What Others Are Saying
The Thermal Podcast
Amazon Customer Review
captain railroad
A BOOK WITH A VIEW…AND SO MUCH MORE
This is a superb book on so many levels: growing up, learning the art of gliding from a careful, instructive father whose shadow was a dominant factor in the author’s growth into manhood, becoming a marathon runner over time, and traveling all over the country in pursuit of his love for soaring…and running.
FROM: Sarah Arnold (former U.S. and World Gliding Champion)
RE: Couldn’t Put It Down
I finished your book today. Couldn’t put it down. Certainly because it’s about soaring, but I don’t think that’s the only reason. Your story is compelling. The audience doesn’t have to care about soaring or running. It works because you’re vulnerable and raw and honest. The humanity.
Amazon Customer Review
STAH
LINGERS BEYOND THE FINAL PAGE
“Goodbye Papa Golf” was recommended to me by a fellow runner, and what a discovery it has been. I started with zero knowledge of gliding, but Chip Bearden’s storytelling made it a seamless and captivating introduction. The intricacies of gliding were described without being overwhelming or condescending, allowing me to dive into a world I knew nothing about.
The inclusion of images and charts adds a visual dimension to the engaging storytelling. What sets this book apart is the raw emotion embedded in every page, prompting reflection on the importance of treasuring moments with loved ones. The balance between cinematic style and modern philosophical insights creates a unique reading experience that lingers beyond the final page.
This is a superbly crafted and captivating book that transcends the niche of gliding, appealing to a diverse audience.
Amazon Customer Review
allson
A STELLAR STORYTELLER
Although I am neither a marathon runner nor glider pilot, I can honestly say it was riveting, engaging and heart-warming. The author draws you into his very personal feelings about challenges, disappointments, joys, and heartbreak. You may find, as I did, that you re-examine your own growth and development through insights the author shared. I highly recommend this book to anyone who values personal growth.
Amazon Customer Review
Luke S.
A GRIPPING TALE OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Through the highs and lows of competitive soaring, marathon running, career, and family adversity Chip tells a tale of true grit and perseverance. Inspirational.
FROM: Chris Behm
The chapter (21) that has the description of what soaring is like must be one of the best descriptions for non-flying folks that I have read so far.
FROM: Hank Nixon (former U.S. National Soaring Champion and U.S. Team member)
RE: Finished in Two Days
Great book – not for everybody.
It took real guts to write it.
I will enjoy it again in the future.
Amazon Customer Review
Rand Baldwin
A FASCINATING TALE OF TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH
“Goodbye Papa Golf” is a fascinating account of author Chip Bearden’s love affair with the sport of soaring. There are very few books I’ve read cover-to-cover with few or no breaks, but this is one of them.
Chip is not only a skilled glider pilot, but a gifted writer. You don’t have to fly gliders or be a pilot of any stripe to enjoy this memoir. His account of failure and triumph will speak to anyone who has overcome adversity in pursuit of a dream. If you’re simply curious about the somewhat arcane sport of flying gliders, or need an uplifting tale to inspire and motivate you to pursue your own dreams, read this book.
FROM: Peter G H Purdie (U.K.)
RE: The First Piece of “Fan Mail” I Have Ever Sent To An Author, And That Is An Indication of How Your Book Resonated With Me
I have quite a collection of books by and about pilots, soaring and competition flying. Yours is the first that really captured what I have experienced over 60 years of flying.
Amazon Customer Review
Terry G.
EXCELLENT READ
If you are a soaring pilot or just interested in flying, this story will hold your attention and keep you flipping pages right to the end.
FROM: Jimmy Hamilton
It’s That Good!
I bought the book from Amazon, received it three days ago and finished reading the 380 pages tonight. It’s that good! I highly recommend it!
Amazon Customer Review
Mike Morgulis
A CANDID LOOK AT SOARING, RUNNING, FAMILY, AND GRIEF
I’ve read Chip Bearden’s name in many issues of SSA’s Soaring magazine. A club mate recommended the book and I devoured it. The loss of a parent is pivotal in anyone’s life, but to witness the accident itself is scarring. As I read Chip’s account and emotional response, I couldn’t help but recall the dual fatal I witnessed almost 19 years ago (thankfully I didn’t know either pilot that well, unlike Chip). Marriages don’t often co-exist well with flying; that also hit the nail there. It was refreshing to read all the mental and emotional stresses Chip endures when low, in turbulence… nobody talks about it for fear of ridicule, but it’s finally there. Thank you for that, Chip. The book is an amazing insight into competitive thinking, flying, running, aging, and changing gears with life’s demands. Admittedly I was uncomfortable reading some parts, because they hit close to home. We all know someone, and we’ve all received ‘the call’ to tell us that the someone’s gone down. It’s all fuel for thought, in 2 months it will be time to get back in the air.
Amazon Customer Review
mjb
YOU’VE MANAGED TO ELOQUENTLY EXPRESS THINGS THAT OTHERS OF US CANNOT PUT INTO WORDS
I think the totality of your treatment is fantastic. And you’ve shared some deep and personal things in it – but that’s a bold thing to do. I agree with the review Sarah Arnold gave – it’s raw and human. I know a bit about soaring, so I had a point of common access there, but hell – I couldn’t run around the block. However, I really liked the material dealing with running, and the tie-in with your soaring outlook was very interesting. Also – your writing style made it easy for me to keep going. The book is humorous, poignant, tragic in places, uplifting in others … that’s life, innit?
FROM: Wallace Berry
RE: Touching and Impactful
Just finished reading your book, Chip. I found it touching and impactful, and not just from the perspective of a glider pilot. There is much in your book that will resonate with anyone with strong family attachments, but especially so for those who are also strongly driven to achieve. Many thanks to you for Goodbye Papa Golf!
Amazon Customer Review
Charles M.
GOOD READ EVEN IF YOU DON’T FLY OR RUN.
I will start with, I have known Chip for decades flying at our field and contests. I knew a lot of his history but this book fleshed it out and revealed new things.
There is enough discussion/info so you can follow the flying and running without being burdensome to those that know about either.
As to the bulk of the book, I can see parallels to my own life, both in events and feelings. This made me reflect on what each of us did with similar events. This also meant I read it a couple times.
Share in the joys, sorrows and events of another human being.
See ya at the airport (as CS would say).
Amazon Customer Review
Gary F. Kemp
PERSEVERANCE
Chip had a way with words, much better than I in writing your “story”. I passed through some similar areas, I was at Minden as asst CD when he was there. I knew many of the same people. His writing, particularly of his soaring life led me to not put the tome down. Good job Chip.
