High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband

Rating:
Summary: Overemphasizes the religious aspects of this hero
Review: Although I enjoyed this book, it became tedious because of the overwhelming emphasis on Rick's religious beliefs. The book is co-authored by the astronaut's wife, who is evidently very comforted by her religion. Nearly every statement attributed to Rick, whether it mentioned his wife, his children, his family members, or his close friends -- incorporated his religious beliefs. I was more impressed with Rick's determination, skill, leadership qualities, and his desire to do the best he could in whatever he undertook -- which happened to include becoming a test pilot and astronaut, as well as a husband and family man. Don't get me wrong. Our American astronauts are my heroes. Rick Husband was heroic even before his tragic death. A more balanced picture of Rick would have been preferable. The saddest part of the story is that it took the loss of Columbia before most of the world learned how incredibly special the crew was.

Rating:
Summary: What an awesome book!!
Review: As I opened the wrapping on Christmas morning I was pleased to receive such a gift from my wife, being the avid reader that I am. Two days later I started reading the book and could not put it down. I simply had to carry on reading because I felt so humbled by Rick Husband. I am a 41 year old and remember vividly when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon back in 1969. Rick Husband, against massive odds, time and time again, pushed through and did it. He never let anything, except his love for God, his family and respect for his fellow man stand in the way.

I am not embarrased to say that I was in tears for most of the second half of the book. More than once I stopped only to reflect on my life and thank God for his mercy, love and grace in my life. I felt Evelyn's pain time and time again. My life will not be the same after reading this book. Thank you so much Evelyn for writing this book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but not without flaws
Review: At times it felt like Evelyn was going to say something, but then she holds back. The portrait that she paints of Rick is someone without sin, a Godly man, who always aspired to be an astronaut. I felt she could have been more open and honest, and a bit less preachy at times.
Otherwise this book was touching. The real tragedy is that before the Columbia Disaster we as Americans did not consider the Astronauts who routinely risked their lives in manned space flight heroes. Space Shuttle launches were considered routine. The Columbia Disaster was a horrible wake up call. Reading what Rick had to do to get into the Space Program, all the training, all the sacrafices he made, was facinating. Rick Husband was a hero before he ever got into the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and this book shows why.

Rating:
Summary: Touching, remarkable story about a remarkable man.
Review: Being a forty something male born in the era of sputnick, the life and dream of becoming an astronaut were mine as well. Rick Husband did more however than merely dream about being an astronaut, he did it! His dream never "owned" him, he accomplished his lofty goal while keeping God and family in their proper order, as a matter of fact Rick Husband grew into a man of God during his voyage to fulfillment of that dream.
This book is the telling of that story through the eyes of his biggest fan, a loving and devoted wife, "Evey". I found the book to be a thrill to read, I simply "could not put it down".
Rick Husband truly answered a "Higher Calling".
Must read.....

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly open and informative, too.
Review: Evelyn did a great job explaining the home and family side of Rick Husband. Yes, she was proud of his accomplishments but also listed some of his faults which was refreshing. NASA is not easy on its men and women and Evelyn made that very clear while not blaming them for Rick's death, either. Rick's determination and his resolve were certainly tested but his faith and drive never faltered. All in all the book gives a well rounded view of life as an astronaut as told through the eyes of the one closest to him, his wife. I congratulate Evelyn for her brave tribute to Rick and his 6 very close friends who met death the same day and in the same manner. Thanks, Evelyn.

Rating:
Summary: Not a random accident
Review: Evelyn Husband writes about her husband's life and faith during a time when I would still be in bed, crying. Her ability to use humor as she tells about their life together is a testiment to the faith she professes in High Calling. The writing is simple, but the people she talks about (not just her husband) are anything but. I found it very comforting to find out, through her walk through of what led up to the launch of the Columbia, that the explosion wasn't just a random, freak accident, but an answer to the earnest prayers of two godly men. The life of Rick Husband is proof that you don't have to "look out for number 1" or "take care of yourself first" to achieve your dreams, as people today would have you believe. I think anyone, whether you love space or not, would find inspiration in Rick's story. Thank you, Evelyn.

Rating:
Summary: Finding hope in the face of tragedy
Review: Evelyn Husband's book 'HIGH CALLING' is one of the most powerful books I have ever read, for despite the uniqueness and very public nature of the Space Shuttle 'Columbia' tragedy, it highlights the personal nature of sudden loss and grief which everyone who has experienced it knows. Whether by accident, loss of a loved one thru illness, or even a broken marriage by betrayel, the pain of sudden loss is often overwhelming, and Evelyn's testimony of faith shining thru as her achor is such an inspiration, having experienced personal tragedy in my own life. But as Evelyn Husband shares so openly, only her faith in Jesus Christ gave her the ability to cope in the face of such public mind numbing loss, that God truly is a present help in time of need for all those who will cry out to Him. Her book also higlights what really matters most in life; our relationships! For what does it profit anyone to rise to great success at the expense of one's family, and Evelyn's story of Rick getting his priorities right is such a profound challenge for any man wanting to get his life in right balance - God first,then family, and finally one's career; a timely challenge for many men to follow Rick's example. As for inspiration, Evelyn's declaration of Rick's belief in God as author of the cosmos is so refreshing in the face of so much scientific agnosticism and unbelief, and being an astronomy author myself who believes in God as Creator of the cosmos, Rick's own testimony about the magnificent splendour in God's creation is a welcome affirmation which warmed my heart. Although an account of awful tragedy, it is also an account of great hope, for Rick's journey of faith made him the person he was, a loving man, a loving father, and a man whose faith in Christ made his life such a blessing which shone thru in the way he lived and why he was loved by so many. I hope this inspiring story will bring hope to many lives touched by grief and wanting to find renewed hope and faith. Indeed, such has been the impact in my own life,I have given away seven copies of 'High Calling' to different people including ministers, doctors, pilots, friends and family, for no-one can read this book without being profoundly moved and inspired, especilly about asking the BIG questions about life and faith and God, and finding renewed hope beyond tragedy. This is the most inspiring story I have ever read - thankyou Evelyn. James Waterhouse, BRISBANE, Australia.

Rating:
Summary: A glowing testament to a man who clearly walked his talk
Review: I can't think of a more touching way to share the legacy of a man than by sharing his personal story with the world. Evelyn Husband has done a wonderful job in telling her husband Rick's story, from his childhood dream of space exploration to his days training as an astronaut. With a wonderful blend of personal memories, recollections of friends, and passages from his journal, High Calling is truly a saga worth reading. If ever you doubted God's hand in everyday life, I know you'll feel differently after reading Rick Husband's life story.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Book
Review: It was a very good book. It took you behind the scenes of the life of an astronaut throught the good and the bad. Very emotional. Keep a box of Kleenex nearby.

Rating:
Summary: Remarkable story of a remarkable man
Review: Reviewer: CHARLES B VANCE from Kalamazoo, MI United States
Being a forty something male born in the era of sputnick, the life and dream of becoming an astronaut were mine as well. Rick Husband did more however than merely dream about being an astronaut, he did it!
His dream never "owned" him, he accomplished his lofty goal while keeping God and family in their proper order, as a matter of fact Rick Husband grew into a man of God during his voyage to fulfillment of that dream.
This book is the telling of that story through the eyes of his biggest fan, a loving and devoted wife, "Evey". I found the book to be a thrill to read, I simply "could not put it down".
Rick Husband truly answered a "Higher Calling".
Must read.....