BOOK DESCRIPTION
Views from the Cockpit: The Journey of a Son is an award-winning memoir born from pain.
Page by page, year by year, tender father-son memories of airplane watching transform into nightmarish, turbulent family drama.
Upon the discovery that his father had been the victim of elder abuse as his health was rapidly deteriorating, the author finds himself reevaluating the decisions his father made throughout his life. With an unshakable, shocking ending, the authors’ probing dissection of a man he thought he knew reckons with disloyalty, depression, religion and death, leaving no stone unturned.
Through sharp, sometimes hilariously brash analysis, decorated in plane metaphors and imagery, the author expresses his commitment to truth with sincerity and transparency. He reaches for forgiveness, understanding and compromise in the face of absurdity and uncompromising rigidity.
Ultimately, he contemplates a different “flight path” drawn from past lessons. He encourages readers to do the same.
A must-read for sons, fathers and families. Book-club discussion guide included.
Core topics: Family, self-discovery, philosophy, empowerment through acceptance
Content notice: Adult material (topics, language, and emotional triggers)
Learn more about elder abuse and how to support aging adults
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Writer's Digest, Nicole Howard (starred review - 5 stars)
"I'm overwhelmed by the *gorgeous* language in this book...descriptive magic that reminds me of Alice Sebold's breathtaking phrasing. So many stellar descriptions stopped me in my tracks so that I could turn the phrasing around and around in appreciation. As the sensory details continue to bring the story to life, we find ourselves carried along in a fine cadence, as the plot progresses well, with no lulls in the middle. There is never a weak portion of the story. The author has crafted a series of gut punches that bring up all kinds of sense memories and imaginings for the reader. Fine transitions are well-crafted, and dialogue stands out with its variations, inner dialogue, movement, and settings."
Nonfiction Authors Association, Awarded Bronze
"Views From The Cockpit is a very well constructed amalgamation of a biography and memoir...surprisingly confessional, and quite graphic...it serves the narrative in a beneficial way and moves it forward in a manner that is exemplary. If you would like to read a book that features the relationship between a father and son or a parent and a child or just want to read good writing, you should read Views From The Cockpit. The ride that it takes you on may be filled with turbulence, but the landing makes it worthwhile."
Penguin Random House, Michael McConnell
"...Victory is a talented writer. He has written a compelling page-turner in a style that is personally reflective. Victory's representation of his father bursts with love and awe. The questions of family, loyalty, honor, and truth emerge and will resonate with just about everyone. With an incredible ending that you must read to believe, this book does not disappoint."
Book Life Prize by Publishers Weekly
"Personal memoirs of family are common, but Victory's stands apart through its unflinching portrayal of complicated family dynamics. What emerges is a complex portrait of a father and son whose love persists despite--and in the midst of--broken bonds and betrayals. Victory offers a tender story which benefits from the integration of its central plane metaphor. Prose is vivid, clear, and pleasantly descriptive."
Endeavor Literary Services, Glenn McMahan
"The book expresses strong passion, which makes for good writing. Clearly, Ross' heart is in the book and rarely lacks emotion..."
Sefina Hawke's Books
"Views from the Cockpit: The Journey of a Son was a well-written memoir that touched on topics that affect many people today...I can only hope I never have to experience such things."
Books for Books
"...sent my emotions to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows...amazing."
Review from Rossvictory.com
"Victory paints pictures with words as vivid as any artist alive right now. The insight, reflection, and pathos of his journey are evident on every single page. There is sadness in this story, but there is also an abundance of hope."
