Why would anyone choose a career that terrifies her?
A 1970 graduate of Delta Air Lines’ rigorous stewardess training program, Kathi Davis is, in fact, terrified of flying. Haunted by phobias since childhood, she faces her greatest fear of all and forges a 35-year career in the sky. Filled with accounts of life on and off the plane (brushes with fame and whipped cream, romantic heartbreak on the journey to Mr. Right, and near disasters), The Closest Exit May Be Behind You promises a humorous, turbulent ride. But fear not—you’ll arrive safely at your gate.
Praise for The Closest Exit May be Behind You
If you’re looking for a book in the saucy stewardess genre, this isn’t for you. Kathi Davidson Davis’s memoir offers a sensitive, brave, and painfully honest account of a life lived with its – pun intended – highs and lows, ups and downs. There is humor here, of course, but also something much more. This is a book you will remember.
- Kate Charles, author of the Book of Psalms mysteries and the Callie Anson mysteries
Excerpts
"My favorite spot on our three-day stay was Morro Castle, the old fortress that had once guarded Havana harbor. My thin-soled sandals were no match for the ancient cobblestones, and I struggled a bit for balance as we climbed to the main entrance. “There’s no telling how many people have walked this path over the centuries,” Dad commented. “Everyone from Spanish soldiers to prisoners to British invaders. Now we’re following in their footsteps and leaving our imprint, too.” I liked that idea.
"Hands-on training brought oral instruction to life and
produced very realistic scenarios."
About the Author
Kathi Davidson Davis is a debut author of the memoir, The Closest Exit May Be Behind You, Memoir of a Fearful Flight Attendant. She was a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines from 1970 to 2005, an era when flying was a more pleasant experience for passengers and crew than it is today. Her book provides a nostalgic look back for travelers of that era and a revelation to younger people who were not lucky enough to experience it. Unlike many flight attendant tell-alls that center on funny stories, her content touches on cultural history, travel, and the psychology of phobias.
Kathi’s writing style is light-hearted, even when the subject matter is not. Among her contemporary inspirations are Bill Bryson, Nora Ephron, David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen, and most recently, Kelly Bishop, author of The Third Gilmore Girl.
During her time as a flight attendant, she earned a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling while also caring for her husband who suffered from dementia. After his death and her retirement, she moved to Normal, Illinois, to be near family. She is an occasional contributor of articles about local history to The Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, IL.
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