Anny P. (wolfnme) reviewed 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.
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.
