Coffee, Tea or Me?

Coffee, Tea or Me? is a 1967 book presented as the memoir of two airline stewardesses, though it was actually written by Donald Bain while he worked in public relations for American Airlines. The book chronicles the adventures and misadventures of two young flight attendants in the 1960s airline industry. The novel became a publishing phenomenon, spawning three sequels and selling over five million copies worldwide. Two real Eastern Airlines flight attendants were hired to pose as the fictional authors "Trudy Baker" and "Rachel Jones" for promotional appearances and book tours. Initially published without crediting Bain as the author, the book helped establish a new genre of lighthearted workplace comedy focused on the airline industry. The work is now officially categorized as adult fiction and has remained continuously in print, with Bain receiving author credit in newer editions since 2003. The book captures both the glamour and challenges of the golden age of commercial aviation while exploring themes of female independence and changing social norms in 1960s America.

Readers view this as a fun, light memoir that captures 1960s airline culture, though many note it's more fiction than fact after Bain revealed he ghost-wrote it rather than flight attendants writing it themselves. Readers enjoyed: - The humor and entertaining stories of passenger encounters - Historical glimpse into 1960s air travel and stewardess life - Fast-paced, easy reading style - Photos and illustrations throughout Common criticisms: - Dated attitudes toward women - Sexist overtones and stereotypes - Marketing deception about true authorship - Some found it shallow and repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (190+ ratings) Reader quote: "A nostalgic trip back to when flying was glamorous and fun, though the casual sexism is cringe-worthy today." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Light and breezy, but don't expect depth or authenticity since it's mostly fictional." - Amazon reviewer

Fear of Flying by Erica Jong This 1973 novel follows a woman's journey of sexual and personal liberation through international travel during the era of second-wave feminism.

The Stewardess Is Flying the Plane by Ron Foss The history of flight attendants chronicles the transformation of the profession from glamorous beginnings to union activism and workplace rights battles.

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne The tale of Phileas Fogg's race to circumnavigate the globe captures the romance and adventure of international travel in its golden age.

View from the Wing by Patricia Banks A flight attendant's memoir reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of airline operations during the 1960s jet age.

Come Fly with Me by Kathleen Barry This social history examines how flight attendants navigated changing cultural expectations and workplace demands from the 1930s through the 1980s.

🛩️ The book was actually ghostwritten by Donald Bain, but was published under the names of fictitious stewardesses "Trudy Baker" and "Rachel Jones" to maintain the illusion of authenticity. ✈️ Donald Bain went on to become one of America's most successful ghostwriters, penning over 115 books, including all of Margaret Truman's "Capital Crimes" mystery series. 💋 In the 1960s, airlines had strict requirements for stewardesses: they had to be single, young (typically under 32), attractive, and maintain specific height and weight standards. 🎬 The book's popularity led to a 1973 made-for-TV movie of the same name, starring Karen Carlson and Mary-Robin Redd as the stewardesses. 👗 During the era depicted in the book, airlines marketed their stewardesses as glamorous symbols of feminine allure, with carriers like TWA and Pan Am designing uniforms from famous fashion designers like Oleg Cassini and Emilio Pucci.