A fascinating life this somewhat lackluster biography didn't quite live up to.

I wasn't a big fan of the constant jumps back and forth in time. It made it difficult to follow the narrative in a smooth and连贯 manner.

Nor was I particularly fond of the heavy reliance on invented dialogue. While it may have added a certain element of drama, it also made the story feel less authentic.

I had expected more from this biography, especially considering the interesting life of the subject. However, the execution left something to be desired.

Perhaps a more linear approach to the storytelling, combined with a greater emphasis on real events and quotes, would have made for a more engaging and accurate portrayal.

As it stands, this biography falls short of truly capturing the essence of the fascinating life it attempts to document.

I held off reading this biography of Pete Conrad for years. When I thumbed through it at the bookstore (do you still remember those?), it didn't seem to be of a high enough quality. However, after a recent trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex, my interest in all things Apollo was revived, and I finally decided to pick up this book.

My initial impressions were confirmed. Among the astronauts from the Golden Era of American spaceflight, Pete Conrad truly deserves a great biography. Of all the original space pioneers, he had one of the more remarkable personalities. The problem with this book is Conrad's untimely death in 1999. His story has to be told through a series of anecdotes recalled by his widow and a few people he worked with over the years. In the absence of the biography's subject for an eyewitness account, writer Howard Klausner resorts to a biographical format that I really don't like: invented dialogue. I got the impression that he took the collection of anecdotes and fabricated semi-fictional stories around them. Although they are all based on truth and the essential facts are correct, I have an issue with creating dialogue between real people that no one could possibly know or remember. A book is either non-fiction or it isn't.

Putting that issue aside, I think this book gives a good sense of the essence of the man. It is consistent with other stories I've read about Conrad over the years. He was a prankster and joker, someone who didn't take himself too seriously and didn't conform to the astronaut persona that the public expected. He led an interesting life beyond his astronaut career, never content to rest on his achievements. "Rocketman" does a decent job of exploring his career with McDonnell Douglas and the DC-X program, but like most of the rest of the book, I would have liked more detail.

So, if you're looking for a light read about one of the more interesting personalities in astronautics, pick up "Rocketman." Just don't expect it to be as complete and engaging as "First Man" or "Carrying the Fire."

READ THIS! Conrad was truly one of the most hilarious and self-assured pilots to don the pressure suit. His charm and confidence were palpable, making every moment with him an absolute delight.

This book, which chronicles his adventures, is a genuine joy to read. It takes you on a thrilling journey through the world of aviation, filled with excitement, laughter, and heart-pounding moments.

Conrad's larger-than-life personality shines through every page, captivating the reader and keeping them on the edge of their seat. Whether he's pulling off daring maneuvers in the sky or cracking jokes with his fellow pilots, Conrad is always the center of attention.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, inspire you, and give you a newfound appreciation for the art of flying, then this is the one for you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained by the amazing adventures of Conrad, the funniest and cockiest pilot in history!

This is an easy read that offers entertainment, although it may not reach the same level as Micheal Collins' book.

One particular aspect that stood out was the description of the Apollo 12 launch. As I was reading about it, I found myself laughing out loud.

The author's vivid portrayal of the events and the details provided made it come alive in my mind.

It was interesting to see how the launch was not without its humorous moments, which added a unique charm to the story.

Overall, while it may not be a literary masterpiece like Micheal Collins' work, it still manages to engage the reader and provide an enjoyable experience.

Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply looking for a light-hearted read, this book has something to offer.

It's a quick and entertaining read that can transport you to the exciting world of space exploration.

So, if you're in the mood for a fun and engaging story, give this book a try.

You might just find yourself laughing out loud like I did during the Apollo 12 launch.

This was the first biography about one of the 12 moon walking Apollo astronauts that I've read, and it was strikingly different from the others.

That's not to say that the others were in any way bad. In fact, each one has its own unique charm. However, reading about Conrad was an absolute delight.

Right from the very beginning, you get a vivid and clear picture of who he was and what he stood for. It was truly inspiring. Conrad had a passion for the adventure, always渴望 to be a part of something grand and audacious.

In my personal view, most pilots share this same trait. What really stood out about Conrad was his genuine appreciation for the life he led. He didn't take the remarkable things he accomplished for granted.

This is one of those rare biographies where you don't feel a sense of sadness at the untimely end. Instead, you feel a sense of satisfaction because this man had squeezed every last drop out of life and was still full of energy and enthusiasm when it finally came to an end.

It's a testament to a life well-lived and a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

A few chapters into the book, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The writing style is brisk and engaging, making it an easy read at the beginning. However, after the section on Skylab, it becomes more challenging to get through. I believe this is mainly because the author had to bring the story down from the heights of success that so many of those astronauts had to experience.

When I was a child, I listened to Pete Conrad on archival films of the space program and on television. I immediately recognized the same man in the book. He seems to have been a straightforward and genuine person, someone who was exactly what he appeared to be.

The book also concludes in a similar manner to Pete Conrad's life - suddenly and unexpectedly. It leaves the reader with a profound sense of loss, imagining the pain that those who knew him must have felt. Overall, it's a fascinating read that offers a unique perspective on the life and times of an astronaut.

It is truly very disappointing. The narrative that we are most intrigued by, which is centered around his remarkable career at NASA and specifically emphasized by his command of the Apollo XII mission, unfortunately gets disrupted. Instead of following a linear and engaging account of his NASA journey, it is told from the perspective of his later around-the-world flight in a Learjet. This unexpected shift in perspective not only breaks the flow but also diverts our attention from the main focus that we were anticipating. We were eager to learn more about his experiences, challenges, and achievements during his time at NASA and the Apollo XII mission. However, this alternative narrative approach seems to undermine the significance and excitement that could have been derived from a more straightforward and chronological telling of his story.

If you are seeking a book that delves into an astronaut's incredible life without overwhelming you with heavy scientific details, then this one is tailor-made for you.

I am truly enamored with the way it is written. It contains just the right amount of technical detail to enable understanding, yet not so much that you'll learn how to build a rocket from scratch.

Pete Conrad led an extraordinarily interesting life, and walking on the moon was undoubtedly one of the highlights. One trait that I would presume all astronauts possess is drive - an intense desire to reach their goals. Pete's goal was to fly. He wasn't afraid to undertake small, menial tasks that would bring him closer to flying, nor was he hesitant to ask for help.

In essence, flying was his all-consuming passion. Whatever he could do to get closer to that goal, he would毫不犹豫地 do it. However, this pursuit unfortunately became his entire life. It consumed every single moment, leaving him with no time for his family or anything that wasn't related to flying. But perhaps that's precisely what he had to do to become an astronaut. Without that unwavering determination and drive, he probably wouldn't have made the cut.

Pete was an extremely likeable person. He had a great sense of humor, never took himself too seriously, and always managed to find the fun in everything he did. This aspect came across remarkably well in the book. It was an absolute joy to read, and I simply couldn't put it down.

Pete Conrad was truly one of NASA's most remarkable and vivid characters.

This book about him is an absolute delight and does not in any way disappoint.

It is filled with numerous moments that will make you burst out laughing.

There are also a plethora of great anecdotes related to NASA, some of which are completely new and had not been heard before.

In addition, the book is rich with a wide variety of interesting stories from Pete Conrad's own life.

These stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the man behind the astronaut, his experiences, his adventures, and his unique personality.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in NASA, space exploration, or simply a good story about an extraordinary individual.

It is engaging, entertaining, and provides a wealth of information and insights that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Whether you are a space enthusiast or just someone looking for an enjoyable read, this book about Pete Conrad is sure to satisfy.