Our only limitation is your imagination
Sarajane Giere
Sarajane Giere's writing journey began unexpectedly with a published essay about her teenage son, catching the attention of an editor who appreciated her humorous take on parenthood. That moment sparked her passion for storytelling, transforming a lifelong love of art and journaling into a dedication to the written word.
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Hailing from St. Louis, Sarajane studied painting at Coe College under renowned regional artist Marvin Cone. Her creative pursuits flourished as she navigated life as a military wife, mother, and teacher, filling diaries and journals with her reflections. Inspired by classic novels and compelling memoirs, she discovered the transformative power of storytelling and the resilience found in the lives of others.
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Delving into her family's past, Sarajane unearthed treasures among her mother’s memorabilia, which became the foundation for her first book, The Melody Lingers On—a loving tribute to her Nolan grandparents and her mother, Patty, the youngest of eight sisters. In 2012, she brought their lives center stage, captivating readers with their enduring legacy.
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Her second book, My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS, has garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2021 Independent Press Award for Military Nonfiction and a Silver Medal from the Military Writers Society of America, among numerous other honors. This deeply personal tribute to her late husband, Bernard—an F4 Phantom fighter pilot in Vietnam and Pan Am captain—captures their extraordinary life together. Writing their story was both healing and inspiring, allowing Sarajane to celebrate their journey while finding peace through gratitude.
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Sarajane’s essays have appeared in The New York Times and The Christian Science Monitor, and her devotionals are featured in books like Love is a Verb. A painter of Eastern Long Island landscapes and retired teacher, she now resides in New Jersey, cherishing her two children, seven grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.
As Robert Henri once said, "Find what you love, and sing your song." Sarajane continues to sing hers—through words and art—with passion and purpose.
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Click here to learn more about My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS.
In My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS, Sarajane Giere offers an unflinchingly honest and deeply moving memoir of her life as the wife of fighter pilot Bernie Giere. A Vietnam War veteran who flew 214 combat missions and served for over 25 years in the Air National Guard’s renowned 106th Rescue Wing, Bernie’s life was marked by bravery, sacrifice, and love.
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Sarajane takes readers behind the scenes of a military marriage, recounting the harrowing moments of separation, the struggles of life on the homefront, and the challenges of raising a family amid the looming shadow of war. With searing love and vulnerability, she paints an intimate portrait of Bernie’s heroism in the skies and his battle with ALS—a relentless disease that tested their commitment and faith.
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The book has earned widespread acclaim, including the Independent Press Award for Military Nonfiction, the NYC Big Book Award, and the Military Writers Society of America Silver Medal. Readers have praised My Pilot for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling. One reviewer describes it as "a powerful story of devotion and resilience," while another commends Sarajane's ability to honor her husband’s legacy with “unwavering courage and grace.”
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My Pilot isn’t just a story of war and illness—it’s a celebration of enduring love, the strength of the human spirit, and the bonds that sustain us through life’s greatest trials. Perfect for readers of military memoirs and anyone seeking an inspiring tale of love and perseverance, this award-winning book will leave a lasting impression.
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Discover the journey of a lifetime and a love story that soars above adversity in My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS.
