“…it was only by attempting something impossible that a nation could truly know who it was.”
Robert Kurson, Rocket Men
Title: Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man’s First Journey to the Moon
Author: Robert Kurson
Genres: Non-fiction, Science, History
Length: 12 hrs, 20 mins (Audiobook)
Published: April 3rd, 2018
My Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 6/4/2022
Review:
One of the more intimate accounts of the Space Race I’ve read. This book tells the story of the Apollo 8 mission to the moon (my favorite!). Rather than focusing solely on the science involved, we follow the story of the men flying as well as their families. Even though I’ve heard many of the stories told in other books, there’s always something different/new to discover as well as being reminded of bits and pieces I’ve forgotten over time. Very enjoyable and I would recommend this over others if you’re more interested in the human aspect of the mission rather than the technicalities.
Afterthoughts:
I enjoyed the family angle in this book and how much the wives were included. They went through a lot watching their men go off to space. When you’ve grown up in the age of the International Space Station and tycoons taking joyrides in a rocketship, it’s sometimes easy to forget that space travel was far from commonplace in the 1960s. The worry endured on all fronts was immense.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a space-related book. I forgot how much I enjoy them! The downside is that I now want to drop everything and go visit Kennedy Space Center in Florida… that will probably have to wait until next year!