Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1) by Homer Hickam
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Book Reviews of Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1)
Book Review: Way better than the movie October Sky
Summary: 5 Stars
Rocket Boys is a heart-tugging, and dramatic story of growing up in a small 1950s coal camp like many of Hickam's other stories. It is an inspiring tale and at times it was hard for me to remember that it was nonfiction. The story consists of six unsuspecting boys that turn into the town's hope. They put their minds together to succeed and make their dreams come true.
It shows the power of believing in yourself and achieving things you didn't even know that you could do. It's about breaking the limits and following your heart despite what a majority of the town believes. The movie "October Sky" does not give the book enough credit. Hickam brings the characters to life and the reader is able to make personal connections with the people.
The story is effective and touching because it involves family conflict which is something everyone can relate to. It also involves a classic hero that everyone loves because he goes with his own instincts and doesn't follow the crowd.
I give it five stars because it is an exciting page turner about rising above your standards and having the courage to do what you think is right. I hope to read more of Hickam's books in the future because I thoroughly enjoyed his style and charisma.
Book Review: Hey you, Rocket Scientist!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hey, you, Rocket Scientist! How many times have I said this sarcastically? It has finally caught up with me.
After reading Rocket Boys, a memoir by Homer Hickam Jr., I have a newfound respect for mathematics, physics, the scientific method and the perseverance it takes to achieve one's goal.
Set in the coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia in 1958, Hickam recounts his high school years and his dream of going to space after the Russians launch Sputnik, the first rocket to make it into space.
However, Homer runs into many problems along the way, from the depressed economy of the coal mining town, which his father runs, to angry football players who hate the attention Homer and his buddies, the "Rocket Boys", get when the town grows to love their rocket launches. Every step of the way Homer seeks his dad's approval - will he ever get it? Mix in some high school romance and it's a recipe for success. And don't forget this is a true story.
Although I read it slowly, often reflecting upon my own high school dreams and loves, I rarely put it down. I think almost anyone would enjoy this success story - especially teen boys. Maybe a few less "Rocket scientist" comments will fly in the future.
Book Review: A fantastic book that will entertain and inspire the reader
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot believe it has taken me so long to getting around to reading this book. Our community had one of those reading together projects and the paper back version of this book was free. I cannot remember exactly when I got it (it was either the fall of 2001 or 2002) but I got it because I had seen and enjoyed the movie.
Well as is often the case the book is far superior top the movie. I found it hard to stop reading this at times keeping me up way past my bed time at times. I haven't had a book that grabbed my attention like this one in decades. It is moving and inspiring. It truly shows what you can accomplish with hard work and determination.
The book adds depth that the movie doesn't have time to cover. IT explores the family dynamics of Homer, Elsie, Jim and Sonny. It makes you feel like you are a part of that family living in Coalwood, WV in the late 50's. I have read many other books about NASA by people who were Astronauts or worked at NASA but this was by far the most engaging. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I would recommend this as a read to anyone, but especially to teens. It deals with the struggles of going through adolescence and trying to find your place in life.
Book Review: Out of this World
Summary: 5 Stars
Homer Hickam Jr. is an expert with words! This book is amazing; with a great plot, awesome characters, and cover to cover action. This really is the book to read. It is about young Homer "Sonny" Hickam and how he, along with some of his friends, is/are intrigued by the Space Race that is taking place during this time. They live in a small town named Coalwood which is basically a coal miners town. Even though the town revolves around the mine and the football, these boys do something different; build ROCKETS! This book teaches many things, and one of my favorite quotes from Miss Riley, Homer's teacher, is included in this book. Even if you have seen the movie, October Sky, you will get caught up in the excitement and let down's in this story. If you are in a book group, recommend this to be one of your reads. I highly recommend this book to teenagers and up, it depends on your reading level though for you younger ones out there looking for an awesome book! So pick it up today, you won't want to put it down once you start. If you are still wary of whether or not to read this book, for some unexplainable reason, check out Homer's website and read up a little bit more on this book, which is actually part of a Coalwood trilogy. Enjoy!Book Review: One of the best Christmas gifts
Summary: 5 Stars
As I have nephews, I'm always looking for something to share with them to encourage them to dream big. My friend gave me this book over Christmas after I talked about how great a movie that "October Sky" was.
Homer Hickam's memoir is a wonderful story of a young man growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia during the late 50's and early 60's just as the space race was in full bloom. However, Coalwood was in the process of dying.
Hickam beautifully describes how his life was growing as he decided that he wanted to build rockets. Even though, he was not doing so well in some subjects like algebra, once he discovered that understanding math and science would help him to build his rockets, then he definitely had a desire to understand both subjects to help him reach his goal.
From all of the reports about how the United States is lagging behind in math and science, this book should be a must read to help inspire young people to pursue a path in math and science.
Hickam shows with his memoir that it is always possible to dream big and that with persistence and determination you can achieve anything that you want. I would definitely recommend this book to adults and teenagers.