13,760 Feet

My Personal Hole in the Sky

By: Mark L. Berry

Narrated by: Mark L. Berry

The 747 that went up whole and came down in 876 pieces invaded every part of my life. My only consolation is that, without being able to turn around, she never saw the giant hole where the rest of the aircraft should have been. It was an oblong oval opening to the tumbling sky, bordered by torn cables, shredded aluminum aircraft skin, sheared beams, and spars, and accented with sparking severed wires. And I hope she couldn't comprehend what was actually happening if she lived long enough to ride this nearly three-mile-high, free-falling hell-ivator all the way down to the ocean's surface, and then sink to 140 feet below, where her body would wait to be recovered.

This is a TWA Flight 800 memoir told by author Mark L. Berry, a former TWA pilot whose fiancé Susanne was one of the 230 passengers and crew who died when that flight exploded at 13,760 feet off Long Island's southern shore. While primarily read by the author, 94 voice actors help bring the numerous people to life through a full-cast production (including small guest appearances by podcasters Scott Sigler, Seth Harwood, and Mike Bennett). The print and e-book versions contain lyric snippets from 34 original songs infused into their respective chapters, which grew to 41 in the two years this 348-page book was recorded and mixed—giving this audiobook its own soundtrack. The full songs can be heard on the author’s website.

©2013 Mark L. Berry (P)2015 Mark L. Berry

Engaging Autobiography with Global Consequences

What made the experience of listening to 13,760 Feet the most enjoyable?

Mark L. Berry does an interesting job presenting his autobiography. He weaves his personal experience with technical details of piloting, relating all of this to the controversial conclusions of the downing of TWA Flight 800. While I am not one who embraces conspiracy theories, his questioning of the official explanations of the Flight 800 crash are rational and reasonable, despite his clear emotional connection to the crash.

The alternating of his personal experiences, from childhood and courtship to his post-crash experiences, created a compelling narrative. While some of the narrative may not appeal to all audiences, his sketches provide great insight into the lifestyle of airline personnel and the challenges and realities they face. Berry presents these in a manner that is easy to follow, being transparent about motivations and obstacles. Berry also does a good job putting a human face on a headline disaster. Too often, it is easy to dismiss notorious events and focusing on a body count without considering that all of the people lost had a web of relationships and the disaster has real world ripples affecting many lives.

Which scene was your favorite?

The proposal scene is very poignant, because it reflects the "mostly planned" theme of the entire narrative. While Berry had the big pieces figured out, the essential details were undetermined and fell naturally into place.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to much of this book while doing a long drive. Unlike many audiobooks, that make me drowsy after extended listening and I need to turn them off from time to time, I kept this narrative going. Part of this was the interspersion of the music. While the music may not be for everyone, I found it entertaining.

Any additional comments?

The quality of the audio is variable. In some spots, there are abrupt changes in the mix. Similarly, some of the voice actors are difficult to understand.

Fantastic story!!

What did you love best about 13,760 Feet?

This story touched my heart, very special.

What about Mark L. Berry’s performance did you like?

I loved that the author narrated the book, couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Highly Impactful Memoir

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book. Memoirs should be impactful, and this one truly delivers. The depth of tragedy in Mark’s life is nearly bottomless—he loses his younger brother, his mother, and finally his fiancé. All in some of the worst ways imaginable. He captures the loss and solitude of this abyss with a bevvy of efficient and powerful lines, such as, “Just by existing, I drove darkness into the hearts of my friends through the simplest interactions.”

How do you escape from this? Well, he does. And it takes a full memoir to describe it. Like the planes he pilots, Mark has spent a good part of his life rising above turbulent skies. He captures you in the process of moving on. We see him cut his teeth as a pilot and human being in parallel, and in the process, we get a fascinating view behind locked doors.

13,760 Feet is a thought-provoking story about tragedy and triumph, but mostly about the space between. And it does a riveting job of capturing this battleground.

Amazing, tragic, sad and funny story all at once!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The story line itself is very personal, and tragic, but the life experiences that the author puts into words are written with such detail that you can feel as if you were along side with him. It is a very honest from the heart memoir.

What did you like best about this story?

The pilot chapters were my favorite to like. The other chapters were liked for their geographical references. No one wants to admit liking the sad chapters, but they pull you along through the story and connect it all together.

What about Mark L. Berry’s performance did you like?

Mark L. Berry's performance is quirky, and he reads in a halting kind of way, but one can become addicted to him reading the Chapter # alone! I listened to the audio after reading the book, and was surprised at the depth of feeling and non-expression he put into the reading at the same time. The songs were an awesome addition.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction to this book was that of hearing a journey through lives so connected. I was sad to not be reading/listening to it anymore when it was finished.

Excellent Book

Would you listen to 13,760 Feet again? Why?

Yes - absolutely. I would also recommend to friends that may not know Mark, may not understand flying, and may not understand the personal impact that TWA 800 had on so many lives, including me grieving for 2 close friends, Mark & Susanne.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I could be selfish and say I am my favorite character, though only a small part of speaking, but involved in many stages of Mark's life. Seriously, no one is less favorite in the book, all have and do play an important part of Mark's life.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are way too many to pick just one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I really wish I could listen in one sitting, but due to the length and parts I kept replaying over, it too a little time to get through all.

Any additional comments?

Mark is a long-time friend dating back to the days in Greenwich and we have experienced many things in life together, one of which was when TWA 800 wend down. Susanne was also a friend from GHS and UCONN and we all felt and still feel pain. Mark has always had the ability to tell great stories and he has now mastered the ability to share those stories with words. From "Pushing Leaves Towards the Sun", "Street Justice" and now "13,760 Feet: My Personal Hole in the Sky" - Great Books, Great Times, Great Friend. Thank you MLB - Cheers - Simon (aka Spy)

Not a bad story

Nice story about his life and recovery. Agree with others that the music is a little odd. Not always bad, but seems like an interesting choice to add to an audio book. I skipped a lot of it as it seemed to interrupt the story.

Quite a Presentation!

Mark Berry has provided an enormous amount of information, a great level of insight into many areas - both technical and human - in what is an incredibly poignant package.

Great story of life, loss and rebirth

What made the experience of listening to 13,760 Feet the most enjoyable?

This story was enjoyable because of the authenticity brought to it by the author. Having worked in the "back office" of the airline industry, and at one time having pursued a position in the "front office," the story lays out a "what might have been" narrative for me in my own career path. Moreover, the aspects of the author's personal life are so vividly described, it is very easy to find yourself pulling for him as he navigates his turbulent course. This story of the author's life, the pain of his losses, and his path forward is very compelling.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the authenticity of the story. Having been close to the airline industry for many years, this story brings to life the realities of a life in the clouds.

What does Mark L. Berry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The author's work is greatly enhanced by the use of the songs he wrote and included in the audio book. The provided an added flavor that a written book could not provide.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I wanted to take it in a piece at a time.

Amazing read

I would highly recommend. This book is packaged with 47 Chapters that will change you outlook regarding our pilots and their life!

BR

The author's writing is powerful and the story itself is a true testament to the human spirit.

The author does an incredible job of weaving together the themes of travel, aviation, and grief, and the result is a truly moving and unforgettable story. His journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and I was deeply moved by his strength and resilience.
The author's writing is raw and honest, and he doesn't shy away from the difficult emotions that come with loss.
However, he also offers a message of hope and healing, and the book ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of peace and closure.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a true masterpiece, and I would give it five stars without hesitation. Whether you are a fan of true love, travel, aviation, or simply great storytelling, this book is an absolute must read!