Drowning by T. J. Newman

DROWNING by T. J. Newman (Falling) is an absolutely fantastic adventure that readers will not want to put down. All about the rescue of flight 1421, this is so realistic in part because Newman is a former flight attendant, but also because she has done significant research as described in the author’s note. With multiple passengers and crew involved in an airline disaster, readers have an opportunity to learn about the lives of twelve individuals, making DROWNING a bit reminiscent of much earlier “disaster” books from Arthur Hailey. It is a diverse group: engineer Will Kent and his eleven-year-old daughter Shannon, newlyweds and an older couple with decades of married life, a nurse, a bartender who cannot swim. The emergencies they face allow for reflection on life and its meaning: “That was all life was. Shifting the balance, every day, to make room for joy and grace in whatever circumstances you've got before your time runs out.” DROWNING received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Library Journal; plus, it was an Amazon Best Book of June 2023. I would highly recommend for those looking for a suspenseful, quick, but surprisingly educational, and exciting read.