Above and Beyond

Above and Beyond chronicles the U-2 spy plane crisis during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The narrative follows U-2 pilots who conducted reconnaissance missions over Cuba, capturing evidence of Soviet nuclear missiles that brought the world to the brink of war. The book details the technical challenges of flying the U-2 at extreme altitudes and the psychological pressure on pilots who knew they could trigger an international incident. Through declassified documents and interviews, Sherman and Tougias reconstruct the hour-by-hour tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union during the thirteen days of the crisis. President Kennedy and his advisors feature prominently as they attempt to navigate the diplomatic and military challenges posed by the missile discovery. The authors present multiple perspectives from inside the White House, Pentagon, and cockpits of the U-2 aircraft during this pivotal moment in Cold War history. The narrative highlights how individual courage and judgment during moments of extreme pressure can alter the course of world events. Through the lens of the U-2 missions, the book examines the delicate balance between military necessity and the risks of escalating international conflict.

Readers highlight the book's deep research and vivid accounts of U-2 spy plane missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Multiple reviewers note the balanced perspective between military operations and political decisions. Liked: - Personal stories and details about pilots' experiences - Clear explanation of complex political situations - Fast pacing and tension in mission descriptions - Inclusion of Soviet and Cuban perspectives Disliked: - Some sections become repetitive - Technical details occasionally slow the narrative - A few readers found the political background sections too lengthy - Some confusion about timeline jumps between chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (256 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (165 ratings) One Amazon reviewer wrote: "The authors make you feel like you're in the cockpit." A Goodreads reviewer noted: "Expected more about the actual crisis negotiations and less about individual flight missions."

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🌟 The book details the incredible story of John F. Kennedy's PT-109 boat collision during WWII, where he led his crew to survival after swimming 3.5 miles through shark-infested waters. 🌟 Co-author Casey Sherman also wrote "The Finest Hours," which was adapted into a Disney film starring Chris Pine about another remarkable maritime rescue. 🌟 The Japanese destroyer that cut Kennedy's PT boat in half, the Amagiri, survived the war and was later given to the Chinese Navy in 1947. 🌟 Two native islanders, Eroni Kumana and Biuku Gasa, who helped rescue Kennedy and his crew, were initially left out of the official history but were later honored when JFK became president. 🌟 The coconut shell on which Kennedy carved a rescue message became a paperweight on his desk in the Oval Office and is now displayed at the John F. Kennedy Library.