Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Shot Down summary
Brief summary
Shot Down by Steve Snyder is a gripping true story about the crew of a World War II B-17 bomber plane. It chronicles their harrowing experiences after being shot down over enemy territory and their struggle for survival.
Table of Contents
Shot Down
Summary of key ideas
Survival and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In Shot Down by Steve Snyder, we are taken on a gripping journey through the harrowing experiences of the crew of the B-17 bomber, Susan Ruth, during World War II. The story begins with the crew's training and their journey to England, where they are stationed to carry out bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. The crew, led by the author's father, Lieutenant Howard Snyder, is depicted as a tight-knit group, bound by their shared mission and camaraderie.
On February 8, 1944, their 12th mission, the Susan Ruth is shot down over Belgium. The crew is forced to bail out, and the narrative shifts to their individual experiences of survival and evasion. Snyder's father, along with the bombardier, George Farrar, and the navigator, Harry Liniger, are captured by the Germans and become prisoners of war. The rest of the crew, including the pilot, John Buslee, evade capture and are helped by the Belgian resistance.
Life in Captivity and Evasion
While Snyder, Farrar, and Liniger are taken to a POW camp, the rest of the crew, including Buslee, are hidden by the Belgian resistance. The contrast between the two groups' experiences is stark. The POWs endure harsh conditions, forced labor, and the constant threat of Allied bombings. Meanwhile, the evaders, though constantly on the run and living in constant fear of being caught, are aided by the brave and resourceful Belgian people.
As the war progresses, the POWs are forced to endure a grueling march across Germany as the Allies advance. Meanwhile, the evaders continue to evade capture, despite the increasing danger. The author skillfully weaves together the two parallel narratives, highlighting the resilience and courage of the crew in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The Aftermath and Reunion
As the war draws to a close, the POWs are liberated by the advancing Allied forces. The evaders, including Buslee, also survive and are eventually reunited with their families. However, the crew's ordeal doesn't end with their physical freedom. They are haunted by the memories of their experiences, and the loss of their fellow crew members weighs heavily on them.
After the war, the crew members go their separate ways, trying to rebuild their lives. The author's father, Howard Snyder, becomes a successful businessman, but the memories of his time in captivity continue to haunt him. The crew members stay in touch, providing each other with much-needed support and understanding.
Remembering the Fallen
Throughout Shot Down, Snyder pays tribute to the crew members who didn't survive the crash or the war. He highlights their bravery and sacrifice, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. The book is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Shot Down is a powerful and moving account of survival, resilience, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Through the experiences of the crew of the Susan Ruth, we gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of war and the extraordinary courage displayed by ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Shot Down about?
Shot Down by Steve Snyder tells the incredible true story of a crew of American airmen shot down over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. Through firsthand accounts and meticulous research, the book recounts their harrowing experiences while evading capture and the bravery of the resistance fighters who helped them. A compelling and gripping tale of survival against all odds.
Shot Down Review
Shot Down (2014) is a captivating account of the author's father, who was shot down over Europe during World War II and the events that followed. This book is definitely worth picking up because:
- It provides a gripping and personal perspective, allowing readers to glimpse into the experiences of a brave pilot and the challenges he faced.
- Through meticulous research, concrete facts and details are uncovered, shedding light on the historical context of the war and its impact on individuals.
- The book explores themes of friendship, resilience, and determination, making it more than just a war memoir, but a story of courage and humanity.
Who should read Shot Down?
- History enthusiasts, particularly those interested in World War II aviation
- Readers who enjoy true stories of resilience and survival
- Families of war veterans who want to gain a deeper understanding of their loved ones' experiences
Categories with Shot Down
Book summaries like Shot Down
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Shot Down FAQs
What is the main message of Shot Down?
The main message of Shot Down is the incredible story of survival and resilience during World War II.
How long does it take to read Shot Down?
The reading time for Shot Down varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Shot Down a good book? Is it worth reading?
Shot Down is worth reading for its powerful account of bravery and survival in wartime. It offers an inspiring perspective on the triumph of the human spirit.
Who is the author of Shot Down?
Steve Snyder is the author of Shot Down.
What to read after Shot Down?
If you're wondering what to read next after Shot Down, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley