****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is an amazing story, perceptively told. Many people will have a vague memory of this airplane hijack. Mike Thexton survived an experience that would have left most people traumatized. He reports what actually happened with clarity and insight. Even more amazingly, he manages to avoid bitterness or recrimination. This is a thoughtful account, not an action adventure. Mike is not Andy McNab, and his story is all the better for that. Any of us could have been a passenger on that airplane; reading this book shows us what it took to survive.Jane Bailey Bain ('LifeWorks: Using myth & archetype to develop your life story')Even though I knew from the outset what happens I found it to be compelling reading and hard to put down. Mike writes as though he was talking to you. It is a very personal account which is bravely shared in a frank, very open and honest way. The events leading up to the hijack, the hijack and the days then months and then years afterwards, adjusting back, are all important parts of the book . There are lots photographs of each stage, and also maps and diagrams, which give vivid visual images of the complete story as it is told. Now that I have finished it I still think about the many people who have been affected by the ordeal. There are examples of unbelievable bravery and forgiveness. There are thought provoking discussions around truth, justice, peace, suffering and forgiveness.This book puts a deeper meaning on the saying, `don't let the sun go down on your anger'. To be able to forgive the hijackers during and after the 12 hours that you believe you are about to die shows a remarkable strength of character.It is amazing that Mike was able to find humour in different situations and he weaves it into the telling of the story making it even more memorable. There is humour in the polite announcements of the cabin crew which is part of their professional, brave, ingenious and quick thinking actions not only during but after the ordeal. Mike talks about the other passengers and crew who also experienced the horrors that day and how awful it had been for everyone else. He points out that `relatively minor discomfort suffered over a long period combined with absolute terror is about as intolerable as being physically beaten'. Another poignant image is the unclaimed shoes.I find myself thinking about the word terrorism which, as Mike says, is so overused that people forget what it might be like to be individually terrorised. Also how lawyers represent loss in money - 'totally the wrong currency'.Mike seems determined to show that good things can come from this. He talks positively about how he deals with the trauma and says that disasters give you a good sense of proportion. He tirelessly gave interviews with journalists all over the world, at the time and then in the years after, helping in the reporting and understanding of the truth. Sharing his story has given insight to professionals and he feels fortunate that he has been able to talk.Now, after reading the story, I agree wholeheartedly with the man I meet on my way to work who replies to my `Good morning' with `every morning is a good morning'.This is an amazing story, perceptively told. Many people will have a vague memory of this airplane hijack. Mike Thexton survived an experience that would have left most people traumatized. He reports what actually happened with clarity and insight. Even more amazingly, he manages to avoid bitterness or recrimination. This is a thoughtful account, not an action adventure. Mike is not Andy McNab, and his story is all the better for that. Any of us could have been a passenger on that airplane; reading this book shows us what it took to survive.Jane Bailey Bain ('LifeWorks')Having known Mike personally for several years now it was great to read his story of what happened on Pan Am flight 73. He is very humble and doesn't talk much in public about the events that unfolded that night. Which given the magnitude of the event, is still so compelling to read 20+ years after it happened. A must read.A fantastic book, recommended to me by a colleague who met the author on a course in London. I could not put the book down, extremely well written and an excellent account of what must have been a terrifying time. WELL worth a read!Fascinating true and terrifying real life story, with an interesting analysis behind actions. Author also has great sense of humour.
