Since July 20 marked the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's moon landing, I made up my mind to read James Michener's book Space.

As a historical novel, it delves into the story of space exploration in the United States with great meticulousness. It begins with the initial efforts involving German rocket experts and progresses through the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Voyager programs.

This narrative is developed through the tales of four fictional families who are integral to these endeavors. While a significant portion of the details is real, Michener introduces an interesting twist with an Apollo 18 attempt on the far side of the moon and the efforts of those opposed to space exploration.

It is a substantial book, consisting of approximately 900 pages. The technical details might exceed a reader's interest at times, but the story is masterfully written. Although I'm not an expert on our space efforts, Michener blends reality and fiction with such artistry that it becomes difficult to distinguish between them.

It took me some time to complete the reading, but there was never a moment when I wanted to put it down until I reached the very end. In my opinion, this is truly a classic work that offers a captivating and detailed account of space exploration.

As an avid reader of science fiction, and also an enthusiastic fan of James Michener in other fictional realms, I must state that this is likely my favorite book by this admittedly verbose author, on par with The Source. Technically classified as science fiction, this story, as is always the case with Michener novels, presents a fictional portrayal of historical facts.

Michener truly showcases a potent combination of history, science, and masterful writing in this book. For the first time, he injects humor throughout the novel and playfully depicts the controversies of conspiracy theory, religion, and the lives of astronauts throughout the story. While sidelining some of the more prominent real individuals like Neil Armstrong, Michener delightfully illustrates the backstory of how the space program evolved, from World War II to Voyager, all the while creating entirely real and well-developed characters and their respective stories.

I found it extremely difficult to put this book down. Yes, it is very long and rather slow-paced, but even after an unusual two weeks of intense reading, I was saddened to turn that final page. It was a captivating journey that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I have a profound love for this book due to the truly mind-blowing ideas it presents regarding astronomy. However, it delves far too deeply into background history and spends an inordinate amount of time discussing non-relevant journeys that took place.

Space is indeed a remarkable book when it comes to chronicling the inception of NASA and how it has evolved into what it is today. It is firmly placed within the context of the journey during WWII and the intense space race between America and the Soviet Union.

A few of the individuals featured in this historical fiction include John Pope, Stanley Mott, and Randy Claggett. This book contains its fair share of intensely satisfying scenes and thought-provoking facts. Nevertheless, there were also large portions that, in hindsight, I wish I had simply skimmed.

It is filled with innumerable statistics that would astonish anyone who is not initiated in the science of extra-terrestrial travel. Moreover, the discussions of the intricacies of those ventures in outer space are certain to maintain the reader's interest.

As a novel, it is perhaps less entertaining than some of Michener's other works. However, I don't hesitate to recommend that you might want to skip this one.

There is truly some remarkable writing within these pages, along with a wealth of great background information. Michener was indeed a proficient researcher, and that is evident throughout the text.

However, it cannot be ignored that his political affiliations and personal views are not particularly well-received. Towards the end, he presents some very compelling arguments. Nevertheless, his misogyny, outdated moral观念, and archaic language make this a rather difficult read.

Perhaps he believed he was being inclusive or open-minded, but his regressive remarks come across as racist, sexist, and homophobic. It is true that he was writing about a time that was rife with such issues, but his perspective seems to magnify and emphasize them strongly.

I am glad that I took the time to read this work, but I have no intention of picking it up again. Moreover, I highly doubt that this narrative will inspire me to explore any more of his books.

This is an excellent story that truly exceeded my expectations.

It is not only deeply moving but also highly informative.

The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed, and their emotions are palpable, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

The story also contains valuable lessons and insights that can be applied to our own lives.

Overall, it is a wonderful piece of work that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

Whether you are in the mood for a touching story or seeking to expand your knowledge, this article has something for everyone.

I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Michener's portrayal of the lives of the individuals who participated in the space race is truly entertaining.

His novel commences at the conclusion of the Second World War, when the scientists were recruited. It then progresses through the era of Korea, during which the astronauts were formed. Subsequently, it delves into the great Space Race and ultimately reaches the Apollo moon-landings.

This book offers a captivating account of the events and the people involved. It provides a detailed look into the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices of those who were part of this remarkable journey.

Anybody who has ever gazed up at the stars at night will find this book to be a source of great enjoyment. It has the power to inspire and ignite the imagination, making one dream of the possibilities that lie beyond our planet.

Michener's writing is engaging and vivid, bringing the story to life and making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space exploration.

It’s truly remarkable how this book has proven to be so downright prophetic.

It is like a substantial brick, offering a detailed and partly fictionalized account of the early days of space exploration.

However, there is a parallel story that delves into the evolution of knowledge and science itself, and this is just as significant as the main narrative.

A considerable amount of time is dedicated to a typical evangelical, science-denial, and plain fact-denial hustler. Given how extensive that worldview has become today, it is clear that Michener was well ahead of his time.

Even literacy is criticized nowadays for allegedly opening people up to communism. The statement “My grandfather was illiterate, and he remained anti-communist his entire life” is quite telling.

Michener selects a theme, a geographic area, or something similar and crafts a substantial story about it, spending years in research, and he does so with great skill.

His style might seem a little dry at times, but it is effective. His storytelling is detailed without being tedious. The paperback version is a hefty brick with over a thousand pages, and it even has small fonts. Each page is a story in itself.

Right-wingers will likely detest the book, while open-minded people will find it extremely interesting.

An interesting read

This article offers a truly engaging and captivating experience. It presents a unique perspective on a particular subject that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The content is well-structured, with a clear introduction that sets the stage and leads the reader into the heart of the matter.

As the article progresses, it delves deeper into the topic, providing detailed information and examples that help to clarify and expand upon the main ideas. The writing style is vivid and descriptive, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind and making it easy to envision the scenarios being described.

Moreover, the author's use of language is both accessible and engaging, making the article suitable for a wide range of readers. Whether you are a novice or an expert in the field, you will find something of interest in this article. It offers a fresh take on a familiar subject, challenging the reader's assumptions and encouraging them to think more deeply about the topic.

Overall, this is an interesting read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It is well-written, informative, and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject matter.

I've always had a deep passion for the space program. It has been a source of great inspiration and wonder for me.

To read about its humble beginnings was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

The early days of the space program were filled with challenges and uncertainties. Scientists and engineers worked tirelessly to overcome numerous obstacles and make the impossible a reality.

The first steps into space were taken with great courage and determination. The launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, marked a significant milestone in human history.

Since then, the space program has come a long way. We have sent astronauts to the moon, explored distant planets, and made countless discoveries about the universe.

The space program continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

Michener challenged himself with this book.

If you are accustomed to the typical Michener place-histories such as Hawaii, Centennial, Chesapeake, etc., then this one will seem a little different yet still similar. If you relished some of his other works like Tales from the South Pacific, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, Songs of Spring, and The Drifters, you will notice a hint of that style resurfacing here. I perceive in this book a blend of both styles.

We have a microcosm of the space race, commencing in WWII and persisting through the Gemini and Apollo programs, all the way up to the shuttle (this was published before the Challenger disaster). The book also encompasses the Voyager missions to Mars and foreshadows other aspects of the space program that were yet to unfold at the time of writing. It further includes a great deal of the behind-the-scenes work, featuring the scientists and engineers who made it all possible.

As is characteristic of his style, Michener narrates this tale through the eyes of fictional characters who are firmly grounded in real-life events. He delves into modern arguments, including creationism and the way people "withdraw to a corner, where everything is controlled and comfortable" when confronted with the vastness of our universe and our history. In doing so, Michener's intelligent and perceptive personal views on religion (he was a Quaker and unafraid of scientific discovery) are presented for your consideration. He constructs a compelling case.

Most importantly, Michener accomplishes here what he does best. He takes crucial elements of history, those left for the history books, and makes them personal. He presents you with real people and genuine characters to cherish. He challenges you to view them as far more than just Neil Armstrong walking on the moon and more than a self-congratulatory gesture for humanity's (America's) achievements. In this way, Space becomes our own, a part of our personal history. We are left with the same sense of awe and wonder at the magnitude of events and our universe, but with a deeper understanding of what has captivated us in that sense of awe and wonder.

This is my very first encounter with the works of the prolific and highly-acclaimed James A. Michener. Throughout my life, numerous people have recommended that I read his books such as Hawaii, Alaska, or Mexico. However, when I chanced upon Space, I knew without a doubt that this was where I should begin.

Published in 1982, this book delves into the lives of several characters who play crucial roles in the nascent space program of America. Spanning a wide range of years, Michener commences his narrative at Peenemunde with German scientists like Wernher von Braun and then weaves a complex tale (with many unexpected twists and turns) that leads to the Shuttle program and beyond.

Although this is a work of fiction, it features cameos and references to many historical figures. This includes, but is not limited to, John F. Kennedy, the aforementioned von Braun, Freeman Dyson, and Lyndon Johnson. While these historical figures often do not have dialogue, they exert a significant influence behind the scenes and provide context for the main characters.

My overall opinion of this book is extremely high, and it only gets better as I progress through the pages. The only drawbacks I found were that some parts have not aged particularly well, and others seem to drag on without much plot movement. Nevertheless, as a kind of time capsule of the period Michener is writing about (approximately 1938 - 1982), this book hits all the right notes.

If you are seeking fast-paced sci-fi action, you may be disappointed. However, if you are interested in an exploration of the space industry, humanity's place in the universe, and some remarkably prescient philosophical musings, then this is the perfect book for you.

I was particularly captivated by some of the passages in the latter sections of the book, where several of the main characters are questioning the future of NASA, the space program in general, and the existence of life on other planets. There is a lively debate in the last chapter between some very engaging characters, and I had to jot down some quotes that really stood out to me.

Finally, Michener seems almost prophetic in his prediction of an anti-science movement taking hold in the U.S. in response to complicated, expensive research and resulting concepts that the public is either unwilling or unable to understand. We have witnessed some of this in recent years, and it is as concerning to me as it is to Stanley Mott, one of Michener's main characters.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who is open to accepting the book for what the author intended and is also willing to contemplate some of the concepts that clearly fascinate Michener.

A saga to be sure! This book had me hooked in the first few paragraphs.

It begins in World War II, when the spark of the reality of space travel is ignited in the minds of men. The journey to the moon and beyond is then chronicled through the eyes of various people. There are scientists, who dedicated their lives to understanding the mysteries of the universe. Engineers, who worked tirelessly to design the spacecraft and equipment needed for the journey. Pilots turned astronauts, who bravely ventured into the unknown. And the politicians, who financed this great adventure.

The characters are many, and they provide a multi-dimensional view of the space race. Each one has their own story, their own dreams and fears, and their own contributions to this awe-inspiring journey. It gives scope to the many individuals who made this possible.

The science nerd in me really enjoyed the technical aspects that Michener took the time to research. It made this novel feel at times more like a historical account than a fictional treatment, which I absolutely loved.

This is my first Michener novel, and I can clearly see why he was a best-selling author. His writing is engaging, his research is thorough, and his ability to bring the story to life is remarkable. This book is definitely worth the read!