Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers, and The Lieutenant's Nurse
Goodreads says, "An extraordinary story inspired by the real Women’s Air Raid Defense, where an unlikely recruit and her sisters-in-arms forge their place in WWII history. Daisy Wilder prefers the company of horses to people, bare feet and salt water to high heels and society parties. Then, in the dizzying aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daisy enlists in a top secret program, replacing male soldiers in a war zone for the first time. Under fear of imminent invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips and track unidentified planes across Pacific skies. But not everyone thinks the women are up to the job, and the new recruits must rise above their differences and work side by side despite the resistance and heartache they meet along the way. With America’s future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. And with the man she’s falling for out on the front lines, she cannot fail. From radar towers on remote mountaintops to flooded bomb shelters, she’ll need her new team when the stakes are highest. Because the most important battles are fought—and won—together. This inspiring and uplifting tale of pioneering, unsung heroines vividly transports the reader to wartime Hawaii, where one woman’s call to duty leads her to find courage, strength and sisterhood."
Daisy Wilder is a horse trainer, so when she finds herself as a recruit for the Women's Air Raid Defense, she can't believe it. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Daisy finds herself in a top secret program. Her job working for the Air Raid Defense is to guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips as well as tracking unidentified planes. Of course many people feel the women couldn't possibly do a man's job, but Daisy knows she is more than capable and more than ready. Throw in a side of romance with a soldier and the incredible setting of Hawaii, you've got yourself a compelling historical audio book in Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman.
Daisy is the kind of heroine I love to read about in Radar Girls. Eventually she gains the confidence she needs and is determined to not let her country down as she takes on her new role in the Women's Air Raid defense. As a woman, she has to break through many barriers and I was rooting for her the whole time. The camaraderie that she starts to feel for her other female recruits was also something I thoroughly enjoyed. I have been noticing a trend in historical fiction lately in that the books are highlighting lesser known female heroes of wartime and let's just say I'm here for it. I loved learning more about the Women's Air Raid Defense; it was utterly fascinating! Ackerman did a great job researching it and bringing it to life so vividly.
Ackerman also brought to life wartime Hawaii very well in Radar Girls. I absolutely loved the setting and felt like I was there. Whether it was the bomb shelters, the beautiful landscape of the mountains, or the beaches, it was all well done and the setting of Hawaii felt just as important as the character of Daisy.
I listened to the audio version which I thought was also well done. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, has narrated a few other audio books that I have enjoyed, so you know you can count on a solid performance from her.
If you are looking for a compelling audio book or novel to finish out summer season, I'd recommend Radar Girls, especially if you enjoy being transported to a memorable setting. I'd recommend the novel to fans of stories about courageous women during challenging times.
Are you a fan of Sara Ackerman's novels? Is Radar Girls on your TBR list? Have you read any of Ackerman's other novels? Let me know in the comments below.
I love this trend in historical fiction, too, and I will never get tired of WWII historical fiction!
ReplyDeleteMe too! It's my favorite! Thanks for visiting, Angela!
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