Sky is the deeply personal story of a woman of substance who has steadily defied expectations - and whose story inspires us to do the same.
- GenresAviation
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
9 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Merryl Tengesdal
1 bookColonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret), born in 1971 in The Bronx, New York, is a trailblazer in the field of aviation and a symbol of perseverance and excellence. She is notably recognized as the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft in the United States Air Force. Her journey to this remarkable achievement began with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Haven, where she was one of only three women in her program and actively participated in basketball and ROTC.
Merryl’s military career started in the Navy as a commissioned officer after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1994. She excelled as a Naval Aviator, piloting the SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter and serving in various global locations, including the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. Her transition to the Air Force marked a historic moment as she became the only Black woman to fly the U-2 spy plane, accumulating over 1,000 flight hours and participating in critical reconnaissance missions worldwide.
In addition to her flying career, Merryl has held significant leadership roles, such as the Chief of Flight Safety for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Director of Operations for the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, and Commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Detachment 2 at Palmdale, CA. Her last assignment before retiring in 2017 was as the Director of Inspections at the Pentagon, where she managed the USAF Nuclear Surety Inspections (NSI) program.
Merryl’s post-military life is as dynamic as her career. She is a motivational speaker, sharing her insights on diversity, leadership, and the importance of women and minorities in STEM. Her television appearances include being a cast member on CBS’s “Tough As Nails” Season 2 and contributions to various programs like the Smithsonian Channel’s “Air Warriors” and PBS’s “UNLADYLIKE2020 – The Bessie Coleman Story”. She also consulted on Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies”.
Her educational achievements are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven, a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of New Haven. Merryl was inducted into the 2019 Air Force Gathering of Eagles Foundation as an aviation pioneer.
In 2021, Merryl released her Memoir Shatter the Sky: What going to the stratosphere taught me about self-worth, sacrifice, and discipline. “Shatter the Sky,” is more than a memoir; it’s an inspiration. In it, Merryl shares her life lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood – and everything in between.
Merryl’s military career started in the Navy as a commissioned officer after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1994. She excelled as a Naval Aviator, piloting the SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter and serving in various global locations, including the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. Her transition to the Air Force marked a historic moment as she became the only Black woman to fly the U-2 spy plane, accumulating over 1,000 flight hours and participating in critical reconnaissance missions worldwide.
In addition to her flying career, Merryl has held significant leadership roles, such as the Chief of Flight Safety for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Director of Operations for the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, and Commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Detachment 2 at Palmdale, CA. Her last assignment before retiring in 2017 was as the Director of Inspections at the Pentagon, where she managed the USAF Nuclear Surety Inspections (NSI) program.
Merryl’s post-military life is as dynamic as her career. She is a motivational speaker, sharing her insights on diversity, leadership, and the importance of women and minorities in STEM. Her television appearances include being a cast member on CBS’s “Tough As Nails” Season 2 and contributions to various programs like the Smithsonian Channel’s “Air Warriors” and PBS’s “UNLADYLIKE2020 – The Bessie Coleman Story”. She also consulted on Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies”.
Her educational achievements are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven, a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of New Haven. Merryl was inducted into the 2019 Air Force Gathering of Eagles Foundation as an aviation pioneer.
In 2021, Merryl released her Memoir Shatter the Sky: What going to the stratosphere taught me about self-worth, sacrifice, and discipline. “Shatter the Sky,” is more than a memoir; it’s an inspiration. In it, Merryl shares her life lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood – and everything in between.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2021
Released in October 2021 with a Foreword by Phil Keoghan (producer of both a show Merryl participated called Tough as Nails, and The Amazing Race), this book is a memoir told through a series of vignettes of Merryl's (military call sign, 'The Dragon Lady,') upbringing, military career in the US Navy and Air Force, and a chapter or two of her life following military service.
The title of the book comes from a story early on in the book where Merryl relates how women and people of color in the military blaze new paths and ‘break glass ceilings.’ She wanted to go beyond this trite notion and ‘shatter the sky.’ And in many respects through =out her career she does just that. Seeking a fair chance and opportunity as a girl who grew up in the Bronx with Trinidad and St Thomas roots, Merryl describes her early struggles in figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. Gifted by musical abilities developed early in life and desire for achievement, she eventually found that military flying was something she wanted to passionately pursue.
Entering the Navy flying training program she fought hard for jets but came up half a point short and drew helicopters. Excelling wildly, but not without roadblocks and adversity every step of the way she came to a crossroads in the Navy that led her to accomplish an interservice transfer to the Air Force. She tasted Air Force flying after time in the Navy flying T-34 trainers and spent time at both Navy and Air Force bases, finding the latter very interesting and appealing.
Always having dreamed of being an astronaut, Merryl found out about a path via the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Even before her interservice transfer to the USAF was approved, she had successfully received an interview and passed the rigorous two-week process to fly the 1955-era aircraft. From here the book details many of her adventures in the U-2 and how the death of one of her mentors and high-time U-2 pilots impacted her life.
Not one to put up with a lot of BS, this book is a very real and relatable account of someone who has been there and done that. Merryl is the ONLY African American female to ever fly the U-2, and around one of only ten women of a total of around 1,100 who ever flew it.
The title of the book comes from a story early on in the book where Merryl relates how women and people of color in the military blaze new paths and ‘break glass ceilings.’ She wanted to go beyond this trite notion and ‘shatter the sky.’ And in many respects through =out her career she does just that. Seeking a fair chance and opportunity as a girl who grew up in the Bronx with Trinidad and St Thomas roots, Merryl describes her early struggles in figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. Gifted by musical abilities developed early in life and desire for achievement, she eventually found that military flying was something she wanted to passionately pursue.
Entering the Navy flying training program she fought hard for jets but came up half a point short and drew helicopters. Excelling wildly, but not without roadblocks and adversity every step of the way she came to a crossroads in the Navy that led her to accomplish an interservice transfer to the Air Force. She tasted Air Force flying after time in the Navy flying T-34 trainers and spent time at both Navy and Air Force bases, finding the latter very interesting and appealing.
Always having dreamed of being an astronaut, Merryl found out about a path via the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Even before her interservice transfer to the USAF was approved, she had successfully received an interview and passed the rigorous two-week process to fly the 1955-era aircraft. From here the book details many of her adventures in the U-2 and how the death of one of her mentors and high-time U-2 pilots impacted her life.
Not one to put up with a lot of BS, this book is a very real and relatable account of someone who has been there and done that. Merryl is the ONLY African American female to ever fly the U-2, and around one of only ten women of a total of around 1,100 who ever flew it.
February 9, 2022
Merryl Tengesdal’s inspiring memoir, SHATTER THE SKY, is honest and funny. In it, she comes across as refreshingly down-to-Earth for someone who reached such lofty altitudes and rank in her military career. Her story, from her childhood in the Bronx, to U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, to U2 pilot, and into retirement as a personal trainer and participant on the reality TV show Tough as Nails, is presented in small vignettes that are easily accessible to readers of all ages. This feels appropriate as she hopes not only to share her story with adults, but also to inspire young people to pursue, and work hard for, their goals in life. As a pilot, I loved learning the details of her experience at the controls of the U-2 Dragonlady reconnaissance aircraft, and as a former military officer, I identified with many of the peer and career challenges she faced. But her story won’t just be of interest to pilots—hers is a story of overcoming odds, determination, and facing challenges head-on. This book was the January 2022 Aviatrix Book Club discussion book, and you can find an interview with her about it on the Aviatrix Book Review website and podcast.
Aviatrix Book Review website.
Aviatrix Book Review website.
December 27, 2022
Merryl’s story is compelling, honest, and filled with humor. She talks about her thoughts, feelings and emotions in a way that makes them relatable for the reader, and I found parallels between her experiences and my own, even though our lives are very different. The book is filled with examples of the themes mentioned in the title: discipline, sacrifice, and self-worth - I think a lot can be learned from Merryl’s attitude about/view of herself, her approach to life and what it means to work hard, and how she views and works with the people around her. Very enjoyable read & most definitely a unique and inspiring story!
September 10, 2024
Nice read about an ambitious young lady who despite her many imperfections (she lets us know her bad points) rose to be a colonel in the air force. She joined the Navy to fly. Was assigned helps. After several years she moved to the air force and became one of the two female U2 pilots. Despite some shortcomings (mainly a little lack of self asteem) she advanced and retired a full colonel.
March 24, 2025
Merryl’s voice, personality and attitude comes through very clearly in her story. As a reader I felt like I had a behind the scenes look into her private journal. Her story is fascinating and inspiring but told in a very no-nonsense, matter-of-fact kind of way. It was a quick and fascinating read. I wish she would have opened up a bit more and perhaps spent more time revealing some of the lessons she learned along her unique path that “civilians” such as myself could have taken away and applied to their daily lives.
October 27, 2021
Merryl Tengesdal’s compelling story!
Hard to put the book down. Great story and the way it is written is very compelling! You will love it. Such a great example of goal setting. Determination. And Just Do It! Merryl is awesome. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hard to put the book down. Great story and the way it is written is very compelling! You will love it. Such a great example of goal setting. Determination. And Just Do It! Merryl is awesome. Thanks for sharing your story.
February 25, 2023
A truly spectacular epic on leadership for women. Had I had this at the start of my military career I might still be allowed to fly. A game changer. Loved it even more than John Glenn’s book. Now I want it in hard copy
July 22, 2023
I know Merryl, and she is a badass retired Air Force U2 pilot and is just simply cool. Her book is written pretty much in her speaking voice so very laid back and chill. It's broken up into small anecdotes so easy to read and put down anytime to come back to.
October 10, 2021
Easy read, humorous at times, intense, raw and inspirational. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
January 15, 2022
Fun read! Written by the first African American female pilot of the U-2 Recon plane, it is both inspirational and laugh out loud funny! Highly recommended!
February 3, 2024
Incredible story telling narrative. Great read for future female aviators. The use of her/she pronouns will empower the next generation.
June 8, 2025
I saw Merryl on Tough as Nails — her backstory sounded fascinating, and so it is!
May 31, 2022
Merryl Tengesdal’s inspiring memoir, SHATTER THE SKY, is honest and funny. In it, she comes across as refreshingly down-to-Earth for someone who reached such lofty altitudes and rank in her military career. Her story, from her childhood in the Bronx, to U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, to U2 pilot, and into retirement as a personal trainer and participant on the reality TV show Tough as Nails, is presented in small vignettes that are easily accessible to readers of all ages. This feels appropriate as she hopes not only to share her story with adults, but also to inspire young people to pursue, and work hard for, their goals in life. As a pilot, I loved learning the details of her experience at the controls of the U-2 Dragonlady reconnaissance aircraft, and as a former military officer, I identified with many of the peer and career challenges she faced. But her story won’t just be of interest to pilots—hers is a story of overcoming odds, determination, and facing challenges head-on. This book was the January 2022 Aviatrix Book Club discussion book, and you can find an interview with her about it on the Aviatrix Book Review website and podcast.
Aviatrix Book Review website.
Aviatrix Book Review website.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews