Not sure how I haven't reviewed this, since it's one of my all-time favorites. But here are my thoughts, three years later... 
 First, I've upped this from four to five stars. Something about Code Name Verity has stuck with me ever since I read it the first time. I was practically begging my sister to read it just so I would have someone to discuss it with. Then my book club formed and this was our first selection - I was in heaven! 
 Things I loved: WWII historical fiction involving female pilots and spies? Count me in. You can tell Wein did her research thanks to her thorough notes at the end. They were almost as enjoyable to read as the book. Code Name Verity is also a page-turning spy thriller with a clever plot device - a confession written by captured agent "Verity" to her captors. Thanks to this format, I didn't see any of the twists coming. But above all, my favorite thing about this book is the powerful friendship between Maddie and Julie, which had me bawling by the end. How often do you stumble upon a good book on female friendship that has no romantic side plots? So refreshing.