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Space
Space
Author: James A. Michener
Covers the times from WWII when Germany was ahead of everyone with rocket technology but using it destructively, and German rocket scientists were prime targets by Russia and America, to be stopped before they could develop long range rockets, which later day became the ICBMs and thus the space age was ignited. Very good reading both for the st...  more »
ISBN: 193297
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1

4.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Space on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you are interested in the US space program, enjoyed "THE RIGHT STUFF" and or "APOLLO 13", and like a great tale, then this book is for you! One of Michener's best (IMO). Basic storyline is a fictionalized account of the Apollo program. Always interesting, and even gripping at times.
reviewed Space on
Helpful Score: 2
Excellant book about the moonshot and the historical lineage to get us there.
reviewed Space on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
One of his best that I've read so far. Takes one through the WWII years in Germany up to almost the shuttle space program with many insights about our search for meaning in the universe. Lots of adventure and close calls, so it's more than just a scholarly dissertation, in fact Michener never writes anything "dully". Just finished 'Hawaii' and before that last year, 'The Drifters' and before that a mammoth book / story like Hawaii called 'Alaska'. Have your dictionary handy, this author has been around the world many times.
reviewed Space on + 3389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
James Michener's "Space" is a novel (historical fiction) on the scientific development of rocketry and space travel. He begins at the very beginning, with American and Russian interests trying to lure fleeing German V-2 scientists into their war/weaponry programs before the fall of Hitler's Germany. Michener then goes on to chart the developments in the budding space program, from the launch of the Russian satellite "Sputnik", to the space race, to the moon landing, the development of the space shuttle, and finally interplanetary travel to Mars.

Give Michener credit for being a prophet: He predicts the problems we are now facing with the heat tiles on the space shuttle, and he predicts the interplanetary interest in Mars.

Michener uses fictional characters based after the original 7 NASA astronauts. One character has a strong resemblance to John Glenn. These characters are the focus that the developing story revolves around. It is a good story, probably suited for the reader with an interest in space exploration, NASA, and space travel. I have read it twice and was engrossed both times, but then I love Michener. It seems there is no in-between opinion on Michener's writing style - you either like him or you don't. I happen to be in the former category and enjoy his lengthy and in-depth writing prose.

"Space" is a good read for those with an interest in space travel.
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