Overview

Shares the inside story of the dangerous Apollo 8 mission, focusing on the lives of astronaut heroes Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders, while illuminating the political factors that prompted the decision to risk lives to save the Apollo program and define the space race.

Full Product Details

9780812988703

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Reviews

With Rocket Men, Robert Kurson tells the tale of Apollo 8 with novelistic detail and immediacy, expertly capturing the urgency and suspense behind the mission that gave America the lead in the Space Race. --Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis Gripping . . . Space buffs will enjoy this accessible and engaging account of human ingenuity and exploration. --Library Journal (starred review) Kurson effectively recreates the era, recalling the tumult of a changing nation, as well as the tension felt by those involved both on Earth and in space, of a mission with little margin for error. . . . Fans of explorers and adventurers will enjoy Kurson's vibrant, accessible history. --Publishers Weekly In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

With Rocket Men, Robert Kurson tells the tale of Apollo 8 with novelistic detail and immediacy, expertly capturing the urgency and suspense behind the mission that gave America the lead in the Space Race. --Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis Gripping . . . Space buffs will enjoy this accessible and engaging account of human ingenuity and exploration. --Library Journal (starred review) Kurson effectively recreates the era, recalling the tumult of a changing nation, as well as the tension felt by those involved both on Earth and in space, of a mission with little margin for error. . . . Fans of explorers and adventurers will enjoy Kurson's vibrant, accessible history. --Publishers Weekly Kurson's first-rate account of this remarkable spaceflight starts by reminding us what a gamble it was, a revelatory wake-up nudge for anyone who thinks moon flights were routine. . . . There are many pieces to the Apollo 8 story, but Kurson brings them together effortlessly. --USA Today Rocket Men is close-to-the-bone adventure-telling on a par with Alfred Lansing's Endurance and Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. It's as close to a movie as writing gets. --Mary Roach, The Washington Post Engrossing . . . Kurson's conception-to-splashdown reporting had the cooperation from the astronauts and their wives, giving him invaluable details. . . . Kurson builds suspense around a mind-bendingly complex and dangerous journey. --Associated Press In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger A timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. . . . Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

Author Information

Robert Kurson earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from Harvard Law School. His award-winning stories have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Esquire, where he was a contributing editor. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Shadow Divers, the 2005 American Booksellers Association’s nonfiction Book Sense Book of the Year; Crashing Through, based on Kurson’s 2006 National Magazine Award–winning profile in Esquire of the blind speed skier, CIA analyst, and entrepreneur Mike May; and Pirate Hunters. He lives in Chicago.

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