This is the story of Homer "Sonny" Hickam and his Rocket Boys. The book was actually originally entitled Rocket Boys but was renamed with the advent of the movie version, October Sky. A group of boys from West-by-God-Virginia sees the launch of Sputnik and decides to create their own rockets. This is the story of their journey from a simple bottle rocket that blows up Sonny's mom's fence to a sophisticated piece of machinery that travels several miles into the air. It is also the story of Sonny's maturation from awkward boy to confident young man, and the evolution of Sonny's relationship with his father.Memoirs are pretty hit or miss with me. I tend to judge them more harshly than novels: what makes you so special that the world needs to know your story? If you don't have an exceptional story, your writing damn well better be exceptional. Homer Hickam's story is extraordinary. And interesting. And moving. Hickam is careful to show his flaws as well as his more shining traits. He gives the town credit, and his friends and family and mentors. He doesn't get too bogged down in the technical details. Overall it's a feel-good, inspirational story, although there are some dark undertones concerning the future of Coalwood.
Homer Hickam also has a website with a blog:http://www.homerhickam.com/cgi-bin/blog.cgi It's interesting to read his thoughts on the contemporary space program, especially with disaster looming at KSC. In order for space exploration, and scientific progress in general, to continue, we need more people with dreams and the temerity to chase them regardless of obstacles and setbacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment