Rocket Boys

Rating:
Summary: Great read; could not put the book down
Review: Having been a high school (Huntington WV) senior when suptnik was launched, I completely relate to this book. It is an easy read and depicts the times and life in West Virginia and the coal camps.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I've ever read!
Review: This book is the best ever! I stayed hours past my bed-time to read it. The plot kept on getting bigger and bigger. The only thing I did not like was that it ended! I encourage everyone to read this fantastic book. Rocket Boys is a MUST READ!

Rating:
Summary: Mr. Hickham should be proud
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It, as well as the film, portrays the life in the coal fields very accurately. I am glad to see so many other positive reviews of Mr. Hickham's work, and to know that he is helping people all over the country, as well as the world, find out what life is like here. Although the "Rocket Boys'" experiences took place in the 1950's, there are so many things that haven't changed about southern West Virginia. It has renewed my pride in my home state, and for that I owe Mr. Hickham a huge thanks. One part of the book (and film) I found very amusing was the part when Homer's father talks about the "hoot owl" shift in the coal mines. I saw the film with some friends from out of state, and they found that term to be hilarious. I hadn't realized how endearing everyday idiosyncrasies can be. I think if you read this book you will enjoy it for the many things it is--the story of a boy with a dream, the story of a family's struggle for closeness and understanding, and the story of a town coming together to help one of their own overcome the odds.

Rating:
Summary: Just One Word---AMAZING-----
Review: While you are in school you "get" to read several books, however there are few that you spend every free moment reading. This book is so well writtten that everything that happens mmakes you feel like you are right there watching everything unfold right in front of you. It is brilliantly written and lands it self as the greatest book I have ever read!

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational, Read it, you won't be sorry.
Review: "Rocket Boys" aka October Sky is a truly enjoyable book. A book that leaves you satisfied and at the same time shows you that through determination and hard work dreams can come true.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: I'm not from West Virginia and I know nothing of rockets but I do know brilliant writing when I read it. Homer Hickam's book is absolutely superb. Once you start it, you'll have difficulty putting it down. I read a lot of books every year but if I could only read one - this one would be it!

Rating:
Summary: Tells the tale of a dreamer & a bygone era of innocence-so??
Review: Although the reviews have been great I just couldn't get excited over Homer Hickam Jr.'s recap of his rocket-blasting days. I found myself asking, "Who cares whether they fly or not?". If you're a rocket fanatic then you'll like it...Otherwise? Nah! Also to the author: You've really gotta get over that Plunk girl.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT !!!!!!
Review: I live about 30 miles from Coalwood and I work in Welch,WV and I thought that this was a GREAT book and I also saw the movie. This is one book that I will read over and over again, and plan to pass down to my children someday.

Rating:
Summary: October Sky is a superb story of love and determination.
Review: Having lived at the time of all the events in October Sky, I felt as though I were a teen-ager again. Homer's determination is a lovely lesson for all of us. The friendships and family love help this to be a special story for all ages.

Rating:
Summary: This book is great!!
Review: This book is wonderful. I also live in the Southern Coal Fields of WV, and I'm also seeing my coal town die before my eyes. This book helped me to see that even if the town dies, the people can live on. Thank you for telling the world about the hard-working people here, Mr. Hickam. Through what he's done, Coalwood will live forever, and I can only hope that I can make my town live on like he did.