TopGun Days by Author Dave Bio Baranek

Today I am doing a book review for all of you by author Dave “Bio” Baranek called TOPGUN DAYS. This is a hardcover 308 page book in the Military History genre.

This book was written by Mr. Baranek who was the topgun instructor who advised actor Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun and Mr. Baranek actually pulled the stunts that you saw in the movie. Summer 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the move Top Gun and for those of us who watched it’s premier, we can remember fantasizing about flying an F-16 fighter jet with Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Tom Skerritt.

Book Synopsis: In his memoir TopGun Days, Bio not only takes the reader into the cockpit during the breathtaking aerial moves that made the movie great, he gives an inside view of the people that make Topgun the best fighter training school in the world. Bio recalls his experience of being a “regular guy” who was thrown into the whirlwind of Hollywood, from gala premiers and celebrity sightings, to world renown and screaming teens. More than just a movie homage, Bio’s story offers:

* A Story of Perseverance – How he overcame airsickness during dynamic maneuvering in flight training.
* First Person Faceoffs in the air at 700 MPH!
* A Cold War Perspective – aerial missions to neutralize Soviet bomber threats.
* Life or Death Adventure – How he survived a split-second ejection from a crashing F-14.
* Tidbits – How Topgun students receive their call-signs.
* The First Takes of Top Gun – which had to be redone because they were inaccurate or improbable — to wrapping day.
* Dozens of full-cover photos of Bio’s planes, fights in action, Tom Cruise on the set and Hollywood parties, including a photo of Tom Cruise being kissed by Bio’s wife!
* A glossary of flight terms & important Topgun information.

My Review: I am a military buff! I read a lot of military related books and have a huge library of military related movies so I would classify myself as a military buff. I got this book several days ago and started reading it. It is broken down into 16 easy to read chapters that draw you into the book starting with chapter 1. I really had a hard time putting the book down as it is so full of information and I love how the author makes this book readable so that any reader can understand it. It is a very entertaining look at the daily life of a Top Gun pilot. There are 2 nice sections in the book that are loaded with full-color photographs and I love how each photo has a nice description giving you information about the photo in the author’s own words. This is a really fascinating book for those who love military genre books and/or for those who are fans of the famous Top Gun movie. I am about 3/4 of the way through the book and it’s a fantastic read!

If you have a military fan in your life this book would make a fabulous gift for them or if you have any Tom Cruise or Top Gun movie fans/collectors in your life…this book would be a fabulous gift for them too! I am really enjoying this book and I am looking forward to finishing reading it soon. I give it a big two thumbs up!

You can purchase TopGun Days at these fine bookstores:

Barnes & Noble
Borders
Books-A-Million
Amazon.com
e-Books: Kindle and Nook

I would like to thank the PR company that we work with for sending me the TopGun Days book for my book review. This is a fabulous book that I am proud to have in my collection.

Disclaimer: Shelly Hill has personally reviewed the product listed above. Shelly has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Shelly did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Two Classy Chics is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from this blog. We are not responsible for injury or mis-use of any products won from the Two Classy Chics Blog. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering our giveaways. Thanks!