I wished I had said a little more.
If you think the book is superficial compared to an NTSB report or the pilot's responsibilities, than I won't disagree. Because of my background, the book is about everything (OK many things) that can go wrong except pilot error, and what they do about it. Occasionally I talk about the pilots if there is an interesting story or a science message.
I'm certainly not trying to replace the NTSB. I just tried to write a science book that hopefully tells interesting stories. I have used these stories with great success with graduate engineering students and middle school teachers. Planes popping like balloons, people sucked out of windows, engines spinning apart, crash loads, g forces, etc. I think all textbooks are boring compared to this stuff.
Although I tell spectacular stories, I also explained the investigation process and safety improvements. One reviewer said, in spite of describing crash after crash, you'll still left with a feeling that flying is pretty darn safe.
After immersing myself in crash reports, FAA reports, NASA reports, newspaper accounts, etc for 3 years; I have nothing but respect for all phases of commercial aviation and tried to reflect that in my book.