The Fun of It

The Fun of It: Random Records of My Own Flying and of Women in Aviation

by Amelia Earhart

Academy Chicago Publishers (1 April 2006)

Amazon

Amelia Earhart, the first woman to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight. Her first memoir, 20 Hrs. 40 Min., focused mainly on her flying across the Atlantic as a passenger. This one is more personal. How she became a pilot, how flying captivated her, and what aviation meant for everyday people, especially women.

But it’s not written in chronological order. The text is made up of a series of autobiographical essays and anecdotes. Her first encounter with airplanes and how she decided to pursue flying, the development of aviation during the 1920s and 30s, the experiences of female pilots around the world, reflections on risk and courage, and more. And because it was written by her, the text captures the development of aviation as it happened. I love those kinds of first-person accounts, they capture history in truly unique ways.

Earhart’s style of writing is best described as understated. She presents herself and her story rather ordinarily, coming across as practical, self-deprecating at times, and curious. Pilot errors, mechanical problems, logistics, weather, aircraft – everything is put very matter-of-factly. It’s refreshing. She could have gone on about her own achievements, and I don’t think anyone would really object if she had, but she opted to celebrate other pilots, and flying as an art form. This humility has made the text age very well.

A major theme is the role of women in aviation. I’d feel a bit silly pontificating about this topic as a male observer, but it basically boils down to “Women are capable pilots, the best proof is to simply fly well.”

The Fun of It is an enjoyable read for people interested in whatever topics – the role of women in STEM, the history of aviation, the culture between world wars, or just the life of Earhart herself. Best of all, in my opinion, is that it’s a first-person history rather than a retrospective account. I love that it has that voice, and would recommend it largely on that basis.