With techniques of another era and through “realistic fiction”, a tribute to the space race.

Genre. Novel.

What it tells us. The book Space (original publication: Space, 1982) brings us closer, mixing fiction and reality, to the path that the United States of America followed to conquer space. It starts from the interest in obtaining the services of key figures in the German missile construction in Peenemünde during World War II and goes up to the exploration of part of the Solar System, through the experiences of four very different men (and their families). For example, we see how one of them struggles with the challenges of space travel while also dealing with family issues back on Earth. Another faces the political and technological difficulties involved in the space program. The book vividly描绘s the excitement and danger of the early days of space exploration.

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Although it is a good read, I would only recommend this book to anyone under the following circumstances:

First, if one has a desire to gain some understanding of America's foray into space exploration. This includes not only the technical aspects but also the underlying political drama that often accompanies such endeavors. Additionally, it delves into the kinds of lives the people involved in space exploration and aeronautics have led. The story also provides a bit of the history of NASA, which can be quite fascinating for those interested in this field.

Second, if one has a penchant for exploring and reading all the books written by James A. Michener. Michener is known for his detailed and comprehensive storytelling, and this book is no exception. However, I must admit that I found this book to be rather thick. But given that it is a Michener novel, I did not have too much of a problem with that. I did, however, need to take breaks in between reading sessions. Overall, the content was decent - not overly interesting, but also not too boring. It provided a good amount of information and entertainment, making it a worthwhile read for those who meet the above criteria.

My first foray into the realm of Michener was truly a letdown. I do have a penchant for a great historical fiction epic, and the topic of the space race was a captivating one, especially as we look forward to the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11.

This book began with a flourish, presenting main characters who evolved in both major arenas of WWII. Even the start of the young stargazer from the Midwest seemed like a promising addition.

However, as the narrative advanced, it became increasingly disjointed and at times, overly didactic. The characters failed to engage me, and the story appeared to lose its way, culminating in a lackluster conclusion. I still hold out hope for other Michener masterpieces such as Centennial and Hawaii, but the writing style of this particular work struck me as平淡无奇.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, or maybe this just wasn't the right Michener book for me to begin with. Nevertheless, I will not give up on exploring his other works in the hopes of finding that one that truly captures my imagination.

The first part of this book evoked a plethora of memories within me regarding the early NASA flights.

I vividly recall being in gym class, sitting in a semi-circle on the floor, with a TV placed in the middle, as we witnessed the first "splash down".

The incident when the 3 astronauts perished in their capsule filled us with "horror", and that memory still lingers.

Likewise, I remember the moment when the "first man walked on the moon", which was truly a historic event.

The fictional part of the book opened up my mind to numerous possibilities that could potentially occur in the future.

The accounts of the astronauts and their families added a human touch and brought all the elements together.

Although this is a long book and some of the "technical" and "scientific" parts might seem a little tedious at times, I persevered and found that, overall, it was an enjoyable read.

It offered a unique blend of real-life events and imaginative scenarios, making it a captivating exploration of space and its mysteries.

I once had the opportunity to read Carl Sagan's "Cosmos", which, to be honest, seems horribly outdated now, almost to the point of being laughable. This experience made me somewhat apprehensive when it came to reading Michener's "Space", considering it was written so long ago. Oh, how naive I was! I should have never doubted the great Michener.

In true Michener style, he has a tendency to over-explain everything, but this also adds to the depth and authenticity of the story. He creates realistic characters that most of the time, you can truly relate to. There were some bits about the media's obsession with astronauts that I could have done without, but overall, I am extremely happy that I got to know characters like Randy Claggett, John Pope, Dieter Kolff, and Stanley Mott.

Surprisingly, I never thought that a work of historical fiction could spark such intense debate within my mind regarding space exploration. In particular, it made me question whether it is better for a man to venture into space or for a machine to take on that role. This book is truly remarkable in its ability to make you think and engage with such complex and thought-provoking ideas.

This is the book that initiated my profound love for all books by James Michener.

I have a particular affection for his vivid account of WWII. During that time, scientists had to be located and seized before the Russians could get to them. Subsequently, they were transported to an American facility situated in the middle of the US.

It's truly a captivating story that offers a unique perspective on a significant historical period.

Anyway, I highly recommend reading this book. By doing so, you can not only gain a deeper understanding of history but also fall in love with Michener's epic novels.

His writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to be drawn into the story and experience the events as if they were there.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the world of James Michener and discover the magic of his storytelling.

I have always had a great passion for enjoying a good Michener book.

James Michener is a renowned author who has the ability to transport readers into different worlds and eras through his vivid and detailed storytelling.

His books are not only entertaining but also educational, as they often explore complex historical, cultural, and social themes.

Whether it's a sweeping epic set in a foreign land or a more intimate portrayal of a particular community, Michener's writing always manages to engage and captivate me.

I love getting lost in the pages of his books, learning about new places and people, and experiencing the emotions and conflicts that his characters face.

Each Michener book is like a journey, and I always look forward to embarking on it and seeing where it will take me.

His works have had a profound impact on me as a reader, and I will continue to cherish and enjoy them for years to come.

I just couldn't seem to get past the first 150 pages of this book.

I found myself constantly losing interest and struggling to stay engaged.

The story didn't seem to have a clear direction, and the characters weren't very likable or developed.

I tried to push through, but in the end, I just couldn't take it anymore and gave up.

This is something I rarely do, as I usually have the patience to finish a book, no matter how bad it is.

But in this case, I felt like it was a waste of my time to continue.

I'm really disappointed, as I was looking forward to reading this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

This is the size of what I like to call an airplane book.

It is long enough to occupy me during the multifarious experience of air travel.

Moreover, it is a plus that I am a space aficionado, a fan, though not quite fanatic.

I read this book because I am fascinated by the space program and the character of man (in most cases) that realized this seemingly impossible vision.

My father was an engineer for Boeing during the Apollo period and lived at Cape Canaveral (nee Kennedy Space Station). I even celebrated my first birthday on 20 July 1969 with a moon landing, nearly as if it was 'I dream of Jeanie'-like in timing.

This is my first Michener, perhaps not unlike a moon landing.

I was impressed by the diversity of characters, not just the Hemingway's I imagined, but gays, women, Koreans, blacks, addicts, defectors, Nazis, and Texans.

There are also lots of stars, supernovas, pulsars, and astronomy.

In fact, there is a hearty amount of scientific, mechanical detail-oriented description of the tech that accompanied the space race.

Highly recommended, it is practically a blast for cross country and trans-atlantic flights.

“Space” offers an enjoyable and accessible introduction to the dawn of the space age, spanning from WWII all the way through to the Space Shuttle era. It is written in the form of a fiction, yet it contains a sufficient amount of facts that enable you to learn a great deal about the topic and the era.

After initially reading this outstanding novel, my curiosity was piqued, and I desired to know more about the actual space race. Subsequently, I delved into a variety of histories, as well as biographies and autobiographies of key figures.

Any novel that manages to inspire the reader to explore history further while simultaneously entertaining them has truly accomplished its purpose. “Space” accomplishes this task in a remarkable manner. It not only provides an engaging fictional narrative but also serves as a gateway to a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of the space age. The combination of entertainment and education makes it a truly worthwhile read for anyone interested in this captivating subject.

I have to admit that I had some initial expectations for this book. However, after reading it, I couldn't help but compare it to THE RIGHT STUFF. And let me tell you, THE RIGHT STUFF is truly a far more worthwhile read on the same subject.

SPACE, on the other hand, feels rather workmanlike. It plods along, not exactly dull, but it does take its sweet time getting anywhere. It's like a slow train that you're on, waiting for it to reach its destination.

If you're a fan of science/fiction (and I emphasize that it's not science fiction in the traditional sense) books by renowned authors like Carl Sagan, then I'm afraid Space will leave you feeling a bit blah. It lacks the excitement and the intellectual stimulation that you might expect from such a genre.

In conclusion, while Space may have some redeeming qualities, it simply doesn't measure up to the standards set by other books in the same vein.

The first novel I ever read was by James Michener.

It was an incredibly awesome read from start to finish.

I have a great affection for the way Michener provides actual history lessons within the context of the novel.

His writing style is engaging and immersive, allowing the reader to not only enjoy a captivating story but also gain a deeper understanding of the historical events and cultures that are being depicted.

Michener's attention to detail and his ability to bring the past to life make his novels a truly unique and valuable reading experience.

Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, I highly recommend giving one of his novels a try.

You won't be disappointed.