Safe Landing

by Melody Smith, Kim Jockl, Jim Borchers

Safe A Family's Journey Following the Crash of American Airlines Flight 191. This book tells the incredible journey of three siblings over the last 40+ years grieving their parents' sudden loss, coming together as a family, and working hard to honor the lives of all 273 lost on Flight 191. It's an inspirational Chicago story about love, family, and how tragedy gets a big word, but it never gets the final word.

184 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2022

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who was also directly involved in the events of the story of this book I would like to thank the authors for sharing the hardships, anger, hurt but ultimately all the love that has come from this story. I viewed this story from their point of view and felt many of the same emotions as they did. I lost fellow crewmembers, but they lost their parents and it added perspective to my memories. Great job, and thanks again for sharing it.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story about a family impacted by a horrible tragedy and how they each dealt with the loss of their parents but how they also worked to bring the family closer together and make sure the legacy of their parents never died. Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in personal stories that we all can relate to.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a moving & loving tribute to the authors’ parents and all 273 people who lost their lives on Flight 191. It was quite a journey from the crash on May 25, 1979 to the dedication of a permanent memorial 40 years later. It took so many people to make it a beautiful spot to visit and remember the lives that were lost.

[Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read and kept me reading.

[Michael Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story, told by the 3 people who were blindsided by a terrible accident. Wonderful that they kept on top of the happening for many years and with help were able to find a way to honor their parents and the many others who suffered. We really enjoyed reading the story.

[Mary Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a touching very heart filled story of what happened. A lot of memories of Chicago landmarks for me.

[Marian Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading 'Safe Landing'! It was one of those rare books I could not put down. Since it is a true story, all of the emotions that I experienced in the book were real. Growing up in Chicago, I appreciated the memories! I fell in love with this family and their love for one another and their Mom's heart to keep everyone close....beautiful and also heart-wrenching, but so well written.

[Mary Cicchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read of how the tragic crash of American Flight 191 affected the lives of 3 adult siblings and families.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story of a family before and after one of the worst tragedies in Chicago history. I was captivated my the magic of this family which just made the loss even more poignant. Highly recommend.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! What I enjoyed so much is that the book was so interesting to learn so much about this wonderful family from the point of view of all three siblings. The story of this wonderful family was never eclipsed by the tragedy of the horrific crash of flight 191.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading SAFE LANDING brought back so many memories for me of growing up in the 50's, 60's and 70's and how important family times were. These three siblings who lost their parents on Flight 191 share their perspectives and feelings independently throughout the book but more importantly the book shares how they grew closer together as a family to survive this tragedy. The book makes you smile and cry and shows what persistence and love can accomplish. It is a "Red Letter" read.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true Chicago heartbreak. Love being able to hear all of the siblings stories. God bless all those families. Way to go CPS 6th graders! ❤️

[Maureen Neylon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Borchers family put their whole hearts and souls in to this book and the project to honor the loss of their parents on AA flight 191. Clearly a labor of love and catharsis for them over several decades. I loved how personal the book was, the alternating writers and the photos and documents relating to the family, the crash and eventually the memorial. I passed Lake Park every day on my commute to work for years, including when the memorial was being built. I need to make a trip there to see it now.