Community Reviews

Rating(3.7 / 5.0, 21 votes)
5 stars
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3 stars
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21 reviews
July 15,2025
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Pete Conrad is the person I aspire to be when I grow up.

He possessed a remarkable attitude and was an extraordinarily talented pilot and astronaut.

I came across this after listening to The Right Stuff by Tom Wolf.

Conrad serves as a reminder that one should never be overly serious about oneself and always strive to be the best in whatever one does.

His achievements and approach to life truly inspire me.

I hope to emulate his qualities and make a name for myself in a similar field.

Maybe one day, I too can reach the heights that Pete Conrad did.

His story is a testament to the fact that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, anything is possible.

I will keep his example in mind as I pursue my own dreams and work towards becoming the best version of myself.
July 15,2025
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Apollo astronauts are a group of extremely remarkable individuals. Among them, there is one who stands out as particularly unique. His story is not only very interesting but also a very quick read. This astronaut had a set of qualities and experiences that set him apart from the others. He faced numerous challenges and overcame them with great courage and determination. His adventures in space were filled with excitement and discovery. Reading about his journey gives us a glimpse into the extraordinary world of space exploration and the amazing feats that these astronauts accomplished. It is truly fascinating to learn about the life and times of this unique Apollo astronaut.

July 15,2025
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I had heard about NASA, the Space Race, and the Moon missions. However, I must admit that I didn't really know much about the men behind these remarkable endeavors. Of course, I was familiar with names like Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin, but that was about it. So, I was intrigued to learn more about Pete Conrad, one of the men who became an important figure in NASA and had the honor of walking on the moon.

The book about Pete Conrad is a relatively quick and easy read. This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it makes the book accessible and engaging. It flows smoothly and doesn't get bogged down at any point. It begins with his childhood and upbringing and concludes with his untimely passing in 1999. The book highlights the significant moments and challenges in his life, interspersed with some humorous anecdotes that seemed to be characteristic of Conrad.

On the other hand, this style gives the impression that the book is lacking in depth. It feels more like a surface-level treatment or a compilation of highlights. Towards the end, there are some more difficult situations presented, such as Conrad's attempts to figure out life after NASA, but even these are dealt with rather briefly. Additionally, certain aspects of his life, like his relationships with his kids, are left somewhat unresolved. We learn that his relationship with his first wife deteriorated due to a lack of time and energy, and he expresses a desire to connect better with his kids at the end of one chapter, but there is no follow-up. There is a chapter dedicated to his youngest son who passed away from cancer, but the other children are hardly mentioned, and there is no detailed account of his success or failure in reconnecting with them.
Overall, while these omissions are noticeable, they don't necessarily detract from the book's value. It seems that the author wanted to focus on the positive achievements of Conrad's life, which is understandable. However, it does leave the reader with the sense that there are aspects that could have been explored more fully. Despite this, I still enjoyed the book. It offers a fascinating look at the trajectory of Conrad's life, his passion for flying, and his contributions to the field of space exploration. It also provides a glimpse into the inner workings of NASA and the experience of getting into space and walking on the moon. While it's not something that I would ever attempt or even desire to do, it makes for a captivating read nonetheless.

July 15,2025
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A truly great story unfolds about an extraordinary man. This individual is not just ordinary; he is someone who has left an indelible mark on the world. His life is filled with remarkable achievements and inspiring moments. From humble beginnings, he has risen to great heights through his unwavering determination and不懈努力. He has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges along the way, never giving up on his dreams. His actions have had a profound impact on those around him, inspiring them to reach for the stars. This great man is a source of inspiration and a role model for all. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. We can all learn from his example and strive to make a positive difference in the world.

July 15,2025
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On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 12 landing, I delved into this captivating biography on Pete Conrad.

Pete Conrad was an extraordinary astronaut with a unique charm and a remarkable sense of humor. His famous quote "Whoopie! Small one for Neil, but a big one for me" perfectly captured his personality and his perspective on his own achievements.

This biography not only detailed his remarkable space missions but also provided insights into his life and character. It was a fascinating read that allowed me to understand the man behind the astronaut.

As I turned the pages, I was drawn into Conrad's world, experiencing his excitement, his challenges, and his determination. His story is an inspiration, a reminder of the incredible feats that humans can achieve when they set their minds to it.

On this 50th anniversary, Pete Conrad's legacy lives on, and his biography serves as a testament to his remarkable life and career.
July 15,2025
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This was a fast and breezy read that managed to capture a significant portion of Conrad's happy-go-lucky and charming personality. However, it often left me disappointingly sketchy.

According to the acknowledgements, Conrad and his wife Nancy dedicated hours to making recordings of his reminiscences and filing his personal papers and photos before his untimely death in a motorcycle accident several years ago. The book is largely based on those materials, with writing assistance from screenwriter Klausner.

I found that the book balanced uncomfortably on the line between memoir and biography. It didn't have the fully realized voice of Conrad as it might have had if he could have written it himself. Nor did it reach the level of detail I would have expected from a third-person biography.

Still, it is a fun and quick read. I recommend it with some reservations, hoping that there will be a more in-depth biography of Conrad in the future.
July 15,2025
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Pete Conrad was an Apollo astronaut and the third man to walk on the moon. His life was filled with remarkable achievements and a unique personality.


Although Pete didn't always conduct himself in the way NASA might have preferred, his contributions to the space program were significant. He had a passion for exploration and a drive to push the boundaries of what was possible.


His accomplishments as an astronaut, including his lunar walk, have inspired generations. The nickname "Rocketman" suits him well, as he was truly a pioneer in the field of space travel.


I will always look up to Pete Conrad and be inspired by his courage, determination, and love for adventure. His story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of following one's dreams.

July 15,2025
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Pete Conrad was truly a remarkable individual.

He was a man's man, exuding a unique charm and confidence that set him apart from the rest.

His personality was larger than life, and it was this very trait that made him stand out among the early pioneers of space.

Conrad was not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what was possible.

He had a fierce determination and a never-give-up attitude that carried him through many challenges and obstacles.

His contributions to the field of space exploration were significant, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists.

In conclusion, Pete Conrad was a true icon of the space age, and his memory will always be cherished.
July 15,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

"Rocket Man" by Nancy Conrad and Howard A. Klausner offers a profoundly personal exploration of the life of astronaut Pete Conrad, as seen through the eyes of his widow. This engaging work doesn't merely touch on the prominent aspects of his NASA career, such as commanding Apollo 12 and taking those historic steps on the Moon. Instead, it provides a fascinating peek into the man within the spacesuit.

Nancy's unique perspective imparts an air of intimacy and authenticity to the story. One discovers Pete's challenges, like his dyslexia and early academic difficulties, which only serve to enhance the remarkable nature of his achievements. However, it's not all serious; there are light-hearted moments and anecdotes that vividly showcase his personality and sense of humor.

What truly distinguishes this book is how Nancy deftly weaves together Pete's professional accomplishments with their personal life. It gives readers a palpable sense of what it was like to share a life with someone who was constantly striving to push the boundaries, both in the vastness of space and in the ordinary moments of life. It's a touching and honest tribute that presents a more complete and vivid picture of one of NASA's most unforgettable astronauts. (Pete is fondly remembered for his memorable quote: "If you can't be good, be colorful.") Admittedly, there are a few more editing errors and typos than one might prefer in a book. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in space history or simply relish a captivating life story, "Rocket Man" is most definitely worth a read.

July 15,2025
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I have read a plethora of books on the "Space Race", and it has always been something that I have been an absolute geek about. This particular book has now become one of my all-time favorites. Pete Conrad and the entire crew of Apollo 12 have been astronauts that I have been extremely interested in getting to know better. So, I was truly overjoyed to come across this book. (Now, if only I could manage to find the one by Al Bean.)

It was a remarkably quick read for me. I was able to finish it within a single day. The book is not only highly insightful but also full of humor, very much like the man himself, Pete Conrad. It offers a unique perspective into the world of space exploration and the experiences of the astronauts. It's a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in space, astronauts, or the history of the "Space Race". It's a must-read for all space enthusiasts out there.
July 15,2025
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More like 2.5. I managed to get this book from Borders. The reason was that it was not very expensive and it seemed quite interesting. To be more specific, the subject matter of the book brought to my mind Ned DuBois from Michael Flynn's Firestar series. After reading it, I would say it was an okay read. If you have an interest in the history of the space program, then you will likely come across some interesting little details within its pages. It might not be a masterpiece that will blow your mind, but it does offer some value for those who are curious about this particular area of history. It's a book that can provide a bit of entertainment and knowledge at the same time.

July 15,2025
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I really loved the story.

The short chapters made it very easy and enjoyable to read. Each chapter felt like a little adventure on its own, and it was great to be able to quickly move from one part to the next.

The casual writing style also added to the charm of the story. It felt like the author was just having a conversation with me, sharing their thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and natural way.

Overall, it was a wonderful reading experience, and I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read.
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