Rating: Summary: I definitely recommend Apollo 13! Review: I really, really enjoyed reading Apollo 13. I actually haven't seen the movie yet but I am excited to see it now having read the book. Even people who aren't really into the whole science topic could definitely enjoy reading this. The fact that the author is one of the astronauts from the mission makes it even better. There is so much insight into what is going on in the spacecraft as well as at Mission Control, the media, and the home of Marilyn Lovell.
When I saw that the book was about 400 pages long I wouldn't have thought that it could go by so quickly. It was attention grabbing the whole way though and I never found myself wanting to quit reading. When I wasn't reading I wanted to be. There was suspense even though I already knew how the book turned out. You feel everything that happens; the thrills, the action, and the panics, and the glory.
I was never lost about what they were talking about because Lovell does such a good job describing all that the common person wouldn't know about NASA and space related topics. Each problem that aroused in the shuttle was explained so the reader knows the importance of each maneuver and duty of the pilots. This allows you to feel more a part of the story.
Through reading Apollo 13 you also learn about other missions and astronauts that the three Apollo 13 pilots are surrounded and influenced by. The beginning allows you to see the space program of the time and its importance in the United States. The astronauts are treated in very high regards and get to spend time with the president (Nixon at the time of Apollo 13). The media also cares a lot about the space program, especially the rescuing of Apollo 13.
Overall I think that this book is interesting, breathtaking, and thrilling. It has made me truly appreciate what astronauts as well as the people in Mission Control do. I think that these men are worthy of being called heroes. I would definitely recommend reading Apollo 13. It is absolutely worth your time.
Rating: Summary: Realistic and intriguing book Review: This is one of the most well written books that I have ever read. You can tell that the author has an amazing amount of backround knowledge about this, due to the fact that he was an astronaut. To be honest I am not someone who would be into a book about space and science or whatnot, but this book was a suprise to me. I couldnt put it down and became intrigued about all the space stuff. It really inspired me to find out more and also to watch the movie, which by the way was just as good as the book.
The book did an amazing job of drawing you into the emotions of the characters. It got you to put yourself in their shoes and wonder what you would be feeling or doing if you were in their exact situations. The conversations between NASA and the space center give you an insiders view of what really goes on. It was interesting because you felt like you were sitting there listening in on the different aspects of this event that occured over 20 years ago. I still am suprised about how much I like the book, it was just that good.
The book did lose me at some points but at those times it was very easy to get back on track. The names kind of got confusing but for some reason I really didn't mind. It was worth it. The fact that this is a book is based off of a real event makes it touching and just a good read.
I highly suggest this book to anyone who is looking for an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rating: Summary: Good, true, thrilling book Review: This has got to be one of the best true stories I have ever read. Lovell and Kluger know how to write a story. This book has lots of technical detail, but not too much. 100% good reading.
Rating: Summary: fantastic if you have any interest in space flight Review: A very good book about the voyage of Apollo 13
Rating: Summary: More remarkable than the movie¿ Review: Apollo 13 is one of History's great voyages regardless of how long one extends the time frame into the past. If the mission had transpired faultlessly, it still would have qualified for the astonishing, remarkable, achievement it would have been. With the malfunctions that cascaded upon the 3 crewmen, they, together with the men and women on the ground, created their own miracle when the splashdown with the 3 crewmembers was completed. The return, in spite of the overwhelming odds that were against them, places this trip in category of great human achievement, even as it is hoped it never need be repeated. One fact helped to put the trip into perspective for me. If you have a hand held calculator nearby, pick it up. The chances are the computing power you hold in your hand surpasses that available to the crew in their effort to come home. The movie demonstrated this with slid rules and math completed with paper and pencil. The whole event is almost unimaginable. The book is worth reading because as hard as it may be to fathom, the actual trip was even more hazardous, the problems even more numerous than the movie portrayed. I am not suggesting the movie was flawed, only that it was limited by time for telling the entire story. I met Mr. John L. Swigert when I was quite young. My memories are limited but I have a picture that was taken with him that is a treasure. Several years ago I heard Mr. Jim Lovell speak, and his remarks confirmed that the actual trip held hazards the movie did not depict. As he related parts of the story the impression was of a man who was always in control, a leader, and utterly confident in the men he flew with, and those they relied so heavily with on the ground. There was nothing about him that gave the impression that what he did was special. He is part of that "Greatest Generation", and he represents that group faultlessly. I was able to meet him after the dinner, and I had my photo of Mr. Swigert with me. He was as cordial as anyone could be. There was no artifice about him, no sense that he was special. He took time to chat both with me, and a young man who also was at the dinner. Speaking and listening to him, you felt that you were in the presence of someone who was unique, not only for his remarkable career in the service of his Country, but for the man he was. He is a hero. I cannot describe the feeling of speaking with him, but I hope everyone has a chance to meet such a man. When you stand next to him, you stand next to History in all its splendor and modesty. The book tells a story that happened only once, and cannot happen the same way again. If you were on the edge of your seat during the movie, the book is no different. If you feel lightheaded, it's because you have forgotten to breathe.
Rating: Summary: It Kicks! Review: Apollo 13 is one of the best books I've ever read! Lovell and Kluger are great together! This book is what inspired me to want to become an astronaut. It's about three guys (Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert) who during a space mission almost died on several occasions. But they didn't. Otherwise this book would have never been written.
Rating: Summary: The Best Book Ever!! Review: Apollo 13 is the best!! I read this book for an hour everyday last summer, and I really enjoyed it! It may be technical, but reading about Lovell, Swigert, and Haise's exciting journey is very exciting. I really enjoyed the book was because there was SO MUCH action going on. I could not put the book down. The first part of the book says much about Lovell. Then, lift-off comes and disaster strikes. The book is great. At first, I hated space, but then I saw the movie Apollo 13, and I loved space and every mission! I recommend this book and I recommend the movie to everybody!! It's the best!!
Rating: Summary: This is a really great book Review: Apollo 13 was a really well written book that tells all about not only the voyage of Apollo 13, but of the space program from begining to the end of the Apollo era. It covers the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs extremely well, and captures the suspense and action of the Apollo 13 voyage from all angles, whether it was the bleary-eyed crew, crammed inside the lunar module, or Marilyn Lovell facing the very real possibility that her husband may not come home again. A MUST READ!! TEN STARS!!
Rating: Summary: Fascinating! Review: Apollo 13 was fascinating! You really understood what an
incredible thing space exploration is. It made you empathize during their trials and their exhilaration. A must read for anyone interested in space exploration.
Rating: Summary: Apollo 13 / Lost Moon---used Review: Book was used, as advertised, but looked like new, except for paper aging naturally.
Shipping was fast.
Paper used to wrap it was very sturdy and watertight.
Excellant, Thanks
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