Rating: Summary: An exciting but not entirely factual book. Review: As an avid reader of astronautical history, The Right Stuff was extremely entertaining. But, having also studied the history of the "original seven", it is quite obvious that some facts are left out. Wolfe spends too much time focusing on Pete Conrad who is not even accepted into NASA until the second group. He also passes along the image that Gus Grissom was to blame for the premature hatch blowing on his capsule and was not an entirely competant man. The fact of the matter is Gus Grissom was a brilliant engineer and extremely competant pilot. There are other mistakes, but too many to list here. Overall it is an enjoyable read, just don't take it for fact.
Rating: Summary: Still phenomenal ! Review: The Right Stuff is inspiring, of recent novels in the last ten years, only The Triumph and the Glory compares to Wolfe's classic book for effectiveness in proclaiming the social worth of courage and heroism. While The Triumph and the Glory is about WWII and The Right Stuff is about the space program, they are strikingly similar in style. Do yourself favor and read The Right Stuff, you'll feel better about humanity when afterwards.
Rating: Summary: One of my all-time favorites Review: Chock full of sweeping history of the space program, leavened with generous anecdotal gossip. How clever is the Man in the White Suit, to take this story back to Edwards AFB and test pilots. I reread this book every few years, or whenever I want to get goosebumpy about America all over again. Dredging up Grissom's capsule is bound to revive interest in this book, and the movie for that matter, which both richly deserve. If all books were as gripping, we wouldn't have TV.
Rating: Summary: Eh... Review: This book is very detailed, and is quite humorous and fun the read. However, the acuracy is lacking. He was very cruel in his portrayal of Grissom, implying through the writing that he was at fault for the sinking of the capsule, when there is a good deal of evidence against that. Plus, I read an interview with Shepard where he said that it would have been nice if Wolfe had interviewed teh astronauts themselves before writing it. Yes, that would have been nice. But, like I said before, it is an entertianing book. But if your looking for facts, there are much better sources.
Rating: Summary: Pure Enjoyment Review: This is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. I'm not saying it's one of the best books ever written, but it is an enthralling read from the first page to the last. It's books like this that remind me why I love to read. The characters and plot are compelling, exciting and inspiring. If you have even a passing interest in the development of the American space program, this is a must-read. The aspect that I found most appealing is Wolfe's characterization of the mental and emotional requirements of making it to the top as a test pilot. At the same time, though, the author does not fall into the trap of glamorizing these American heroes too much. These men have plenty of faults to go along with their incredible achievements. The Right Stuff is a highly enjoyable, well-rounded portrayal that anyone can enjoy.
Rating: Summary: Wolfe is not in his element Review: Wolfe says in the preface that it is a pity that there is no literature to describe the experiences of real fighting men, and so he set out to make some. Wrong. There are excellent books written by the men themselves who have been there--pilots, army men, scouts, you name it. However, these books are not of the sort read by the audience of the New Yorker. Wolfe has created something on the subject that is palatable to those folks, and with that they are impressed.
Rating: Summary: Righty -O!!!!! (Hee Hee) Review: This is simply the best book ever written
Rating: Summary: Great. Review: A wonderful book but somewhat incorect facts. Still definently a good read.
Rating: Summary: Tom Wolfe at his best. A real thriller. Review: A exciting and comical overview of the Mercury project and how it all got started.Wonderful if you are into aironautics. Contains some violence and not very appropriate for children.
Rating: Summary: Journalism at its highest Review: Tom Wolfe's vivid rendition of Al Shepard's first journey into space gave me an almost physical experience of being launched into the big black. Read this book - for the historical and political background of the Mercury program, for insights into the psyches of astrounauts/pilots and their missuses, and read it for all the indispensable trivia. Or read it just in order to get a glimpse of what a trip into space actually feels like.
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