FICTION

Shoot Like a Girl: One Woman's Dramatic Fight in Afghanistan and on the Home Front

304p. New American Library. Mar. 2017. Tr $27. ISBN 9781101988435.
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From the time Hegar was very young, she knew she wanted to be a fighter pilot. Despite sexism, military politics, and emotional setbacks, she persisted until she was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force as a combat pilot, and then served three tours in Afghanistan. As a combat search-and-rescue team member, Hegar earned a Purple Heart and other honors. Her book is more than a mere account of her accomplishments, detailing the obstacles she encountered yet encouraging other women eager to join the military. Hegar also describes how, with the ACLU, she waged a legal battle to give women the right to officially serve in combat roles in the military. The writing is candid, and the message is a resounding one: "Sometimes the biggest asset on your team isn't the one who looks like Superman. People will surprise you with the strength they can summon when tested."
VERDICT For students with military aspirations and those who appreciate uplifting memoirs.

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