America between the two World Wars was a time of unique aviation expansion. Few people realize, however, the part private aviation and women played in this expansion.
Elder Robert E. Wells, an emeritus general authority, explores that relationship in his historical novel, "STAGGERWING." Elder Wells bases his story on a 1936 air race, where two U.S. female aviators defeated the men in flying across the country.
Named after the type of plane flown by the women aviators, the novel features the adventures of a young rodeo stunt girl turned pilot named Maggie. Born in Kanab, Maggie attends a university in California, where she finds romance with Fernando, an Argentine polo player. Through the ups and downs of life in aviation, the novel chronicles Maggie's journey to participate in the cross-country air race.
Elder Wells' inspiration for this novel developed when he noticed the failure of other writers to pay attention to the role of women in aviation development. "I wrote it to honor the women who did a lot in the world of aviation, and to honor all the beautiful, talented, bold women I have in my life," Elder Wells said.
"STAGGERWING" will be available at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com and Trafford.com by?the first week in July.
e-mail: wbutters@desnews.com