Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon

For me, Robert Kurson's latest brilliant narrative nonfiction is not just a behind-the-scenes exploration of NASA, nor even of the nip-and-tuck race between the Americans and Russians to be the first to explore the moon, but rather a journey into the hearts and minds of three extraordinary individuals, and in so doing, into our own. Kurson has taken his readers on both underwater and space adventures, all with riveting and compelling style. But as I read Rocket Men, I realized that the real journey Kurson was taking us on, perhaps even unwittingly, was into our own subconscious--into the question of what makes us all, in some measure or another, strive to explore against all odds of success, and often at great sacrifice, unchartered terrains. As I learned about Borman, Lovell and Anders, and their bravery, determination and devotion, I was left wondering what I would sacrifice for the chance to see my world from the outside looking in, and whether I would ultimately have the courage to do so.

Robert Kurson is a master storyteller. In "Rocket Men," he tells the story of the Apollo 8 mission, the first spacecraft to approach the Moon as well as to disappear behind it. This adventure tale reads like something the reader is learning about first-hand. I felt intimately connected to the personalities, the events, the most dramatic moments, and the risk and historic weight of the undertaking. Kurson has figured out just the right balance between amazingly detailed research and a seamless story that never feels stitched together out of hundreds of accounts, documents, etc. If you're not highly familiar with narratives about the space program, you will be amazed at this fascinating world. It's a combination of (1) world geopolitical supremacy on the line, (2) the most advanced science in existence, (3) levels of unprecedented personal risk in the name of country-science-exploration, and (4) the rare kinds of people who become astronauts, live with being married to them, and are responsible for the decisions that determine the astronauts' fate. This is storytelling on a par with Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff," a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction about the earlier phase of the space program. And if you have read books in this genre, you're in for a lot of surprises. (No spoilers here.) It's easy to imagine some drama out of the story of Apollo 11 (the first Moon landing) and Apollo 13 ("Houston, we have a problem ....") or the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters. But this story proves the point that, from the perspective of what's going on IN THE STORY, every one of these missions was high on drama. Kurson's telling of this story makes a compelling argument – even if you don't agree with it, it makes wonderful reading – that Apollo 8 involved unprecedented stakes in the Space Race and the Cold War, and an unprecedented leap in risk combined with an uncharacteristic rush by NASA to put leapfrogging the USSR above caution. "Rocket Men" is a story of an American triumph at a difficult moment in history. Appropriately, it's also a storytelling triumph.

When I started this book, I thought, oh boy, this is just a rehash of The Right Stuff and Apollo 13. I’m so glad I stuck with it. The story of the science and personalities involved in this mission is mesmerizing. “Telegrams for the astronauts poured in by the thousands. One, however, stood out from the rest. It came not from a world leader or celebrity or other luminary, but from an anonymous stranger. It had traveled over whites-only lunch counters in the South, through jungles in Vietnam where young men fell, over the coffins of two of the America’s great civil rights leaders. It had blown across streets bloodied by protesters and police, past a segregationist presidential campaign, into radios playing songs of alienation and revolt. It had made its way through ten million American souls who didn’t have enough to eat, alongside generations that no longer trusted each other, into a White House where a no-longer-loved president slept. It read: THANKS. YOU SAVED 1968.”

I just finished “Rocket Men”. It is a rare thing for me to sit and read a book in a few days but that is what I did with this wonderful book. I have read a lot of books about the space program and even about Apollo 8 to the point that I was not finding anything new or interesting anymore. However, "Rocket Men" is like a whole new story of Apollo 8 and I especially loved the new things I learned from it such as the story behind the picture of the execution from Vietnam, Bobby Kennedy, and other such tidbits that spiced up the adventure of Apollo 8. Telling the story of the three wives was intriguing. I had never read about Lovell’s mistake with the navigation. After all the space books I have read I can honestly say that this is absolutely one of the very best ever produced.

Part political/techno thriller, part family drama, and part grand adventure story, this is a tightly written and fascinating account of a singular, defining event in human history. All the elements of a great historical fiction are here, but the state of the world at that time was dramatic enough and needs no embellishment. Instead, Kurston expertly weaves a tale of a nation in turmoil and a group of individuals who, down to the very last of them, were placed just as they needed to be at that particular moment in history in order to accomplish one of mankind's greatest triumphs. This is a story of an epic voyage into what then was truly unknown. It would not have been possible without the rare combination of ferocious competence, grim determination, unshakable devotion, and nerves of absolute steel that were manifest not only in the three crewmembers of Apollo 8, but also in their management, their support structure, and especially their families. Together, they saw the immensity of the challenge that lay before them, and with skill, perseverance, and daring in equal measure, they pulled off an incredible feat that the country, and indeed the entire world, desperately needed. And it is to us, 50 years later, living in a similarly troubled and divided but perhaps more risk-averse world, to rise to meet the challenges we face, as they did. The story of Apollo 8 is, above all else, a tale of hope. If we can get to the moon, we can do anything.

Half a century ago, humans first ventured out of earth orbit and to the moon. But it wasn’t on Apollo 11. First came Apollo 8, an audacious leap forward in human exploration, as spacefarers orbited the moon for the very first time, looked down upon its barren and ancient surface, and glimpsed our home planet as a tiny bright oasis in the blackness of space. It is not easy to convey how important this mission was, as it has generally been overshadowed by the Apollo 11 moon landing half a year later. Robert Kurson’s Rocket Men does this story justice. Not only does he describe the mission, we learn about the remarkable people who flew the spacecraft, the risk that NASA managers took to push this flight up the schedule, and the wider story of a nation at a moment of traumatic self-doubt and inner turmoil. The drama of each moment of the mission is conveyed in taut, muscular and dynamic writing that had me eager to know the next moment, even though history already knows how the mission ended. It would have been all too easy to overdo the tension, but Kurson instead clearly conveys what the dangers truly were – it is never overdone. We are fortunate to live in an era when the first people to truly leave earth are still around and were able to relate their mission to Robert Kurson. You’d be unfortunate to miss the chance to read it.

Robert Kurson's excellent look at the 1968 voyage of Apollo 8, "Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8", has already received excellent reviews on Amazon, so I can add very little. However, I will say that the writing is low-key but compelling as Kurson writes about the politics, the people, and the history of the United States space program. He also details the race - what we knew was happening - between the US and the USSR. The Soviet launch of a moon rocket forced the United States to put forward the Apollo 8 flight well before schedule, so we could go to the moon and circle it. Not actually land - that came later - but to circle it. Even though I know the turnout, I really kept expecting things to fail spectacularly. This is a book for any armchair historian and/or science junkie. I also think it would make a great Audible book and I've already preordered the Audible version at the good price of $14.

I really loved this book - it was so fascinating and shared how innovative Apollo 8 was. In our current climate, we constantly think about the Silicon Valley and startups as paradigms of what innovation looks like - but this book, while not intentionally, highlights how the United States acted in an entrepreneurial and resourceful manner in the race to the moon. Furthermore, when people think of the race to the moon they constantly think of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin - but it was these guys who braved out the first mission and orbited space. The sections when they discuss the broadest to the US on Christmas were so exciting to read. I also loved that this book was intriguing and fascinating, and I had the opportunity to learn so many new interesting facts. While the book was informative, it was in no way boring. Often with books like these there is a fine line between being intriguing and being droning - this book mastered it. I would say if you are a purely fiction type of reader, this is probably not for you because it definitely is more factual and at times you might thing it's too scientific or educational (although I think it really achieved the right balance of engaging and educational).

I don’t read very many nonfiction books and I haven’t listened to many audiobooks, but I’m sure that this one will remain one of my favorites in both categories. Before I listened to this book, when I thought of space missions and the moon, I thought of the moon landing and Apollo 11 - the planting of the American flag, Neil Armstrong’s comment “....one giant step for mankind.” While I remember Apollo 8, I had no idea of it’s importance in laying the groundwork for future missions. While I always thought that astronauts as a group were brave, I never really thought about their individual stories, their personalities, the affect on their families, especially their spouses, the intense training or what went into preparing for their mission. Even though I knew the efforts of NASA to prepare, plan, build, test and manage from mission control had to be enormous, I never gave it a lot of thought. I didn’t think a lot about the historical context of these space missions. All of that changed in such an impactful way for me while listening to this absolutely amazing account. I was captivated by the intimate look that I got of the crew - Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, how they grew up and became astronauts, how they met and fell in love with their wives, how their wives were impacted by what their husbands were doing, the sacrifice of family time. The wives of these men deserve a lot of credit and are heroes in their own right. Their personal stories are moving. I was on the edge of my seat as Kurson so skillfully gave me “a sense of being there”. I was surprised that some of the technical and scientific parts were made understandable and interesting and amazed at the scope of things that went into making decisions. The way the mission is brought into historical context is simply stunning. I hung on every word as the picture is painted of a fractured time in American history with events that I remember- the race to space with Russia, John Kennedy’s dream of landing on the moon, the Vietnam war, civil rights protests, race riots , demonstrations in Chicago, unrest in the country, the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. This book doesn’t just tell us about Apollo 8, it tells the story of our nation in 1968. I loved the Epilogue finding out what the crew did afterwards and where they were in their lives at the time of the 50th anniversary of the mission. I very much appreciated the author’s note in his own voice, how he was inspired to write this book. Kurson’s research is extensive including time spent with Borman, Lovell, Anders , people from NASA, reading a multitude of documents, watching videos and so much more. This is a story of extraordinary men and their families, an extraordinary event in history. The narration by Ray Porter is absolutely wonderful. I just purchased a hard copy for my husband.

Rocket Men is another amazingly well-written book by one of my favorite authors, Robert Kurson. I have now read all of his books and so enjoy the detailed and suspenseful stories of important people and historical times that he chooses to focus on. He couldn't have selected a more interesting subject than Apollo 8 and America in 1968. I grew up during the race to space and getting to relive both the story of Apollo 8 and one of the most traumatic years in American history brought back many memories of a very different time in American history. Unfortunately, I read the book in two days so I am challenging Robert to get his next book out soon. Also, while I buy most of my books on Kindle, I always order hard copies of Robert's books so I can put them with my other cherished books in my library. Thanks for delivering an outstanding product again.

For me, Robert Kurson's latest brilliant narrative nonfiction is not just a behind-the-scenes exploration of NASA, nor even of the nip-and-tuck race between the Americans and Russians to be the first to explore the moon, but rather a journey into the hearts and minds of three extraordinary individuals, and in so doing, into our own. Kurson has taken his readers on both underwater and space adventures, all with riveting and compelling style. But as I read Rocket Men, I realized that the real journey Kurson was taking us on, perhaps even unwittingly, was into our own subconscious--into the question of what makes us all, in some measure or another, strive to explore against all odds of success, and often at great sacrifice, unchartered terrains. As I learned about Borman, Lovell and Anders, and their bravery, determination and devotion, I was left wondering what I would sacrifice for the chance to see my world from the outside looking in, and whether I would ultimately have the courage to do so.

Robert Kurson is a master storyteller. In "Rocket Men," he tells the story of the Apollo 8 mission, the first spacecraft to approach the Moon as well as to disappear behind it. This adventure tale reads like something the reader is learning about first-hand. I felt intimately connected to the personalities, the events, the most dramatic moments, and the risk and historic weight of the undertaking. Kurson has figured out just the right balance between amazingly detailed research and a seamless story that never feels stitched together out of hundreds of accounts, documents, etc. If you're not highly familiar with narratives about the space program, you will be amazed at this fascinating world. It's a combination of (1) world geopolitical supremacy on the line, (2) the most advanced science in existence, (3) levels of unprecedented personal risk in the name of country-science-exploration, and (4) the rare kinds of people who become astronauts, live with being married to them, and are responsible for the decisions that determine the astronauts' fate. This is storytelling on a par with Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff," a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction about the earlier phase of the space program. And if you have read books in this genre, you're in for a lot of surprises. (No spoilers here.) It's easy to imagine some drama out of the story of Apollo 11 (the first Moon landing) and Apollo 13 ("Houston, we have a problem ....") or the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters. But this story proves the point that, from the perspective of what's going on IN THE STORY, every one of these missions was high on drama. Kurson's telling of this story makes a compelling argument – even if you don't agree with it, it makes wonderful reading – that Apollo 8 involved unprecedented stakes in the Space Race and the Cold War, and an unprecedented leap in risk combined with an uncharacteristic rush by NASA to put leapfrogging the USSR above caution. "Rocket Men" is a story of an American triumph at a difficult moment in history. Appropriately, it's also a storytelling triumph.

When I started this book, I thought, oh boy, this is just a rehash of The Right Stuff and Apollo 13. I’m so glad I stuck with it. The story of the science and personalities involved in this mission is mesmerizing. “Telegrams for the astronauts poured in by the thousands. One, however, stood out from the rest. It came not from a world leader or celebrity or other luminary, but from an anonymous stranger. It had traveled over whites-only lunch counters in the South, through jungles in Vietnam where young men fell, over the coffins of two of the America’s great civil rights leaders. It had blown across streets bloodied by protesters and police, past a segregationist presidential campaign, into radios playing songs of alienation and revolt. It had made its way through ten million American souls who didn’t have enough to eat, alongside generations that no longer trusted each other, into a White House where a no-longer-loved president slept. It read: THANKS. YOU SAVED 1968.”

I just finished “Rocket Men”. It is a rare thing for me to sit and read a book in a few days but that is what I did with this wonderful book. I have read a lot of books about the space program and even about Apollo 8 to the point that I was not finding anything new or interesting anymore. However, "Rocket Men" is like a whole new story of Apollo 8 and I especially loved the new things I learned from it such as the story behind the picture of the execution from Vietnam, Bobby Kennedy, and other such tidbits that spiced up the adventure of Apollo 8. Telling the story of the three wives was intriguing. I had never read about Lovell’s mistake with the navigation. After all the space books I have read I can honestly say that this is absolutely one of the very best ever produced.

Part political/techno thriller, part family drama, and part grand adventure story, this is a tightly written and fascinating account of a singular, defining event in human history. All the elements of a great historical fiction are here, but the state of the world at that time was dramatic enough and needs no embellishment. Instead, Kurston expertly weaves a tale of a nation in turmoil and a group of individuals who, down to the very last of them, were placed just as they needed to be at that particular moment in history in order to accomplish one of mankind's greatest triumphs. This is a story of an epic voyage into what then was truly unknown. It would not have been possible without the rare combination of ferocious competence, grim determination, unshakable devotion, and nerves of absolute steel that were manifest not only in the three crewmembers of Apollo 8, but also in their management, their support structure, and especially their families. Together, they saw the immensity of the challenge that lay before them, and with skill, perseverance, and daring in equal measure, they pulled off an incredible feat that the country, and indeed the entire world, desperately needed. And it is to us, 50 years later, living in a similarly troubled and divided but perhaps more risk-averse world, to rise to meet the challenges we face, as they did. The story of Apollo 8 is, above all else, a tale of hope. If we can get to the moon, we can do anything.

Half a century ago, humans first ventured out of earth orbit and to the moon. But it wasn’t on Apollo 11. First came Apollo 8, an audacious leap forward in human exploration, as spacefarers orbited the moon for the very first time, looked down upon its barren and ancient surface, and glimpsed our home planet as a tiny bright oasis in the blackness of space. It is not easy to convey how important this mission was, as it has generally been overshadowed by the Apollo 11 moon landing half a year later. Robert Kurson’s Rocket Men does this story justice. Not only does he describe the mission, we learn about the remarkable people who flew the spacecraft, the risk that NASA managers took to push this flight up the schedule, and the wider story of a nation at a moment of traumatic self-doubt and inner turmoil. The drama of each moment of the mission is conveyed in taut, muscular and dynamic writing that had me eager to know the next moment, even though history already knows how the mission ended. It would have been all too easy to overdo the tension, but Kurson instead clearly conveys what the dangers truly were – it is never overdone. We are fortunate to live in an era when the first people to truly leave earth are still around and were able to relate their mission to Robert Kurson. You’d be unfortunate to miss the chance to read it.

Robert Kurson's excellent look at the 1968 voyage of Apollo 8, "Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8", has already received excellent reviews on Amazon, so I can add very little. However, I will say that the writing is low-key but compelling as Kurson writes about the politics, the people, and the history of the United States space program. He also details the race - what we knew was happening - between the US and the USSR. The Soviet launch of a moon rocket forced the United States to put forward the Apollo 8 flight well before schedule, so we could go to the moon and circle it. Not actually land - that came later - but to circle it. Even though I know the turnout, I really kept expecting things to fail spectacularly. This is a book for any armchair historian and/or science junkie. I also think it would make a great Audible book and I've already preordered the Audible version at the good price of $14.

I really loved this book - it was so fascinating and shared how innovative Apollo 8 was. In our current climate, we constantly think about the Silicon Valley and startups as paradigms of what innovation looks like - but this book, while not intentionally, highlights how the United States acted in an entrepreneurial and resourceful manner in the race to the moon. Furthermore, when people think of the race to the moon they constantly think of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin - but it was these guys who braved out the first mission and orbited space. The sections when they discuss the broadest to the US on Christmas were so exciting to read. I also loved that this book was intriguing and fascinating, and I had the opportunity to learn so many new interesting facts. While the book was informative, it was in no way boring. Often with books like these there is a fine line between being intriguing and being droning - this book mastered it. I would say if you are a purely fiction type of reader, this is probably not for you because it definitely is more factual and at times you might thing it's too scientific or educational (although I think it really achieved the right balance of engaging and educational).

I don’t read very many nonfiction books and I haven’t listened to many audiobooks, but I’m sure that this one will remain one of my favorites in both categories. Before I listened to this book, when I thought of space missions and the moon, I thought of the moon landing and Apollo 11 - the planting of the American flag, Neil Armstrong’s comment “....one giant step for mankind.” While I remember Apollo 8, I had no idea of it’s importance in laying the groundwork for future missions. While I always thought that astronauts as a group were brave, I never really thought about their individual stories, their personalities, the affect on their families, especially their spouses, the intense training or what went into preparing for their mission. Even though I knew the efforts of NASA to prepare, plan, build, test and manage from mission control had to be enormous, I never gave it a lot of thought. I didn’t think a lot about the historical context of these space missions. All of that changed in such an impactful way for me while listening to this absolutely amazing account. I was captivated by the intimate look that I got of the crew - Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, how they grew up and became astronauts, how they met and fell in love with their wives, how their wives were impacted by what their husbands were doing, the sacrifice of family time. The wives of these men deserve a lot of credit and are heroes in their own right. Their personal stories are moving. I was on the edge of my seat as Kurson so skillfully gave me “a sense of being there”. I was surprised that some of the technical and scientific parts were made understandable and interesting and amazed at the scope of things that went into making decisions. The way the mission is brought into historical context is simply stunning. I hung on every word as the picture is painted of a fractured time in American history with events that I remember- the race to space with Russia, John Kennedy’s dream of landing on the moon, the Vietnam war, civil rights protests, race riots , demonstrations in Chicago, unrest in the country, the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. This book doesn’t just tell us about Apollo 8, it tells the story of our nation in 1968. I loved the Epilogue finding out what the crew did afterwards and where they were in their lives at the time of the 50th anniversary of the mission. I very much appreciated the author’s note in his own voice, how he was inspired to write this book. Kurson’s research is extensive including time spent with Borman, Lovell, Anders , people from NASA, reading a multitude of documents, watching videos and so much more. This is a story of extraordinary men and their families, an extraordinary event in history. The narration by Ray Porter is absolutely wonderful. I just purchased a hard copy for my husband.

Rocket Men is another amazingly well-written book by one of my favorite authors, Robert Kurson. I have now read all of his books and so enjoy the detailed and suspenseful stories of important people and historical times that he chooses to focus on. He couldn't have selected a more interesting subject than Apollo 8 and America in 1968. I grew up during the race to space and getting to relive both the story of Apollo 8 and one of the most traumatic years in American history brought back many memories of a very different time in American history. Unfortunately, I read the book in two days so I am challenging Robert to get his next book out soon. Also, while I buy most of my books on Kindle, I always order hard copies of Robert's books so I can put them with my other cherished books in my library. Thanks for delivering an outstanding product again.

Just started reading this. It shows a part of the Moonshot program I hadn’t known about. Two problems so far. At least in the first part it reads like a Cliff Notes version of _Moonshot_. It also seems to have been written for the younger reader. I'm further in, and I'm getting a little more detail about the mission, spacecraft, and astronauts. Each astronaut has a short biography, each in separate chapter, and alternated with planning and preparing for the mission. I like how the chapters that precede the biographical chapters lead into the biographical chapters by making special mention of the astronaut whose chapter is coming up. I was 14 when Apollo 8 orbited the moon. I thought it was great, but had no idea at the time how risky, as well as technically difficult it was to just get to moon orbit. I don't remember hearing about the Soviet launches, either, but I do remember hearing about how the USSR was about to launch a manned mission when Apollo 11 was preparing to launch. There are other books that go into more detail about aspects of Apollo, that include Apollo 8, but this seems to be an excellent and focused summary of this mission. I raised the rating to 5 Stars because of how he described their surprise when seeing Earthrise for the first time as well as how they came to read from Genesis on Christmas Eve. As I remember it, we were listening to it on the car radio so we missed the actual show. Also, the last line of the actual book is wonderful. This book is a keeper!

I have some good things to say about this book. I think it is valuable but first, I guess I am the only person who is not always impressed with the writing style here. It must be me then. But I found that it is a bit of a dramatic, it reads like a novel at times. Given that, I skimmed quickly through all the parts that were inventions of people's thoughts and conversations, dramatizations, in my opinion by the author. Its probably just me, but I am uncomfortable with dramatizing the personal side of of historical events. I would rather that actual quotes are used than attempts to artistically recreate what a person was thinking to themself 50 years ago . It brings an element of fiction to real events. For me, that seems a bit off. This book puts some events and personal interactions in a rather dramatic light events and I have two minds about that. From our present vantage point we know how all the social events related to the Soviets played out in the end, the Cuban missile crisis, the arms race. So, books and articles on this subject often tend to be fairly dry and objective and not highly emotional because now we know that the Russians did not actually nuke us and that we won the cold war and that the USSR and its communism collapsed. The rather dry factual treatment we read very often today about the shock that sputnik and other soviet successes in space caused us probably does a disservice to history, this book makes it more dramatic, which is valuable. The fear level we had at that time really explains why the Apollo program took so many huge risks to hit the arbitrary "before the decade is out" ambition of JFK. That level of fear drove NASA (I have the highest admiration for NASA) to make fatal mistakes that led to the Apollo 1 fire. So, this book may do the best job I have seen of making that sense of fear and urgency real. I was alive but young when this all happened. I do remember the hide under the desk drills (all seems so absurd now doesn't it?) Since I was young during the Cuban missile crisis it did not really hit me but I do remember my parents glued to the news. So again, I have to say that this book brings that level of fear and perhaps paranoia (as seen from our vantage point today) to life better than other drier accounts. The space program was something that made me proud of my country. Its a highlight of my childhood along with the music. John Glenn and John Lennon stand out in my memories of that time. The level of my nostalgia for this shining moment in time is off the charts. I have admiration verging on reverence for the people involved in this mind boggling achievement, all that led to the Apollo program. I have huge admiration for all the people who continue to research our planet, solar system, galaxy and universe, the scientists, the engineers and the people who take the biggest personal risks, the astronauts. These days I am devouring books on anything and everything related to our history in the space program, especially the X-15 program, as well as our present missions and future plans. Many today seem a bit blase about this. I never have been.

I became a Kurson fan when I read and reread Shadow Divers long after it was released. It was and is the best book I've ever read. I found Crashing Through and knew that Mr. Kurson has a talent with words and stories that is hard-won. His research is the mortar of his prose. Pirate Hunters was less thrilling to me, unlike Mr. Kurson's first two exceptional novels, but still well worth the reading of it. Rocket Men is completely igniting from cover to cover. Being fed in delicious portions from the obvious reams of information that his research compiled, this is a book both to savor and devour. His characterization is again, stellar! I think everyone should read Robert Kurson and become better for the effort!

I finished the book last week. It was a delayed start as I like to read one book at a time, but once I started, I could not put it down. I like to consider myself a knowledgable space junkie who reads all there is available on the Apollo program. I was happy to learn new information from you book, as others I have read are fairly repetitive. I appreciate your balance of science and engineering with the emotional and family interactions of the participants. I throughly enjoyed the writing style, and will be adding another one of your books to my reading list soon.

As a 66 year old engineer, I was just the right age for the race to the moon to maximum impact. Add to that I have a family member who worked at McDonnell Aircraft and the follow on entities which allowed her to meet all of the original Mercury 7 and many of the second group, and I have to read any book about the 60's astronaut corp. I'd say this book is a cross between Gene Kranz's "Failure Is Not An Option" and "A Man on the Moon" by Andrew Chaikin. There plenty of techno stuff but there's also a ton of character study of 3 very different men and 3 very different families. I found this to be one of those books that made it hard to put the Kindle down every night.

Robert Kurson is one of my very favorite writers, and I think this is his best book yet. I loved Shadow Divers, but this has even higher stakes and even more compelling characters. Plus, Kurson does an amazing job of making you understand the cultural and historic importance of this mission, which came at a time when Americans were beginning to doubt their country's true greatness. Every page of this book is riveting. I was in complete suspense, even though the outcome was well known, because Kurson writes so powerful and these characters are so fully formed. This is my front-runner for best book of 2018.

For anyone with any level of interest in science, not to mention history, this book makes one realize what a remarkable achievement occurred. By today's standards, digital technology then was primitive ... and yet without it the mission could never have occurred. The human stories behind the mission are remarkable. Those old enough to have watched it on TV will have even greater appreciation. When you consider the fact that this was actually something done by a "government agency" (NASA) it is cause for shaking your head in near disbelief. Treat yourself to a fascinating journey into the past ... buy the book and then share it with others. Whatever one might think of Borman, Lovell, or Anders today, their courage and that of other astronauts not so fortunate is a tribute to everyone involved in the space program ... one of America's finest hours. This book may be the lifetime achievement of the author, Robert Kurson.

I literally couldn’t put this book down. The author does a masterful job of weaving together the technical aspects/challenges of the Apollo 8 mission, its societal significance, and most importantly to me, the human dynamic from the perspectives of the astronauts, their families, and general public. Kurson goes deep below the surface to explore the social element of this fascinating story which caused me to reflect back on the space race era with a totally fresh perspective. Rocket Men is a unique and terrific read! I highly recommend it!

Being a longtime fan of space exploration and in particular the American space program, I’ve read many books on the subject, but “Rocket Men” stands out for me in many ways. This tale of Man’s first time leaving our home planet for another world, is written in a down to earth, clear, charming and novel-like style, and had me hooked right away. I was able to get to know and care about the three courageous Apollo 8 crew members and their families, prior to the launch, making this story about a critical and unthinkably space-race rushed mission, that much more dramatic and poignant. I found myself on several occasions, tearing up from the little moments that show how much the astronauts, their wives and children mean to each other. Other moments kept me smiling and even laughing. The vivid, flowing prose, and the wonderful detail and dialogue, breathed life into the book and held my interest to the last page. It has a perfect balance of family, high risk mission planning, unexpected and potentially disastrous mission events, upheaval in America, Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union, fascinating science and technology (in layman’s language), humor, and romance. It’s also very well researched and the interview access to the astronauts, their wives, and mission heads, allowed me to be a fly on the wall at NASA, in mission control, in the Saturn 5 Apollo 8 capsule and in the astronaut’s homes. “Rocket Men” is a remarkable story told in a beautiful and compelling way. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys exploration, romance, suspense and drama.

I remember this flight, and those that followed....for it is these adventures hat lead me to the Civil Air Patrol as a c/Lt. Col, and to science (after I learned I could never be an astronaut), culminating in advanced degrees, the latest a Notre Dame MS in stat/data science. Such was the inspiration these flights inspired in me and a Nation. Robert Durson brings all of this excitement back to center I read Rocket Men at one sitting...crossing the 50th Anniversary of the first Lunar orbit....with newly-found wonder, admiration, and respect for the men that flew, the team that backed them, and the families that made this possible. Read it. You will not be disappointed.

This outstanding story does more than just recount NASA's boldest mission. It captures an era in American history: one of bitter political dissention, racial tensions, and the Vietnam War. As I write this review in 2020 much of the story hits eerily close to home. This, however, is a story of hope and victory against the odds, and it also tells the tale of three brave men (and the thousands behind them) that made a brave move. Much more than a very good outline of the technical accomplishments needed to send humanity's first representatives to the Moon and back, this story captures the essence of that humanity. Each of these astronauts served their country and understood the incredible national importance of their task, but each also discovered that what matters most in the universe is not somewhere out in space, but was always waiting for them back home. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Also, if you enjoy this book or audiobook I also recommend A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin.

As a child, I use to wait with baited breath as Apollo launches lifted off. Yes, NASA and it's astronauts have been covered in other books...but this book includes the familie's point of view. Astronauts are brave...but so are their loved ones, especially during a time when everything was an experiment, often untried until these brave men climbed aboard. The social climate of today mirrors that of social unrest in 1968: this story offers us a reminder that we can overcome and achieve wonderful things if we just work together. Can't wait to see what he writes next!

I've seen the film "Apollo 13" several times as a child, but I didn't hear about other missions. "13" was just a movie number to me. I didn't think about, or know of "real" missions that came before it. But, they certainly did. This is one of the most suspenseful reads, (though of course, we know the happy ending), I've ever read. One of the images that has stuck with me is "2 people fitting into a BW Bug's front seat",( though that may be a remembrance from an interview.) What we have accomplished scientifically since then is astounding, but remembering where we were, with what we had... how did we ever accomplish such feats? Find out...

Kurson hits it out of the park with "Rocket Men." This story is about so much more than NASA, the turbulent late 1960's, or putting a man on the moon - it tells the very human stories behind one of mankind's most incredible achievements. The book is timely, with the United States now engaged in many of the same crises of conscience and international power struggles that set the backdrop for the story of Apollo 8, and the stories of these astronauts is an important reminder that behind the headlines and the photo ops, the race to the moon was driven not just by national ambition, but also by the personal passion of these astronauts.

I certainly did not know enough about the Apollo 8 story. I was delighted to learn more. The problem with a successful mission is that there is little drama to write about, and in hindsight the success seems inevitable and obvious. So taking a story like that and making it suspenseful, especially given that the outcome is already known to the reader, is somewhat of a challenge. But Kurson apparently specializes in telling exactly this kind of story. Success against overwhelming obstacles does not seem so inevitable when the reader is exposed to the details and lives the events through the eyes of the people who lived through it, confronting their dilemmas. Great story, well written.

The single best non fiction book I have read in years! Thrilling, tense story, even though you know how it ends. I feel like I know each of these immensely brave astronauts and their families through the detailed storytelling. The launch description in this book is so intense, I had to put the book down for a bit. You can feel what they were feeling - it's truly incredible!

Clear, comprehensive, yet non-technical enough that I could follow the challenges of Apollo 8's voyage to the moon and back. Also, the explanation of why this flight to the moon took the most courage in NASA to do was very clear, and I came to agree. I hear a movie is in the works. I hope they do justice to this story. It is truly thrilling and absolutely needs, no requires, to be told truthfully!

There are at least three wonderful stories here; only two of which have been thoroughly reviewed by the Amazon customers. The first story is the story of dare, courage, risk and adventure taken by the folks at NASA, our three astronauts and mission control. Truly inspirational and now reviewed by many. The second story is about these three, amazing astronaut wives who were as much a part of this mission’s success as our main heroes. With the publication of this book, these women now receive appropriate recognition which is long overdue. Our third hero is our author, Robert Kurson. I have read everyone of his books. Even with a priori knowledge of several of his selected (and true) adventures, somehow Robert uncovers extraordinary details, then weaves this research into a tale impossible to put down. There are simply too many books about great events in which the richness of the accomplishment is diminished by the shabby research. I now know so much more about deep-diving, pirates, blindness and space travel. It is not because these topics have been my desire; but because Robert’s depth of discovery and his story-telling ability are so insightful.

When I picked up Robert Kurson’s latest “Rocket Men,” I had high expectations, as I am an avid fan of his work. All three of Kurson’s previous books, “Shadow Divers,” “Crashing Through,” and “Pirate Hunters,” had kept me on the edge of my seat. Right away, I could tell this was going to be classic Kurson: A tale of American heroes who risked everything, beat the odds, and achieved greatness. Rocket Men is the story of the daring Apollo 8 mission that would, for the first time in history, send mankind to the moon. Leading up to the launch date shortly before Christmas of 1968, many hurdles had to be cleared for NASA’s daring mission to succeed. If it did, it would invariably demonstrate American greatness to the world and restore the country’s belief in itself. Were it to fail, nobody would ever look at the moon, or Christmas for that matter, the same way ever again. Kurson tells the story of this daring attempt in a way that makes us want to forget everything around ourselves and turn page after page, as we practically become part of the crew in the command module. Rocket Men allows the audience to feel the same tension that the astronauts, their wives, and the entire world felt at the time. But Rocket Men is so much more. At its core, this story downright pulls at the reader’s own heart and urges it on to strive for the greatness it suspects might be out there to achieve. Kurson’s account of how man first reached his seemingly unreachable companion, over 200,000 miles away from earth, inspires us to take a leap of faith ourselves, to put it all on the line, and confidently attempt to reach our greatest potential. In every respect, Robert Kurson’s Rocket Men is a fantastic read. It leaves the reader pondering his or her own life and our shared humanity on this earth with a newfound appreciation that is direly needed in our times, 50 years after the Apollo 8 mission.

Everyone knows the story of Apollo 11 when man first landed on the moon. What is much less well-known was the risky decision to send men out of earth's orbit for the first time on the Saturn V rocket which had not been thoroughly tested. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Space Race with the Soviet Union it is a thrilling tale of bold risks and high-pressure decision-making. In addition to going to the moon for the first time, they took on the added risk of firing the Command Module rocket on the far side of the moon to put it into lunar orbit not knowing how it would work. Also they had to fire the rocket a second time to leave lunar orbit and return to earth. If either of those firings failed, they would crash into the surface of the moon or be lost in space. Highly recommend for space and adventure buffs!

This book is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. From the way it flows, to the story from multiple angles, to the emotions provoked by the points of view from the wives of these brave astronauts. Mr. Kurson writes books you cannot put down. This is a story that should be as well-known as the Apollo 11 and 13 missions. Without this major milestone event, none of these prior efforts would have been the same, or may have never even occurred. And boy what it a close race between the U.S. and the Russians.... This book is a gem and should be treasured by historians and space fans everywhere. Thank you Mr. Kurson, for another thrilling tale written in such engaging prose and style of writing that perfectly balances historical events, human emotions, and real-life drama.

This is the 2nd Apollo 8 book I read this year; the first was Kluger’s book titled Apollo 8: The Thrilling Story of the First Mission to the Moon; below is the review I wrote after reading that book: “Thoroughly enjoyed this book; read a lot about this mission when I was younger; however, this book allowed the reader to get to know the astronauts on a more personal level, more fully understand the gravity of the mission, it’s risks & understand what the families had to endure; was riveted to various phases about the flight, but the narration of the re-entry phase was fascinating & gripping!” As a result of the posted reviews of Rocket Men, I decided to take the risk and read this one as well; although both books are well written, felt this book started out a little slow, but it really picked up after the first few chapters...maybe the first few felt slow due to either I already knew what was written or it was gained due to reading Kluger’s book; having said this, felt Rocket Men did a great job in describing elements of the mission in more technical terms & in greater depth as well as detailing more of these men’s family lives & their careers before/during/after their astronaut years; really felt the two books complimented each other, but Kluger’s book was more of a flyover vs The Rocket Men took me deeper down into the details; being an engineer, I gravitated more towards this book than Kluger’s book although both are excellent reads.

My gosh. As Apollo 8 raced to the moon, I was just day’s away from reporting for duty in the U.S. Army. And yet time has not only erased my memory of so many of the details that Kurson recounts so vividly, but it has also dulled my appreciation for what a daring and magnificent mission this was! Everyone-school kids particularly-should read this book to be inspired and to marvel at the courage and brilliance that made Apollo 8 a milestone of human achievement. I couldn’t stop reading segments aloud to my wife to give her an appreciation of the suspense that Kurson conveys. Magnificent!

Never did I think when I bought this book that I would start this book and finish this book in just 2 short days. But that's EXACTLY what I did with this one. The story is/was fascinating as I watched it all unfold in 1968 & 1969, but with this book, I seemed to be intimately involved in almost every detail surrounding the mission as well as all the personilaties and lives involved in the story. This book will suck you in. It's difficult to put down once you get started. You can feel the tension of the decision process to launch as well as the mission itself. The detals provided are easy to understand but presented in such a way that the "non'technical" reader will easily understand. Combine all this with what we experienced in that same time period and the book comes alive. I'm certain you'll thoroughly enjoy this one

An outstanding book about one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of mankind. The decision to go to the moon with Apollo 8 was a controversial decision to say the least, but was one that saved 1968 - arguable America's worst year outside of the Civil War. I couldn't put the book down, reading it in two days.

Robert Kurson's excellent look at the 1968 voyage of Apollo 8, "Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8", is a great story wonderfully told. If you're familiar with Mr. Kurson's works such as Shadow Divers or Pirate Hunters you will once again be swept away. This time into a great story where people, politics and the US vs USSR space race all come together.

Kurson's account of Apollo 8's technical achievement as well as the political and military factors behind the decision to skip its original intent to orbit earth and instead go to the moon is masterfully blended with the human component. The thoughts, excitement, fear, of the crew, their wives and children are movingly described. Their post-Apollo careers and lives, to the present-day, are poignantly recounted, based on direct first-hand visits with Borman, Lovell, Anders, as well as their wives and NASA key figures. A gifted author, this is a fitting book appear on the 50th anniversary of the pioneering flight.

This was the best book I've read all year! My husband, who was part of the company who made the guidance system for the lunar lander and lunar rover loved it too. The author worked so hard to make sure all the details were correct (my husband says they were). But the story of that mission was so mesmerizing to me. These were real, very young people that were using all their brainpower to fulfill our trip to the moon. Even though we know the outcome of that mission, there was suspense in the book and real human stories. I loved it!!!

There are the standards, Apollo 13, Failure Is Not An Option, Flight, Go Flight, Carrying The Fire. Some of these do a good job of going behind the obvious and letting us in on people or individuals. My feeling is that if one was to read just one book about the early space era, I include Apollo as early space era as, I was twelve years old at the time of Apollo 8, then, that book has to be, Rocket Men. There are the life stories of the three astronauts, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders and then, there is the story of the first journey to the moon. I couldn't put this book down, Robert Kurson spent time with all three men and turned all of his notes into story of awe and wonder! Originally, Apollo 8 would have been an earth orbiting mission to check out the lunar module, of course, it wasn't ready yet, so, rather than have a repeat of Apollo 7, it was decided to sent 8 to the moon. This mission was fraught with danger (which mission into space isn't), no lunar module engine to use as back up should the SPS engine fail (Apollo 13), but those three extraordinary men were strapped into that command module and saved a year that up to that point had been a real black eye for America. This book is a MUST READ for those interested in the early years of space flight!! I know I will read it several times.

A fabulous book by Robert Kurson. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, but Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders of Apollo 8 made the first giant leap to get us there. Mr. Kurson tells us how it happened and with rich detail.

It was such a good book i wrote the a author complaining about my lack sleep the next day. He covers everything mission control the astronauts and their families and the year 1968 which was no walk in the park. I did envy him talking to these pioneers in space. But this book, even if you're not a space hipster it's well worth it

A very fast-paced retelling of the 1968 Apollo 8 mission. Kurson does an excellent job keeping things moving and suspenseful despite everyone knowing the outcome. I could have used a little more technical detail; Kurson keeps engineering and scientific explanations fairly simple. Nevertheless, the reader gains a good appreciation of the rigors endured by the astronauts, the stress on NASA and Mission Control, and the sacrifice of the families. I was a 14 YO boy at the time of Apollo 8 but I still remember the mission vividly. Highly recommended for everyone especially aging Boomers who experienced the '60s space race.

This was a must read for any space fan. I remember the flight of Apollo 8 ( I was just 16 at the time) very well and understood at the time what a historic event this was. This book let me relive that mission with back stories that were previously unknown to me.The whole NASA team accomplished the truly remarkable.

After reading Rocket Men, I felt that Robert Kurson had taken us inside the minds, hearts and homes of those who came together in 1968 to do the unimaginable - design and fly perhaps the boldest, most courageous and daring of all space flights. Having grown up in the 60s in the NASA community outside of Houston, it was easy to take some of these feats for granted. Neighborhoods were filled with NASA families and Apollo was a way of life. Yet despite feeling as though I had lived through Apollo 8 more personally than others who have read Kurson’s book, I, too, found it to be a fresh and compelling read about Apollo 8’s historical achievements told by a storyteller who was keenly able to humanize engineers, mission managers, NASA leadership, astronauts and their families in a way that hasn’t before been done. Bravo Robert!

I loved this book! Kurson does a masterful job of bringing the odyssey of Apollo 8 to life. He expertly tells the story and recreates the world in which it took place. He captivates the reader from start to finish. This is not only a story about the mission, but it is a story about the people and the country. Whether you are interested in space and the Apollo 8 or not, you should not miss this book!

Robert Kurson has a way of writing and telling a story to the point you feel you are part of it. I have been a fan of Robert Kurson since Shadow Divers. I have never been disappointed. Robert has a way of taking a little known subject and making it important In Rocket Men, he takes an event that most people had forgotten about and put a whole new focus on the subject. By linking to other events of the time, it shows how you may remember the bad, but forget the good. I was in the army in 1968 and 1969 and remember the difficult times our country was trying to deal with. Thank you Robert Kurson for yet another outstanding book.

Great book if you have interest in the early space program - specifically the Apollo missions. Other reviewers mention that not much attention is given to the current events going on in the nation during the 1968 timeline this book is about. However, I felt that the balance was just about perfect. Once I started reading it, it was hard to put down. It still boggles my mind to think of how we sent men to the moon with the available technology.

The Apollo 8 story is a great one and is worth a fresh retelling! Thorough and well researched, this version is well worth your time. It also brings the story of the three men and their remarkable families up to date...enjoy

I really don’t want to admit that I was on the edge of my seat as I read this book. I’m kind of a space geek. I know how the story ends. But Kurson manages to keep building tension through the entire book. I’ve read some of his other things (I’d recommend Shadow Divers if you’re interested) but Rocket Men is a real page turner. It is a terrifically compelling account of a story that we all think we know. It’s extremely well researched and Kurson doesn’t pull any punches when our heroes act like jerks or make mistakes. On the other hand, he’s not out to vilify them either. It’s a balanced, compelling account of one of our country’s most amazing achievements.

I was 15 and remember well when this Christmas Apollo 8 orbit occurred. While I remember Sputnik, Alan Shephard, John Glenn, and later the Apollo 11 landing, this was more important in some ways. More exciting in that man finally left earth orbit and was on his way to the moon. It did not matter that they would not land, just the idea of traveling there. The book is well written and very interesting. The author does not bog the reader down in unnecessary technical details. Would recommend!

A great story well told - add another five star review for this book. The risks NASA took sending Apollo 8 to the moon are mind-boggling! They had no idea if half of the procedures they needed to perform to send the astronauts into orbit around the moon and return them home would even work! A testament to courage, the power of the mind, and the strength of community and the human spirit! Loved this book!!!

This book - by one of my all time favorite authors - is exciting, inspiring and heartwarming: The story of Apollo 8, our first journey to the moon. As with Shadow Divers and Pirate Hunters, Mr. Kurson's curiosity, research and outstanding storytelling abilities give us the most complete story of the Apollo 8 mission. Not only from the political, military and scientific points of view, but also the personal stories of each astronaut and their families who are along for the amazing journey and make untold sacrifices to help them be successful. There are so many parallels between 1968 and 2018. Even though our country seems so hopelessly divided right now, this story left me feeling like truly anything is possible. What a great way to start the new year. Read it!

Ok book, but did not add much to the record. This is the third book to be published about the Apollo 8 mission, after Genesis and Apollo 8, and did not add anything beyond what the other two revealed. If you haven't read anything about the mission, this is a fine source of information, but if you have read about it before there is no need to buy this book.

I was 14 years old at the time of the Apollo 8 mission and quite frankly was transfixed. The sense of wonder I experienced then has been brought back to life in Robert Kurson's beautifully told book. The backstory for each of the three astronauts and their wives adds greatly to the story of the mission itself. And what a mission it was, as it became a grand ending to a truly painful year.

Over the years I’ve read many books, but this one gave more joy, satisfaction, and hope than any other I’ve had the pleasure of reading. This year, 2020, has been for me much like those of the 60’s. The divisiveness and even hate that we’ve witnessed makes long for and hope for an Apollo 8 of this current generation. Please read this beautifully done book and let its hope wash over you.

Fantastic read. Kurson captures Apollo 8’s place in the turbulent USA of the late 60’s, in the history of technology, and in the history of the human spirit of exploration. I found the human side of the astronauts and their wives particularly moving. The whole book was an exciting and emotional read. Highly recommended!

The normal training period for an Apollo flight was 12-18 months. The crew of Apollo 8 had barely four months to train for a mission that was far more complex, far more dangerous, and far more risky than any other Apollo flight. Kurson does a great job of explaining the planning, the politics, the ingenuity, and the people who made it happen. Highly recommended!

In a race to beat the Russians, three American astronauts risked it all. A fascinating and insightful look into the mission that made the moon landing possible. Defying what many thought was a dangerously hurried time schedule to launch and complete the Apollo 8 orbital mission, these three men, with nerves of steel, risked it all to accomplish the 'impossible '. A deeply human and personal story that gives you an even greater appreciation for what they, and their families, sacrificed to make it all possible. The mission also provided something for everyone to cheer about at the end of a deeply divisive and turbulent year in American history - that being 1968.

I was just 17 when Apollo 8 launched. As a space fanatic, (and future aerospace engineer) I remembered many of the successful aspects of this mission, but wasn’t really aware of the many dangers and risks NASA and the astronauts took willingly for their country and history. Even though I knew the successful outcome, this account had me on the edge my seat. At times, I had to put the book down and take a breather. Felt like I flew with Borman, Lovell and Anders! Hell of a read, informative, insightful, and full of humanity. Just glorious writing through and through.

I have just started this book, but have already learned a few things about the Apollo 8 launch that I did not know even though that moment is etched in my mind.

This story was utterly fascinating, beginning to end. One feature that made it so was the skill of the author in making people "real", though they were part of an unreal event in our history. His ability to integrate events, lives, results, histories, was part of what made it such an enjoyable book. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed every minute reading this book. I read Shadow Divers when it came out and I've been interested in astronauts and space for years, so I jumped at the chance to read this book when it showed up on my kindle recommendation list. I've bookmarked the references for future reading. Thanks for the impeccable research and fascinating story!

Shadow Divers is still one of my favorite books ever, but now in the top grouping comes another fantastic read, Rocket Men. I have always had a keen interest in NASA and particularly the Saturn 5 and Apollo program. So this book, by a favorite author made it a must pre-purchase. Boy am I glad I did. What a wonderful read. Not just the technicals of the Apollo 8 mission but the era that I lived through. What a terrible year for America, but we sure did save the best for last. This book made me recall my thoughts as a youth that getting to the moon first was a true and real necessity. It captures all aspects and I could not put it down...Bravo Mr. Kurson, another masterpiece of a book.

A fascinating story not just about Apollo 8, but the entire space program. A lot of insight into the technology and politics of getting to the moon first. I had read Kurson's "Shadow Divers" years ago, and thought it was one of the best books I ever read. This one is right up there with it.

Stunning display of written history narration colorful background insightful analysis and solid perspective from that time period in that space and time. Every paragraph neatly folded into the next describing the character and incredible courage each member of the NASA team and the Apollo 8 crew. Riveting up all night what a darn nice job of writing.

I liked this book because the author skipped all but the most important points of the lead-up to the flight, so the reader gets quickly rushed along to the mission itself. Apollo 8 is one of the greatest triumphs of humanity. In my opinion, it was the bravest, cockiest, craziest thing that humans have ever done in space, and I'm happy to see it getting the attention and respect that it deserves. It has been stuck in the shadow of Apollo 11 for too long, and I'm grateful to this author for helping to change that.

The contrast between the social turmoil and scientific achievement of Apollo 8 is delivered with such detail, balance, and awe that memories are ignited, for us baby boomers, and history perceived for all. We know the endings, and still the author manages to explain stages, to propel us all into the magnificence that was Apollo 8 in 1968, and to inspire us to collectively transcend turmoil and reach for earth rise in two, zero, one, eight.

I was 10 years old when Apollo 8 launched. I wasn’t aware of the technical issues, the questions about the Saturn V or the CM engine. These men were my heroes. After reading this book - they are even more heroic in my eyes. As are everyone else at NASA, the contractors and sailors standing by to recover the crew. You can add the wives to my list of heroes too.

Kurson’s books are such page turners. I burn through these pages. His stuff is so digestible and entertaining. Sometimes I feel like I should be eating popcorn when I read this book but I’m on a diet. The thing he does that makes these books such page turners, is he uses the perfect balance of description and narrative. For example, he will give you a setting, then give you just enough detail about something, then go in further for a brief description of a brief human moment in a persons life; then now with all that new information and emotional tie to the story, he moves on with the narrative. In other books sometimes when a new character is introduced you might end up and going - wait ok who is this guy? Not with Kursons books. He has this perfect formula for directing your attention that will have you flipping these pages like crazy. Definitely pleased with this purchase and can’t wait to finish this book and lend it to my friends.

This was a great read. It tells the story of this amazing daring mission as juxtaposed against the tumultuous politics of the time. We also learn the life story of each crew member. Robert Kurson is a great storyteller. Read anything he writes!

Although I remember following the journey of Apollo 8 as a sophomore in college this book had me on edge. Kurson weaves the technical details of the flight with the human drama in the spacecraft and back home as humans make their first journey away from Earth’s gravity. A contender for best Nonfiction book of the year.

Most space fans have read a lot about the daring Apollo 8 mission, but Robert Kurson tells the compelling personal story of the astronauts and flight controllers who undertook this bold journey.

It held your interest even though you knew the outcome, there were times you wondered if they were going to make it. From a technical view it is almost unbelievable that they accomplished what they did.

Even though I lived through this, I am very happy the author told this story. Wish another written to tell of man's walk would be written in this fashion. I was saddened not to read of Lovell's work at Texas State University. A most enjoyable retelling of a great American experience.

Normally I would not have read this book as it didn't seem like it would hold my interest. However, I heard the author being interviewed on the radio and decided to download the book. This book is a great read!! Even though you know how it turns out you still feel like on the edge of your seat at times during their space journey. Buy this book and you will not be one bit disappointed. Doc Rich

This was a great book looking at a time in history that not a lot of people know about. Robert Kurson does a great job in give the reader looks into the feeling of the astronauts and their families as at that time one of the most dangerous and unknown adventures of the age. I highly recommend all of Robert Kurson's books, he is a wonderful author and does great research to give the reader all the details.

Liked details of time in capsule and trigger moments where they might not come home. Stories of ground crew that got them up and back, fantastic. All Americans should read to understand when we all pulled for these three guys. I as with them every time they broadcast. It is basically a very happy story of incredible success but fails to mention important women also involved as scientists. Excellent epilogue.

This story needed to be written and it was written so well. The power of this event was shaped by its historical context and the author did a tremendous job of bringing that in. Lots of technical information —without being too technical. Thank you, Robert Kurzon, for your careful research and engaging storytelling. I’m looking for more books by this author.

The book is perfect for those passionately looking for in depth detail on the the complete lives of the three astronaughts, their wives , extremely detailed account of the mission. It includes much background to place the event in history. Very long book but I found most of it entertaining.

Would recommend this to anyone who wants to take the journey and fully celebrate it. The book expertly combines the experiences of the astronauts and their families. It gives us insights as to the sacrifices made in space and on the ground while giving due credit to the mission that made a moon landing possible.

Well written easy read. Having grown up during "the race to space" era, filled in the details about the journey I never knew. Loved how he described each astronauts personality and background and the wives who supported their passion. Definite add to summer reads if you were every curious about the men behind the Apollo mission. Janet M.

I am typically a slow, methodical reader. Pacing a book over several weeks. Kurson's telling of the most daring mission in NASA history kept me up late at night not wanting to put it down until the end.

Mr. Kurson, as in Shadow divers, has written a wonderful and gripping book about an amazing true story. I couldn’t let the book down ‘till done. Thanks for sharing this story Mr. Kurson.

As a fan of space travel since being a child I thought I knew it all about the Apollo missions. I was wrong, there was way more risk involved than I realized. A great story full of detail about the entire mission. Would recommend to anyone interested in the space race and the missions to get us to the moon.

This book was far more impactful and fascinating than I had expected. The writing was fabulous and just the right amount of NASA / space information for a non-science person. Sharing the human stories of how they became astronauts in the first place and the relationships they shared with family was priceless. So wonderful! I would highly recommend.

I have read many books about the space program. It especially fascinates me because I live on Florida's Space Coast. This one is a real gem! Despite all my reading in the past, I learned so many new things from this book, and the writing and description of travel in space is spectacular! This is a MUST read!

This book puts you on the edge of your seat - it reads like an action-packed thriller. You are with the astronauts as they live, breath, train, and fly. The unrealness of pulling this feat off in the timeframe alloted is amazing.

Lots of people like books about history. Problem is, most of these do a good job informing their readers of the events that took place but do little to entertain. True, in recent times, authors have taken on efforts to blend the two, but the results are either a monumental adventure with far more style than content or those that fail by twisting too many of the facts into fictitious position. Yes Rocket Men is about 1968, a pivotal time in our history and the race to the moon that altered the way we think of possibility. And yes. it is about the lives of the men and women of those places and times. But what is critically underlying the story is a deeper message, one that leaves the reader with an imprint of perseverance, belief and most important of all, hope. What I like best about the book is that is a true portrayal without being a cleansed, immaculate re-telling of events. The book succeeds to stay genuine to what happened without cinching the facts too tightly. Rocket Men is an adventurous read for sure but also an important one. A booming success.

Kurson does it again, I opened my Amazon Prime copy of Rocket Men- To let Kurson tell me a story and keep me engaged- he did not disappoint I loved this book- it fueled fifty-year old memories of watching Apollo projects in black & white. To say that this book filled the gaps of what I did not know is an understatement- great job!!

Well written book on a period of the space race I didn't know much about. Written in an engaging way that does a good job of portraying the state of the country- the country's turmoil - in the late 60s as well as how the US was lagging the Soviets in the space race. Frankly I'm surprised there hasn't been more written or portrayed in film on this very interesting period of space exploration.

Robert Kurson has an amazing ability to write non-fiction that reads like nail-biting fiction. If you were alive in 1968, Rocket Men will remind you of a tumultuous time in our country. If you were not alive in '68, the book provides a fascinating history of what was going on in the country then, and how the Apollo 8 mission helped to unite a fractured nation, giving us both heroes and hope. Rocket Men is not only an intimate portrait of the sacrifices and challenges endured by the astronauts, but also of the sacrifices of their wives and families. In addition, Apollo 8 gave us photographs, the likes of which we take for granted today. The photo Earthrise, taken by Bill Anders, gave the world the first view of our planet from outer space. There’s a beautiful line in the book that reads, “…the astronauts had come all this way to discover the Moon, and yet here they had discovered the Earth.” As with all of Kurson’s books, whether the sea adventures Shadow Divers and Pirate Hunters or the incredible Crashing Through, which tells the story of a man who regained his sight after years of blindness, Rocket Men will leave you in awe of the human spirit, and what people can achieve when they are driven and inspired.

Kurson did what he always does, take a great story and tell it wonderfully. I only wish the book was longer, I wanted to keep reading about the men, their exploration and their commitment to their families and our country. Can’t recommend Rocket Men highly enough. I will get a plug in for Kurson’s other work. If you haven’t read Shadow Divers, Crashing Through or Pirate Hunters, find the time, you won’t be dissapointed.

I only started reading this book on a whim but once started could not put it down. The technological marvel accomplished by the scientists involved was only rivaled by the bravery of the three astronauts and their families. This book reads like a motion picture without anything added to make it more exciting for the audience.

This book was fascinating to read having grown up in that era, not only does it bring everything Back ,more and more detail goes into this engrossing true story. I learned so much more and Maybe because I’m older now I can appreciate the enormity of this story and the people who made it happen. Surrounded by world events happening at the same time made it more exciting. The Author did an excellent job With this book.

A look back into the daily lives of the team and decisions made leading up to the Apollo 8 mission and the mission itself. It gives the reader a real sense of what was happening in very good detail. Each of the astronauts gets individual attention by the author. The biggest take away for me was how amazing an accomplishment this was with the technology available at the time. Because NASA and the astronauts made it look so easy the actual complexity and risks can be taken for granted. A great look back at a major moment in history.

If you think this is a book about the space program, you’d be wrong. It’s a book about purpose, courage, intelligence, dedication, planning, execution and faith. They just happen to come together getting the first space ship from earth to the moon. A marvelous story told with insight and compassion. Highly, highly recommended.

I lived through this period in history and never knew a fraction of the behind-the-scenes info this book reveals, especially the 4 month launch prep effort. This book shows is the human side of these heroes and their families. Couldn’t put it down!

This book is a page turner, a joy to buzz through. I lived the Apollo 8 experience as an American boy. I saw and the TV broadcasts. But there is much here that is new it’s outstanding. I did not grasp the context of all the events of 1968. I didn’t know we rushed this mission. No part of this book lacks for thoughtfully places content and newly illuminating turns of phrase. Buy it; love it.

Well written account of America's race to beat the Russians to the moon, through the eyes of many of the people involved. If you're interested in this kind of stuff, another book that dovetails in with it prior to NASA taking over the astronaut program from the USAF is "Yeager", by C. Yeager and L. Janos.

Another wonderful book by a great writer! Robert Kurson has done it again!! While we all have heard of Apollo 8, to give us the back story of the heroes of this thrilling event in American space exploration is what Kurson does best! A page turner and eye opener, this book belongs on everyone's bookshelf of treasured books. --Joan Forsberg

Kurson writes a clean and focused narrative that draws the reader quickly into the story of Apollo 8. I have read many books on manned space flight, and this book constantly surprised me with new bits of information and insight.

One of the few positive stories from 1968. Excellent story of the astronauts first trip to the moon and back. Fascinating details of the measures taken to train and protect the astronauts on the mission. Recommended reading. Reminded me of "The Right Stuff".

I learned a lot about Apollo 8. Mighty men taking mighty risks for cause(s) they believed in. The fact NASA could pull this off in 1968 never ceases to amaze me. Well written and very much worth the read.

Great story and kept mathematical and scientific details in check, so the reader isn't bogged down. Enjoyed the human aspects.

Without question an absolutely fascinating and riveting telling of the Apollo 8 mission. The sheer momentum of the times, the technological brilliance and the commitment of the players involved can’t be beat even in this day and age. Great balance of the engineering marvels that propel the story coupled with the basic humanity of the players involved.

Very enjoyable read about the Apollo Space Program with Apollo 8 blazing a path to the Moon. Written with extensive documentation about the lives of the astronauts and their families. Just enough science to keep it interesting.

As a young adult I was a fascinated follower of the US lunar program. While I knew of Apollo 8's place in the chain I had not realized the number and magnitude of the critical decisions which were made in order for the trip to occur how and when it did. This book is well written, engaging and a valuable contribution to understanding the significance of Apollo 8, honoring many of the key participants. No, it's more than that. It's enjoyable. If it weren't a true story, it would be one heck of a novel!

Excellent book that captures the essense of 1968, the 3 men who made history, and the can do/must do spirit of everyone at NASA during the Apollo era! A must read for anyone who wants the relive the glory days of Apollo or who wants to read about the time when "Failure was not an Option"!

Robert Kurson is an extraordinary storyteller who takes the lives of our world's heroes and allows us a peak into their human lives. Kurson's understanding of the space program and the individuals involved creates a story that is riveting on each facet of the human psyche. A page-turner that paints the picture of a world unknown to most of us ... after reading this book, I will never look at the moon the same again!

Robert Kurson did his home work. Interviews from both sides of the old iron curtain helped make this book unique and provided information not found in other books written after the Apollo program and prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Soon, no one from that era will be around to interview.

Robert Kurson takes you along for the ride by bringing you into the room (and capsule) with the Crew, their families, and the key support personnel in Mission Control. I have read most of the astronaut's books on their respective missions, but Mr. Kurson takes first person interviews from the crew, NASA technical materials, and news of the day (Viet Nam and racial equality) that was tearing America apart and skillfully weaves it into a tale of adventure and significance for us as human beings. The Crew themselves read the galleys and gave it their approval, so it is an accurate portrayal as they experienced it. You can't get a better endorsement than that.

As Robert Kurson mentions in his notes, this story is often overshadowed by Apollo 11 and 13 missions. I knew little of the experience of Appolo 8 and feel enlightened and humbled by the story told in this book. I am not a space junkie and found the reading relatable, clear and emotionally connected. I hung onto the descriptions of the entrance and exit from lunar orbit as if I wouldn't know the outcome. Great work from this author. I have his other books on my reading list and hope to enjoy them soon.

I wonder how how such a story could seemingly be forgotten. As with so many other things today, it seems that history is used as a wedge to try to keep driving people apart. Taking on impossible goals - and achieving them - has so many benefits beyond those directly attributed to the endeavor.

I purchased this book for my husband after reading it as a loaner from the library. I remember watching the space launches with my classmates at a young age, but didn't realize the enormity of the efforts both in making the whole thing happen and the impact it had on the lives of the astronauts and their families. The author is to be commended for his efforts in explaining the scientific and human story.

Learned history about 1968 that I had heard but didn't understand. The details of their flight are memorable. Pick it up and read it, I couldn't put it down.

Great book. Easy read the author does an amazing job giving the details without boring you.

An amazingly detailed account of the men and their journey. It is as if you are living through their experience. Knowing the outcome is irrelevant. Every moment is suspenseful. Reading the book you feel what those on the ground must have felt when they did not know for certain those three men would return. A must! Inspiring.

I've been a fan of Robert Kurson's since his first book. Although I knew a little about Apollo 8 and it's outcome, I couldn't put the book down. Rob's ability to explain difficult material to the lay person is fantastic, and his story telling is exceptional. Rocket Men won't disappoint!

"Rocket Men" is as epic as the Apollo 8 mission, itself. In this suspenseful account, the author intertwines actual conversations between NASA's top managers, the astronauts and their families. Kurson knocks this one out of the ballpark. There are many unknowns in developing such a complex operation; yet, we are presented with a compelling account, as two of NASA's greatest masterminds first conceive of the project. The reader becomes deeply involved as the mission unfolds. We are soon transformed from simply observing this high stakes mission, to feeling as though we are actually on-board the command module, alongside the three-man crew. The heartfelt account of how each astronaut deals with associated risks makes this a story of will, determination and perseverance and an awe-inspiring glimpse at the stuff of which these astronauts are made. We come to know them personally, in a sense, and their reality: In space, there are no guarantees. Enter, next, Kurson's account of problems incurred the first time the crew attempts to fire the command module's SPS rocket engine, along with numerous other challenges during the mission that threaten its being scrubbed. Clearly, there is a vast array of scientific and mathematical calculations involved in all of this, but the author has brilliantly -- and mercifully -- condensed technical aspects, presenting concepts in layman's terms. This allows the book to flow, as the author draws us in. Apollo 8 plays a pivotal role in the space program; the reveal is that this is arguably the most important mission, ever. His style is extraordinarily appealing, making "Rocket Men" one of the best books I have ever read.

For anyone who followed the space program in the sixties by reading,doing and watching live tv broadcast, this book is a must read. The book makes what we all watched, more impressive.

Kurson delivers another tour de force book taking the reader on an epic journey into the heart of the Apollo space program with the oft overshadowed mission that tested the entire space program. Written in his trademark style, Kurson makes the reader believe he is sitting in the Command Module with Lovell, Borman, and Anders. An absolute must read by anyone who grew up with NASA or is following Space X now.

Magnificent & inspirational story about a our great nation and the men/heros who made us so proud to be Americans. Thank you NASA, we miss you! PM Van Sickle Maj Gen, USAF (R)

Great detail and history of Apollo 8 , it’s crew, and NASA. However, it seems the author, probably because of frequent interviews with the participants thus they became friends, refused to give the whole picture of their lives. They were human, had failures and faults, but the author leaves out those issues, making the book read more like a fairytale. For example, Frank Borman is undoubtedly an American hero as an astronaut, but many would say a colossal failure as CEO of Eastern Airlines ( and certainly one of the reasons the airline no longer exist). This is just one example, but I finish the book feeling like there is much more to the story. As a retired fighter pilot who fought in 5 conflicts, the drama of life is not all bravery and heroism.

I just returned in May from NASA in Florida. Having been awed by the Saturn 5, this book made the experience mean even more to me. I grew up as a wild-eye child of the 60’s loving the Apollo years. Thank you for such a wonderful book. I had no idea the significance of Apollo 8.

When dealing with actual events of k own outcome; it is difficult indeed to maintain a sense of susPens and tension. Judson does this extremely well and does so with great sensitivity to both the people involved and the historical context. A truly great read.

The story was both fascinating and we'll told. The high level of work and capability of all involved is wonderfully described and comes alive. The family side of the astronauts and their wives helped to put the drama and danger in it's proper perspective.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is very informative and exhaustively researched. The author does a stellar job at weaving the story from various perspectives. With a 2020 lens of the world as we know it today, the risks and dedication of NASA personnel during the space race are magnified and the cannot be under appreciated. What a brave and amazing feat! This book underscores the historical significance of those times & the dedication of all involved. The patriotism is undeniable. Highly recommend!

This author is one of the best. Love the book. You should also read Shadow Divers. One of my top 5 best nonfiction books I have ever read.

Heroic story that many, many do NOT know. Inspiring reminder that dedication and excellence matter. Well-written and compelling view into a troubled time of change in America.

Outstanding story of the Apollo 8 mission that captures the intensity of the space race as well as the emotional impact on the families of the astronauts. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone!

Bought this for my wife. She enjoyed it very much.

An excellent book on the men and family of Apollo 8. Well researched and well written. Informative and insightful at the same time.

I loved the book. The author did a great job of engrossing you in the climate of the country and the pressure that the whole team was under. The author did a superb job balancing the technical aspect of space flight with readability. I couldn’t put the book down and recommend it to anyone.

Robert Kurson has an uncanny ability to weave just the right narrative that reveals the richness of the times and people being chronicled. You really feel like you know the characters, their strengths and foibles, and the broader community better than they probably knew themselves at the time. . . .

The pace, detail level and coherence of this story, seems like if the author were breathing day to day every single detail of this fantastic adventure. It happened a little more than 50 years ago, but the challenges were incredible

I have enjoyed all of Robert Kurson's books. The events of this book took place during my Junior year in college which was a very formative time in my life.

Great read! Love the author

Easy to read. Fast paced. Good detail but not intrenched in minute facts. Encapsulates other events of the times very effectively into the book.

This is real sci-fi. Great story of the true events. Better than most sci if thrillers because it is the real thing.

I worked at Kennedy Space Center on Apollo 8's launch vehicle. I found many items in the book that I wasn't aware of during he mission. It is obvious that the author did some excellent research for his book. A great read.

Amazing book! Very well written with easy flow. Keeps your attention and doesn’t bog down with excessive details. Excellent book about amazing men performing an amazing mission.

I knew the astronauts from the cape and this book is great. A friend also trained them in water rescue( He is a retired Navy SEAL) and I sent him my copy after I read it. This book is spot on

In 2020, an absolutely crappy year, it was interesting to read how Apollo 8 saved 1968, the last truly crappy year. Maybe there is hop after all.

A well written and nicely paced in-depth look at the origins and people who made Apollo 8 the astounding success in scientific achievement.

The book went into all of the facets of Apollo8. The technical achievements of mission control was extraordinary as well as the courage of Borman, Lovell and Anders. The book is extremely well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire reading.

Another Kurson Home Run... Kurson brings to life not only an event but a divided era in which the event took place...

If you grew up following the space program like I did but never have learned the in depth story of Apollo 8, read this book and you will not be disappointed! I remember the basics we all saw on TV but never knew the back story of how it came together. It was amazing!

A great story of ordinary men bringing hope to a time much like our own

The riveting story of the Apollo 8 mission is captivating from the moment we meet the astronauts to the moment they are safely retrieved from the warm Pacific. Thanks to Robert Kurson for bringing this space flight to life.

Awesome and very detailed account of the Apollo 8 mission to the moon. Really emphasizes the audacity of NASA to undertake the mission, even as the Agency was still reeling from the Apollo 1 disaster.

From start to finish, this narrative is well organized and fast paced, touching on the key episodes of this incredible story. Apollo 8 was an adventure few can outmatch, and Kurson tells it well!

Great book for people who are interested in the space program. My husband and a I both liked it a lot and learned new things about the moon and Apollo. My husband wants to read it again.

Great read. Moves at a good pace and has a good balance of the backgrounds of the astronauts and the mission.

I really enjoyed reading this book. In 1968 I was out of the country and really didn’t know all that was going on in the US. It was as amazing to me as if it had happened yesterday. Really well written.

Robert Kurson has done it again! One of the best storytellers on the planet. Rocket Men is put together extremely well. I didn't want to put it down! Thank you for putting your art into the world Rob!

I don't read 300+ page books often. But this one sucked me in, was a real page turner, and was written by a great writer. I will probably read it again this year.

A tremendous tale, well told, of the most important space mission you didn’t need know about.

If you loved growing up during the space race this book will remind you of many of the steps along the way. The book fills in the gaps of what happened in between. Loved it.

bought for my 13 year old "smart" grandson. I wasn't sure if it would be over his head, it was recommended by pastor and teacher John MacArthur, but he loved it and read 90 pages in the first few days!

Robert Kurson has done American space history an important favor by pointing out the great importance of NASA's Apollo 8 mission in shortening the time frame required to get American astronauts to the moon in keeping with President Kennedy's challenging schedule, and beating the Russians there in the bargain. It was a great calculated gamble on NASA's part which in the end worked magnificently. Kurson has obviously thoroughly researched this great story and tells it with style and grace, as though it happened yesterday. As a minor participant in the development of the Saturn V, the largest machine ever conceived and built by man (and still is), I relived the thrilling adventure of the first Saturn V liftoff with men aboard, this time through Kurson's adroit pen, and my heart was once again in my mouth, even though I already knew the outcome. After the horrible disappointments of Sputnik I beating our Vanguard into satellite orbit, and Yuri Gagarin then beating out Alan Shepard as the first man in space, I could once again revel in the ultimate triumph of American astronauts beating Russian cosmonauts to the moon. Kurson puts the angry year of 1968 into context, ending it with a beautiful Christmas bow delivered by astronauts Borman, Lovell, and Anders, all of whom clearly demonstrated during this mission that they had the "right stuff." If you're at all interested in space history, you need to read this book!

Well written and deeply researched story of Apollo 8. The book is easy to read and approachable, and Kurson’s access to the astronauts and their families provides background into what it was like for everyone back on earth too.

I bought this book for my husband this Christmas. He loved it! I've never seen him get so wrapped up in a book before.

Very interesting read from a fascinating time period that was fraught with death and despair in our country. A feel good story that cleared the way for a positive moon landing the next year!

I was. Kurson has given lie to that phrase and presents a thriller, rife with personal tidbits, danger, breathtaking beauty, and, most of all, a honest picture of three of my heroes.

Robert Kurson is on top of his game. He's the Erik Larson of more current events. If you like Erik, you'll like Robert. As for Apollo 8, I had no idea the drama behind this mission before I read this book! Highly recommended.

Rocket Men is a great read filled with so much history. The details and and well written story keep you engaged.

I was a child at the time, and was riveted by Apollo 8. This is a great retelling of the saga that also captures the extreme risks taken to plan, execute and complete the mission. Even if space exploration bores you, this story will not. Highly recommended.

This was as much biography as history. It really left out a lot of the story of the contractors and supporting crews who really built the spacecraft. It wasn't all NASA and never was. I've known government and contractor scientists and engineers who worked on Apollo. They all made this possible.

A great tale of triumph, drama, and courage that will keep you turning page after page until suddenly you find yourself at the end.

Seldom is a book riveting from front to back- this was! Normally these books about the space program don't interest me, but the author caught my attention as I've read his other books.... Wonderfully written

Well written book on Apollo 8, I had not realized what a gamble this mission was until I read this. Good biography of the 3 men on it.

Even knowing how things turn out portions of the book are indeed worthy of edge of your seat references. There is considerable detail of both personal and familial implications of the journey that add to the value of this very good read.

Excellent book. I am an aviation writer I am very impressed. I was an 11 year old space geek in 1968. I loved reliving such exciting history.

An extremely well written account of the most daring of space projects ever. I would recommend this book to everyone who grew up in the late 50’s and early 60’ and were entranced by the NASA happenings of that time.

If you can get past the cold-war gingoisms, this is an interesting book.

I actually found this book as I was perusing Amazon for some "page turners" to read. When I was 50 pages into "Rocket Men" I went back to Amazon and ordered two more of Robert Kurson's books and now I am riveted and can't put down his book "Crashing Through". What a good writer who tells these interesting stories in such a great way. Glad I found Robert Kurson.

I heard this author on The Art of Manliness podcast. He sounded terrific there and the book does not disappoint. What a spectacular story that few of us even know anything about. Highly recommended!

This book has it all - suspense, inspiration, real life heroes, adventure and history -and its all true! This is an exceptionally well written story of humans at their best and challenging themselves to reach new heights. It was a pleasure to read, and even though we know how the mission ended, I was amazed at how thrilling it was to turn the pages and feeling so close to what the astronauts were experiencing during this dangerous, pioneering jouney.

Interesting and engaging play-by-play of "who, what, where, when, why and how" of Apollo 8 mission to circumvent the moon and gather information. I loved that the book included actions and reactions of the astronaut's wives and families as well as the astronauts themselves. Very good readable book!

A great multi-faceted deep dive into the brave men who attacked a mission with a singular focus, America’s identity throughout the 60’s, and a glimpse into the hyper precise requirements of space travel.

The author certainly did his homework. He talked to everyone associated the amazing mission of Apollo 8. Very detailed. Very thorough.

This an excellent book. It gave me lots of incites into what was going on during that period. I am a history fan and this presentation did an excellent job of presenting what the central characters were going through and what the rest of the country was doing.

Absolutely loved the story! I was born after the launch, and the story wasn’t really part of my history classes growing up. So reading the story and learning about both the mission and everything going on in the country was incredibly interesting. Great read and highly recommended!

Detailed account of this historic mission (but not too detailed to be totally absorbing). Really puts you in the capsule and in Mission Control. BTW, Kurson's book "The Shadow Divers" is excellent as well.

The book was written like you were there. The author did a great job recounting the great adventure that Apollo Eight to the world. The men of NASA were amazing!

Truly a book of all times and genres. Even knowing the outcome this book holds your interest and emotions. Be sure you read the epilogue it truly shows who these men really are.

I remember watching the Apollo 8 Christmas Eve broadcast from the moon. I was 8 years old and mightily impressed. This book brings this story to life 50 years later. It is well told and an engaging read.

Extremely well-written account of the space mission that ultimately allowed the United States to land men on the moon.

An enjoyable and factual account of the days and months leading up to the successful Apollo 8 mission. Whether you are a space buff or just trying to understand 1968, reading this is time well spent.

A well written book that reads like the best fictional thriller! Even though I knew the outcome it kept me flipping pages until I had finished. I was truly sorry to have this book end.