ROCKET BOYS, A Memoir

[FriedaKateM]

I just finished this book yesterday, & even though it is a large one, it only took me about two days to read! It's written by HOMER H. HICKAM, JR., and it is primarily about his boyhood in Coalwood, West Virginia. His dad was connected with a coal mine, and of course, there's much about mining. However, this young kid (at the time) started with other boys a club with the sole purpose being to launch their own rockets.

And they did it. The author is retired now, not sure if he's still around, but was a NASA engineer, consults on aerospace projects, & lives in Huntsville, Alabama. (That's one of the "idea" places for the space industry.)

It was a totally enthralling, & heart-breaking book, but there were lots of funny things that happened, along with the sad. Trying not to tell about all that happened. Hope someone will get it & read it. Would like to hear what you all think of it. Pub. 1998. There is a movie based on the book, but the book is much more. It takes one back....in time, as well~~~~~~~~ Joan

[1938 Observer]

Re: ROCKET BOYS, A Memoir

Joan,

It sounds like a very interesting book, here is something that may interest you. It is rockets, but with a different theme.

Enjoy.:redrose:

Gordon.
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Rocket Man


Talented engineer George (Robson Green) immerses himself in the project shortly after his wife Bethan's death. His plan is to send her ashes into space, so he and his children can look up at the stars and always see her in the heavens.

It's a project that impresses eight-year-old Tom (John Rhys Halliwell), a massive fan of his dad's. But teenager Angela (Lucy Evans) is made to feel that she is the one keeping the family together. Tom spends many hours designing and building models and gazing at the stars with his dad. But soon Tom's school work starts to suffer, and George has to face up to the responsibilities of parenthood.

However, George can always rely on the support of his best friend Barney (Charles Dale), who works alongside him in the local chocolate factory. Barney plays a key role in keeping both the rocket launch and his friend's life on track.

Together, the pair work hard to overcome obstacles and family pressures. As they hunt down rocket parts in South Wales can their dreams of space come true?

.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/rocketman/

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These are scenes with George (Robson Green),Lloyd (Philip Whitchurch), Angela (Lucy Evans) and Tom (John Rhys Halliwell) following Barneys accident.