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Becky Aikman

Biography

Becky Aikman

Becky Aikman is the author of three books of narrative nonfiction: her memoir, SATURDAY NIGHT WIDOWS; OFF THE CLIFF: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge; and SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II. A former journalist at Newsday, Aikman has written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She lives in New York.

Books by Becky Aikman

by Becky Aikman - History, Nonfiction

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses --- all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone transport warplanes. Thus, 25 daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft. In SPITFIRES, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life.

by Becky Aikman - Nonfiction

Losing one's spouse is a life-altering event that Becky Aikman understands all too well. Although she did remarry, Becky remained perplexed by society's current attitudes and beliefs about grief. So she did what any other journalist might do --- she thoroughly researched the subject. Then she organized a support group with five other widows, all of whom were strangers. The end result: six women who found friendship, healing and adventure.