Rocket Boys

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Summary: I haven't read a book this good since "To Kill a Mockingbird
Review: "October Sky" struck a chord in me which still resonates months after reading it. Hickham is a compelling writer who presents the small town of his youth with such nostalgic detail, it was sad to reach the last page and have to say goodbye. I am so glad to have found this book having recently read some disappointing best sellers. Although my interest in this memoir was piqued by the keywords "Appalachian," "coal mine," and "West Virginia," I would recommend it to anyone who longs for good writing. Anything else that Hickham wants to write about Coalwood, I want to read.

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Summary: THIS BOOK IS IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Being born in Welch and raised in Gary, WVA, just a short ways from Coalwood, in the 1950's and 60's, in my mind I was able to place myself side by side Homer, his friends and the people of Coalwood. I graduated Gary High School, mentioned several times in the book. I was a cheerleader at GHS and I remember well the games between Gary and Big Creek. I was able to form the perfect picture of Coalwood, having been there before. The way he described the homes there and them being company property was so familiar, I too, grew up in a company house. I appreciated everything about the book. I admire Homer's ability to have a positive vision and his willingness and determination to make that vision a reality, with or without the approval of his father and others. Thank you Homer for telling your story, by writing this book, you are definitely serving as a positive and not a negative, in many lives.

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: My dad recieved this book for Christmas, and couldn't put it down. He suggested that I read it, knowing that I like this sort of book.. and wow! I loved it. Whomever only saw the movie is missing out on a lot.. and I suggest that they read this book asap. The movie was definatly not as good as the book!

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Summary: All childhood rocket hobbyists will envy Homer Jr.
Review: As a former rocket hobbyist, I wished Homer Jr. had been my chilhood chum. Oh the damage I could have done with his powerful rockets. At age 31, I'm sure I would still be grounded by my father.

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Summary: Inspirational story of dedication to the task at hand
Review: I read a lot and there are very few books I could rate 5 stars. This is one of them. Obviously, I'm not alone. What makes this book so special? I think it is because this is my story and your story as well. Many of us could relate to the story of adolescent Homer Hickam and his passionate desires. Desire to build rockets. Desires for his parents' approval. Desire to rise above his circumstances and leave his hometown of Coalwood. But if this is everyman's story, why is it so special? Because Homer Hickam did a masterful job of relating it. As a fellow engineer, my hat is off to Homer Hickam, his Rocket Boys, and a homey writing style that makes you feel comfortable being a part of his world for awhile. Read this book...you will be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: A Superior Book
Review: I loved this book. It was written very well. "October Sky" was both funny and sad, emotional and and inspiring. I closed this book feeling immense satisfaction.

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Summary: Americana at its best
Review: From a 19 year old lover of astronomy, rockets, americana, and good story telling; this book rocked. Though my high school and teen years aren't too far back, this book took me there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an optimistic story of why dreams are so important, even if they seem to be the impossible ones. Homer Hickam is an excellent writer, and his prose has a unique and rolling style that only added to an already wonderful book. Though he hated Coalwood, his description of life there made me want to go visit it someday. There will be something in this book for everyone, so all can buy it and read without fear of being dissapointed. But buy it from a local, independant bookstore, instead of Amazon.com.

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Summary: If you read only one book a year, read this one.
Review: I was extremely impressed with the drive that carried a group of boys out of a coal mining town and literally into space. If you have a dream and doubt if you can see it through, read this book. It will change how you look at your dream, and yourself.

Rating:
Summary: the movie is a waste of time
Review: the book is great. The author is so honest about his shortcomings, and that's why i hated the movie so much. The movie portrays him as a hero, takes way too many licenses, and ends up with a sports-movie-flavor. Too Hollywood for me. But the book is fascinating in an _Angela's Ashes_ sort of way

Rating:
Summary: This was a great book
Review: This book was great, I could not put it down untill I was done. I learned a lot about how rockets work and most of all what it was like to live in a coal mining town. I recomend this book to everybody, but you don't have to take my word for it