I've Written a Book: GOODBYE, PAPA GOLF

[Chip Bearden]

In the past, some of you have made sarcastic comments about my "book length" posts in this forum. You're gonna have to eat those words now, because this time I actually HAVE written a book. ;)

GOODBYE, PAPA GOLF: "The Riskiest Thing I Do"--A Memoir of Flying, Family, and Self-Discovery.

Just published, "Goodbye, Papa Golf" is about certain pivotal events in my past--especially but not limited to soaring--and their long-term impact. It delves into a tapestry of life experiences, recounting the highs and lows of soaring the skies in gliders, conquering marathons on foot, and navigating life’s complex currents. It lays bare the profound impact that chasing ambitious dreams has had on my relationships; family; friends; career; and well-being, along the way winning, losing, and coming back from adversity numerous times.

Despite the title (PG was my father's contest number back in the day) "Goodbye, Papa Golf" is not just about flying. I can’t deny the deep impact of soaring--and marathon running--on my life. But I ambitiously hope this book will resonate not only with aviation and running enthusiasts but also with those who savor adventure narratives, the way Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air” fascinated me even though I’ve never aspired to climb Mount Everest.

“Goodbye, Papa Golf” is for readers seeking to grasp the noble (and sometimes not-so-noble) essence of what propels ordinary individuals like us to take on extraordinary challenges despite obstacles, setbacks, and risks.

You can read more about it at chipbearden.com. There's an Amazon link there to buy it, in paperback or eBook versions, with 100+ mostly color photographs and maps.

I'm certain I can rely on this crowd to let me know EXACTLY what you think. LOL

Seriously, regardless of your reaction, I hope you enjoy. And please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads.

Chip Bearden
"JB"

[Tom Weiher]

Chip, I have always enjoyed, as I'm sure many others have, reading your posts with your thoughtful and measured responses. And now a book featuring some of my heroes growing up, Superman(Christopher Reeve) and George Moffat, this is going to be on my Christmas wish list!
Tom

[Charlie M. (UH, Pi & 002 owner/pilot)]

Well....I've read it. We have know each other for decades, the book fleshes out some I knew and added what I didn't.
While it has Soaring and running in it, I feel the biggest thing is "life's journey " in your life. I can see similarities to my own life and that evokes quite a few emotions/thoughts.
Just enough description for those that don't fly or run, but not burdensome to those that do either.
Worth the read even if someone doesn't know you.

[Chip Bearden]

It’s not just a flying book. Sure, the pivotal event takes place at the 15M Nationals. And my life has been centered around soaring on and off for almost 60 years. And there are a lot of flying stories, and some marathon running stories, that I hope are entertaining for pilots, runners, and general readers. But as Charlie and others have said, it’s more personal--and philosophical--than that. It’s about success, failure, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and redemption. See the reviews on Amazon for a better explanation.

As one former U.S. National Champion commented to me privately: “Great book - not for everybody.” I agree, about not being for everybody, at least. Haha!

For a recent book full of entertaining and occasionally harrowing flying stories over a lifetime in aviation, I recommend Billy Hill’s “On Riding the Wind,” which I enjoyed. He and I have been involved in soaring about as long and we both had fathers in aviation who influenced us. But although we haven’t spoken on this, I suspect we wrote our memoirs for different reasons and perhaps for somewhat different audiences. I encourage you to read both (shameless commercial plug!) and PM us or post reviews on Amazon. Each book could use more.

Chip Bearden
"JB"

[Chip Bearden]

A few weeks ago I posted an excerpt of the “Superman” chapter in “Goodbye, Papa Golf" on my Web site. It tells the story of a flight in the right seat of actor Christopher Reeve’s Beech Baron from Westchester County Airport out to the Big Ridge in PA in IMC conditions in 1986 to meet Karl Striedieck and spread the ashes of our friend and recent U.S. National 15M Champion Robert “Robbie” Robertson (XT). I was responding to a flurry of interest about Chris on Sep 25, his birthday. Several classic movie and aviation Web sites mentioned he had been a pilot in the real world. Our 1986 flight brought me very close, indeed, to a part of this unusual man’s life that hasn’t been very well explored and gave me some insight into what Superman was really like.

Go to chipbearden.com and click on About the Book, then scroll down to the New! link about Superman Christopher Reeve. If you enjoy it and want to read more, there's a link to the Amazon page for the printed book and the eBook version.

And before anyone jumps in to correct me (not that this would ever happen on RAS), I know that’s not the name of Robert’s girlfriend from Germany. I changed it (and a few others in the book) in the interest of privacy.

Chip Bearden
“JB”

[Bill Hill]

Chip:

Thanks for the kind words. I have not as yet read your offering, but plan to do so.

Thanks again

Billy Hill

[Wallace Berry]

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!

[Chip Bearden]

Many thanks, Wally! Since you posted on a public forum, I've taken the liberty of adding your words to the "What Readers Are Saying" page on my Web site: https://chipbearden.com/home-page/testimonials/

Some comments there are from the "Goodbye, Papa Golf" Amazon page (https://a.co/d/2eYv6w8). Others are from private messages (with the authors’ permission), including flattering comments from Sarah Arnold and Hank Nixon (and, for our U.K. gliding friends, Peter Purdie), just to mention a few familiar names.

It may have been shortsighted, but one comment NOT there (or anywhere else right now) because I'm trying to avoid having "Goodbye, Papa Golf" labeled as just another flying book, is:

"I hope your book goes on to be a best seller that awakens the world to the joys
and tribulations of our crazy little sport. But if it doesn’t, you’ve still written a
beautiful piece of soaring literature for which all who love our sport will be ever thankful."
Sarah Arnold

I'm grateful for Sarah's helping push me over the finish line. Her perceptive feedback and encouragement almost two years ago and again when we caught up at the Mifflin Nationals this past spring provided the impetus I needed to take a deep breath and finally commit, after working on the book for far too long.

There's more on The Web site (https://chipbearden.com), including an excerpt about a tense flight with the late actor Christopher Reeve out to the Big Ridge with U.S. 15M Champion Robbie Robertson's ashes after his death in 1986. As I said, it's not *just* a flying book--but I hope soaring pilots will enjoy it anyway.

Chip Bearden
"JB"

[Charlie M. (UH, Pi & 002 owner/pilot)]

Thanksgiving is done, Christmas is coming. This book can be a nice gift for many types of people.