Rating: 
Summary: Masterfully evokes the feel of small mining town
Review: I would have given this book 5 stars except for one minor thing that probably bugged only me. Late in the book, after I was completely engaged in the rocket boys quest, there is a scene where Homer is shopping for new clothes to wear to the National Science Fair in Indianapolis. While in town, he supposedly sees Jack Kennedy, who is campaigning in the West Virginia primary. Kennedy is giving a speech stating in general terms his commitment to get the country moving boldly forward. As I recall, the book has Homer, the 14 year old, yelling out from the crowd, "Let's go to the moon" or something like that. And then Kennedy picks up on it and says, that's right, that's something we ought to do. So we have Homer inspiring Jack to have the idea to expand the space program. I just couldn't buy this, and it started me thinking that a lot of other stuff in the book was just made up too. This made me feel a little deceived, since a big part of the book's impact comes from the fact that it's supposed to be true.
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring.
Review: The book gets a 10 and the movie gets a 1. The book was genuine and so very real. I've never finished a book with such satisfaction.
Rating:
Summary: It was like a modern day Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn.
Review: Rarely has a book so engrossed me to the point that I couldn't wait to get home to read more. This book was like a cold war version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Having grown up with the space program, although not to the extent the author has, I relived each and every mission from Gemini and Apollo, bought all the models, read every article, and was glued to the television for every adventure. Homer Hickam has captured his youth in words that have played movies in my head.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars isn't enough Sonny.
Review: Loved the book. Loved the movie. Movie received a spontaneous standing ovation.
Rating:
Summary: this is a fantastic book-tell all of your friends to read it
Review: this is a unique story that works well on so many levels, that each person who reads the book will come away with a wonderful feeling about the boy who dared to dream and the coal-mining town who supported him on his quest. i don't feel the least bit pretencious when i say that this is truly one of the greatest books of all-time because it's a humble, yet remarkable tale that draws you in from the first paragraph. tell everyone you know to read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Live your childhood dreams all over again
Review: I grew up with guys that wanted to be cops, firemen, bug collectors, truck drivers, etc . We would play out our fantasies all day long. This audiobook took me back to that time where all dreams are possible against any odds or roadblocks. Our parents thought we were nuts but as long as we "played nice" we could continue. This story is like that except they made their dreams a reality against overwhelming obstacles. Set in a West Virginia coal town in the 50's, with parents that were just tolerable, townspeople openly skeptical and absolutely no knowledge of what they were attempting they made it work!! This listening experience is without parallel.
Rating:
Summary: An inspirational masterpiece
Review: Homer Hickam's memoir of growing up in a small town that doesn't expect much from its youth hits close to home for me. Homer and his friends never give up on their rockets, and it's so inspirational for anyone who's ever had big dreams. That's what the book is about. Following your dreams, even if there are some people who don't support you. This is a must-read for people of all ages.
Rating:
Summary: This book brought me back to my childhood days.
Review: This is the first novel I have read in three years and I couldn't put it down. The reminders of catching crawdads, eating Moon Pies, pinto beans and cornbread touched my heart like no other book I have ever read. This reminded me of my best friends I grew up with and how much fun we had without spending a dime. The whole time I was reading it, I felt like I was there with them thru all their good times and bad. This is a must read book!
Rating:
Summary: I Loved This Book and the Movie Too!
Review: This is the BEST book that I have read since "Mister God, This is Anna". Which was also a true story. After reading the book, I felt very priviledged in having a signed autographed book. It is so nice to read a true story that has a happy ending as this one did. Hurray and Congratulations to Homer Hickam, Jr. I would recommend anyone to read the book and see the movie ("October Sky").
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS THE BEST THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO COALWOOD
Review: I FEEL SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE LIFE OF THE ROCKET BOYS....I LIVE IN 155 FROG LEVEL ROAD AND LOVE IT HERE....I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE MOVIE AND HAVE MET HOMER AND HE IS A REAL GENTLEMAN WITH GREAT EXPECTATIONS...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK....
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