Excerpts from Letters

In "Papa Was A Bush Pilot," Sally McMahan Pollen brings Cleo's own recollections into historical perspective, keeping a meter true to his quiet appreciation of the awesome power and beauty of their Alaskan wilderness.

Paul Mihalko,  California
Editor

20th Century Alaska was the setting for America's last global pioneering epic. The vast, rugged wilderness and formidable weather beat down many a hardy soul seeking to exist in the Greatland. "Papa Was A Bush Pilot" is a valuable and fascinating chapter in this incredible story of pioneering. This book provides a historical firsthand account of a family's life in the Territory of Alaska 1940-1970. The saga captures the wild adventures of survival, centered around the early Piper Cubs and Cessnas...a unique and touching story of a vanishing era like no other.

Ted Spencer,  California
Historian, Alaska Historical Aviation Institute

I so enjoyed reading Papa was a Bush Pilot, a book written by the daughter of a real Alaskan Bush Pilot who flew into some of the most remote places in our state. When airplane problems were encountered by Sally's dad (Cleo McMahan), he had the ingenuity and plain common sense on how to calmly get himself and his airplane back to Meier or whatever location to which he wished to return. It was my privilege to know Sally's grandmother Maude, a very charming lady, and her father Cleo many years ago. They were true Alaskans. The book is a must read for those who want to know of the thrills experienced by an Alaskan pilot who flew the Bush of Alaska.

George M. Sullivan
Former Mayor of Anchorage, Alaska

Sally,

I have just finished reading "Papa was a Bush Pilot" and it was a very emotional experience for me as memories of my own growing-up years in the bush came flooding back. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the stories your Dad relates and tears streaming down my cheeks as I read of your return to Meiers after 20 years.  In so many ways our lives were parallel, and it was a wonderful experience, even though some of the memories are still painful after all these years. Thank you so much for sharing your family's adventures with those fortunate enough to read your book. 

Best Regards,
Bob Pennington, Arkansas

Dear Sally,

Dear Cleo and Daphne,

Our dear Sally,

Dear Sally,

Dear Sally,

Enjoyed the book very much. Great format to get Cleo's stories / memories in print. These kind of stories need to be in print because without them we know less about the history of Alaska. It makes me wish I would have sat with my grandfather and father to do what you did.

Hi Sally,

The book arrived at 12:55 today. I'm already on page 60 and I am reading mostly through a mist of tears. I did not expect to be so deeply moved. Sometimes it takes me that way and I find myself crying over what has been a wonderful, happy life, as mine was. You and Cleo, between you, produced a book that I shall treasure as long as I live, you by writing it all down, and Cleo, just by living it !

Hi Sally,

Say, I could not put that book down till I finished it. Sure brings back old memories. Just passed 1st Class physical at 81 so feeling pretty good.

Dear Sally,

Thank you for a wonderful book. Brings back a lot of old memories. Makes me homesick for good old Alaska. I'm enclosing money order for two more autographed copies.

Sally,

The book is beautiful !  You did a superb job capturing the essence of life in Alaska. It is going to be a real hit. Congratulations on a job well done.

Dear Sally,

Wonderful book ! Awesome book !  Words connot express our joy in reading this inspiring story. We read it in 2 nights...every word. You are a gifted writer - the book is beautiful. We would certainly love a chance to sit face to face with your family for a long visit.

Dear Sally,

I received Papa today.  Have begun to read extremely interesting account of your father's life. Well, we both are actually, because it is never where I put it down. Thank you so very much.

Dear Sally,

It was so special to get your gift ! I am so blessed by the book. What an accomplishment, Sal ! It's beautiful and wonderfully written. We have put it out where people who come for a haircut pick it up.