Reader Reviews *
Reader Reviews *
What People are Saying about Where We Land
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ORDER NOW! You won’t regret it!
This book is wonderful!!!! We were blessed to meet him (Donald) on a trip to Costa Rica and he mentioned his book. We ordered it on Amazon immediately. He truly had a gift of story telling, and it’s quite amazing to hear his journey from how he got started all the way to retirement. Some celebrity encounters-some nice, some rude…..Hilarious stories….The true testament is that my husband picks this up and reads it-he DOES NOT READ!!!!!! He LOVES IT! I truly enjoy it as well. So don’t hesitate, just order now!
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Take off with this delightful read!
An absolute gem! This memoir tracks a boy from the heartland achieving his dreams of becoming a pilot, and the turbulence from all directions over his decades in the skies. It provides a fascinating, honest, and humorous copilot’s chair into the life of a commercial airline pilot, but also delves into the history, politics, and societal changes that have impacted life in the air and everything surrounding that phenomenal aspect of modern life that we take for granted. A truly pleasurable read!
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Hooked from the first sentence
Where We Land is fascinating on so many levels. Well-written, compelling, and hard to put down. A “small town boy makes good story” with lots of unexpected twists!
I am a better person for reading this book.
This is a fun true story about boyhood dreams achieved, an insiders perspective of the airline industry, overcoming disappointments and obstacles, and shared wisdom on career choices, friendship, leadership, and parenting. I was given this book on a Wednesday night, and despite a busy schedule, and turned the last page Sunday morning. I just kept picking it up every free moment. I finish books where I would like to have a cup of coffee with the author, who I think is funny, smart and talented, and this author exceeded my expectations. I think I am a better person for reading it. Mr. Osborn, thank you for your service in saving lives with transporting organs, your flight rescues in Haiti, for all the passengers you kept safe over the years and training the next generation of pilots to do the same.
Its not what I thought it would be. Its better.
Well written and entertaining. Thoughtful and humorous. I couldn't put it down.
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An insightful memoir that showcases the world of aviation in all its glory, its humorous situations, and the struggles one encounters while being a pilot.
I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. I knew next to nothing about airplanes, pilots, or the world of aviation before reading this book, so I found it to be rather enlightening about an industry that I knew next to nothing about. What I enjoyed even more though, was the lessons that Don has learned about the world through his time as a pilot.
Something I really appreciated about this book was how it felt like playing catch-up with an old friend. I obviously don't know Don and will never meet him in my lifetime, but reading this book felt as though I was chatting with a friend. His sense of humor was also quite fun, and I really appreciate that he didn't just express it on the page, but showcased how he used his sense of humor in his job as a pilot.
The topics in this book are quite varied. From the stipulations that were put in place after 9/11, to the joys of teaching the next generation of pilots, to all the interesting people and cargo Don has flown throughout his life, "Where We Land" is packed full with intriguing stories. I enjoyed every segment of it, and never found myself growing bored. In my opinion, I think the fact that this memoir is pretty short was actually a boon. Longer memoirs tend to get off topic and drag a bit, but I never felt this way when embarking on this journey with Don.
Overall, I learned a ton about pilots, the human condition, and the importance of travel while reading "Where We Land." I was pleasantly surprised by the joy I felt from reading this book and am glad that I happened to come across this memoir.
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This is a great read. While it focuses on a pilots career it can apply to a lot of life choices. It should be required reading for all senior high school students. It’s entertaining and yet full of life lessons.
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Great read! I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Don Osborn has the gift of storytelling, and his work left me longing for more. Even though it's written about the life of an airline pilot which makes up a tiny fraction of the population, it is relatable to everyone. A story that keeps you engaged punctuated with the occasional line that caused me to burst out in laughter. I eagerly await his next offering.
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Go along on a lifetime of adventure with the author. This book is hard to put down. I have retired from the same profession and have traveled a very similar path. The memories are pure gold, and the author expresses his experiences in a very entertaining fashion.
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Never thought an aviation book could make me laugh and cry. It’s a fantastically interesting story and easy to read. Order it! Your expectations will be exceeded!
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Masterful Exploration of the Skies
A masterful exploration of the skies, Donald Osborn's "Where We Land: A Pilot's Reflections at Altitude," co-authored with Anna Henkens Schmidt, weaves together captivating narratives of flight with profound reflections on life itself. As a reader, you embark on an exhilarating journey through the clouds, guided by Osborn's expert hand and imbued with the wisdom that can only come from a seasoned aviator.
From the very first page, Osborn's passion for flying is palpable. He effortlessly translates the thrill of takeoff, the serenity of cruising altitude, and the adrenaline of landing into vivid prose that sweeps you off your feet. Each chapter feels like a personal conversation with a mentor, as Osborn shares his wealth of experience with humility and warmth.
What sets "Where We Land" apart is its ability to transcend the technicalities of aviation and delve into the deeper meanings behind the act of flying. Through Osborn's reflections, we come to understand that flying is not merely a skill or a profession but a way of life. It’s a metaphor for the human experience itself. As he navigates the complexities of the cockpit, he also navigates the complexities of the human soul, offering insights that are as profound as they are enlightening.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or someone who has never set foot on a plane, Osborn's storytelling prowess ensures that you feel right at home in the cockpit. He strikes the perfect balance between technical detail and narrative flow, making even the most intricate concepts easily understandable. By the end of the book, you'll find yourself not only knowledgeable about aviation but deeply inspired by the beauty of flight.
But perhaps the true heart of "Where We Land" lies in its exploration of human connection. Through anecdotes of encounters with passengers, fellow pilots, and air traffic controllers, Osborn reminds us that flying is, at its core, a shared experience. It's a reminder that, no matter how high we soar or how far we travel, we are all bound together by our common humanity. In an age where divisions seem to grow deeper by the day, Osborn's message of unity and empathy is both timely and necessary.
Equally compelling are the sections of the book where Osborn reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of embracing every moment with gratitude. As he grapples with the inherent risks of aviation, he imparts invaluable lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of perspective. In a world where uncertainty lurks around every corner, his words serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us through the storm with grace and resilience.
Schmidt's contributions to the book are also worthy of praise. Her keen editorial eye and empathetic touch complement Osborn's narrative perfectly, ensuring that every word resonates with clarity and authenticity. Together, they have crafted a work that is both enlightening and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to turn its pages.
This book is a soaring triumph. It’s a testament to the beauty of flight and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're a aviation enthusiast, a seeker of wisdom, or simply someone looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to leave you inspired, uplifted, and forever changed. Donald Osborn and Anna Henkens Schmidt have given us a gift, and it’s one that reminds us of the limitless possibilities that await when we dare to spread our wings and take flight.
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Great fun and an outstanding collection of tales from the cockpit and beyond. If you were ever curious about who the men and women are at the controls of your plane, this is for you. Lots of humor.
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Amazingly accurate, yet funny!
As a career pilot, I quickly found myself copying quotes and sayings from this book to reference later. They were things that I instinctively know to be true, but Don put them to words more poetically than I could’ve dreamed to. His life experiences were much more dramatic than mine, yet he put such a wonderful human touch on them and made them humorous. We can all relate to what he says. For anyone who flies for a career, or who occasionally flies, there is something in this book that you can learn and appreciate. Thank you, Don, for putting to words so eloquently what I know to be true but could not say. Great book!
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Awesome Behind-The-Scenes Exploration of an Pilot's Life!
Where We Land was an insightful, humorous behind-the-scenes look into the life of a pilot. The book's imagery alone is enough reason to buy this, and I found myself sinking into the pages and losing track of time! Filled with hilarious anecdotes, touching moments of vulnerability, and themes relating to family and the complex nature of doing a job as demanding as this one, this book is a MUST read for non-fiction readers everywhere -especially those even the slightest bit curious about the men and women who fly their planes :). And if you think you know what goes on behind the scenes - trust me, you DON'T (lol)!
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Reviewed by Richard Bist for Reader Views (05/2024)
Many people think the life of an airline pilot to be nothing but amazing travel adventures, exotic locales, and rubbing shoulders with famous passengers. Donald Osborn has seen some of that, but he’s also seen the hardships that go along with the job. There are long periods away from his family, obnoxious passengers, and the ever-present danger of layoffs from failed airlines. “Where We Land: A Pilot’s Reflections at Altitude” by Donald Osborn is a journey of humor, wit, and insight that shows just what it takes to chase the dream of the pilot.
I’ll admit that I’m one of those average people who looks at airline pilots as being up there with surgeons. They go through tough training to fly those metal machines and have the lives of hundreds of people in their hands. There’s no room for mistakes. It’s a tough job that, I always thought, was glamorous and paid extremely well.
Osborn’s autobiography splashed water on those ideas. Not that being a pilot doesn’t have perks. But it is a long road to get there. Osborn takes the reader back to his humble beginnings in Nebraska and his early dreams of reaching the sky. While his first taste of flying is unconventional, it also cements his determination to escape his unhappy life.
This is a well-written book that weaves its way back and forth between Osborn’s personal and professional lives. He and his co-author Anna Henkens Schmidt do a wonderful job of keeping the narrative conversational and never delving too deeply into the technical aspects of flying. The sections that cover the work inside the cockpit are written simply and often with humor.
I felt that’s what set this book apart from other autobiographies I’ve read. Osborn has a great sense of humor and can find something to laugh at – or make fun of – in almost any situation.
The book also defied some of my expectations, but in a good way. I was expecting a lot of references to celebrities and other famous people, but Osborn only devoted one fairly short chapter to this topic. And even then, he writes honestly and candidly about the people he had the opportunity to meet.
“Where We Land” by Osborn is more than just an autobiography. It’s also more than a look at the life of a pilot. There are insights into human behavior, the importance of preparation for any event, and other life tips that come from years of experience. This is a wonderful and entertaining read and I recommend it to anyone who has wondered about the people on the other side of the cockpit door.
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Absolutely loved this book! It’s filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of insight into the aviation world. Don’s stories are both educational and entertaining, making you laugh and think in equal measure. It’s a great mix of life lessons, funny anecdotes, and touching moments. Totally recommend - 5 stars!