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Summary: credibility problems for Homer
Review: Sorry to rain on the Hickam-is-great parade, but I found the book completely implausible. So much so that I was unable to enjoy the ride. But let me say I LOVED Rocket Boys, and will try another Hickam book again. I don't know maybe I read it at a bad time, its happened where I miss a good book and only in rereading it do I realize how good it was...oh well for now I stand by my choice: Not very good
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Summary: Wonderful, gripping near-term science fiction!
Review: I was captivated by this book -- it's a great story and really makes you realize that we SHOULD be going "Back to the Moon" -- space is our future!
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Summary: Funny, suspenseful....WONDERFUL!
Review: I absolutely LOVED this book....Homer Hickam has done a great job with his first fiction book. There's humor, there's lots of suspense...I'd recommend this book to anyone!
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Summary: A techno-thriller with strong scientific knowledge
Review: Hickham combines an "I've been there" feeling with interesting political and historical tidbits. As with most techo-thriller the conspiracy bit is not very believable, but is still a good read. Reminds me of Ben Bova's later books.
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Summary: Help me, I started reading this book and couldn't stop!
Review: Seriously, if you like techno-thrillers, this one is for you. It's not Rocket Boys / October Sky but what is? It's as if Harper Lee (To Kill A Mockingbird) decided to write a mystery novel. It would be great, like Back to the Moon, but no "mockingbird." Gosh, Mr. Hickam, I like your writing but you seem to be confusing your fans. I think that's a wonderful thing! A Homer Hickam fan first class.
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Summary: A fast-paced space yarn
Review: This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Homer's got his tongue in his cheek some of the time in this yarn, that's for sure. It amazes me that when I read other reviewers and they haven't figured that out. Lighten up, folks! According to an interview I read in the paper, Homer's writing a new book about the Rocket Boys and Coalwood so your fix will soon be here. But Back to the Moon is just good solid entertainment with lots of insider stuff, too. As for Homer's work for NASA, all that's in his website, homerhickam.com. He was a hands-on kind of NASA guy.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, but it's no Rocket Boys
Review: Just finished this fictional book by the author of the non-fiction Rocket Boys (October Sky). You hope that it will follow as close as possible to Hickam's own experiences working for NASA and training astronauts. It does and doesn't. (Frankly I think Hickam's role in NASA is exaggerated because it made the Rocket Boys story better.) Nonetheless there is some solid inside information about how things work at NASA and I imagine he must have at least studied the space shuttle and Apollo programs some.The plot involves an ex-NASA engineer who essentially steals the space shuttle to go to the moon. That's not giving anything away and yet it will carry you at least half way through the book. Hickam adds a lot of neat twists and turns and even throws in a love story and a couple of different subplots involving evil government bureacrats, misguided geeks, and jealous astronauts. But somehow there is just no heart to this book and the characters and action seem flat. Countless times the protagonists are beset by some new life-threatening challenge but they almost always are able to overcome that challenge in the next 10 pages or so. The plot, then isn't so much intricate as it is a series of one unconnected event after the next. I think what made Rocket Boys so enjoyable was the very real characters (although Hickam admits many were amalgams) and a good understanding of the setting. This fictional book has neither, I think failing from a little too much imagination and a lack of depth. The book is still fun to read and does blend a lot of factual stuff with fiction so that you aren't quite sure where one ends and the next picks up. Also he writes about quite a few ideas that are rooted in existing ideas or technology. But too often strays from believablity, for instance, when one character in a bulky space suit starts shooting a handgun off in space. First I don't think he could pull the trigger with a glove on (let alone hold the gun), second I'm not sure the gunpowder would ignite in a vacuum and I don't even want to think about the recoil. So if you forgive it these frequent lapses into fantasy I think you can have a good time reading this book, but don't expect a lot of suspense or anything like the gem that Rocket Boys was. A final note: I have heard it has been optioned for a movie. This would be very ambitious since more than half the book takes place in weightlessness. With a big enough budget (James Cameron size) it would be pretty spectacular. There is enough going on that the script could easily be polished into a really good movie (add some believable twists and intricacies). It's a case where the movie could be better than the book. So keep your fingers crossed. With the caveats above, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting something light to read that won't make them think real hard.
Rating:
Summary: Strap yourselves in and go for a ride!
Review: Homer's new book is like strapping yourself to a rocket! Once the plot kicks in, there's no let-up. I read lots of techno-thrillers and this one stands out in the genre. I hope Homer will start a series starring Jack Medaris and Penny High Eagle. I look forward to the movie!
Rating: 
Summary: No Science Here!
Review: This book isn't even worthy of science fiction. Bad science and bad characters make for a bad book. I really enjoyed Rocket Boys and looked forward to this book. Whew, what a let down. I keep almost of all of my books and will reread even those I don't like. This one will go in the Goodwill bin.
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Summary: Fun shuttle space adventure ...
Review: Sept 23, 1999 First and foremost I would like to thank Homer and Simon Schuster books for abridging this book to audio. It has allowed me to share this fun shuttle space adventure with my young son (now 21 months old) as one of his betime stories. Four tapes was the perfect length! (One tape per night for a week.) I became aware of Homer and his work after thoroughly enjoying the movie October Sky. When he released "Back to the Moon" I immediately picked up the audio novel so I could enjoy another great space adventure with my son. Homer Hickam didn't disappoint and now our family looks forward to his next shuttle adventure! (I would really like to see each of the shuttle adventures narrated into a story line, especially the new ISS ones. I'm interested in hearing about the hard work, triumphs, letdowns, and the hurdles that shuttle crews go through in order to succeed. Narrating to audio is a must so my young kids can enjoy them too. I'd like them to learn that hard work and perservance really does pay off, through the vehicle of shuttle adventures. A little science thrown in for good measure wouldn't be so bad either!) Thanks Homer
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