Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The riveting inside story of three heroic astronauts who took on the challenge of mankind's historic first mission to the Moon, from the bestselling author of Shadow Divers. Robert Kurson tells the tale of Apollo 8 with novelistic detail and immediacy. --Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis By August 1968, the American space program was in danger of failing in its two most important objectives: to land a man on the Moon by President Kennedy's end-of-decade deadline, and to triumph over the Soviets in space. With its back against the wall, NASA made an almost unimaginable leap: It would scrap its usual methodical approach and risk everything on a sudden launch, sending the first men in history to the Moon--in just four months. And it would all happen at Christmas. In a year of historic violence and discord--the Tet Offensive, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy, the riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago--the Apollo 8 mission would be the boldest, riskiest test of America's greatness under pressure. In this gripping insider account, Robert Kurson puts the focus on the three astronauts and their families: the commander, Frank Borman, a conflicted man on his final mission; idealistic Jim Lovell, who'd dreamed since boyhood of riding a rocket to the Moon; and Bill Anders, a young nuclear engineer and hotshot fighter pilot making his first space flight. Drawn from hundreds of hours of one-on-one interviews with the astronauts, their loved ones, NASA personnel, and myriad experts, and filled with vivid and unforgettable detail, Rocket Men is the definitive account of one of America's finest hours. In this real-life thriller, Kurson reveals the epic dangers involved, and the singular bravery it took, for mankind to leave Earth for the first time--and arrive at a new world. Rocket Men is a riveting introduction to the [Apollo 8] flight. . . . Kurson details the mission in crisp, suspenseful scenes. . . . [A] gripping book. --The New York Times Book Review

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Reviews

In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

With Rocket Men, Robert Kurson tells the tale of Apollo 8 with novelistic detail and immediacy, expertly capturing the urgency and suspense behind the mission that gave America the lead in the Space Race. --Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis Gripping . . . Space buffs will enjoy this accessible and engaging account of human ingenuity and exploration. --Library Journal (starred review) Kurson effectively recreates the era, recalling the tumult of a changing nation, as well as the tension felt by those involved both on Earth and in space, of a mission with little margin for error. . . . Fans of explorers and adventurers will enjoy Kurson's vibrant, accessible history. --Publishers Weekly In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

With Rocket Men, Robert Kurson tells the tale of Apollo 8 with novelistic detail and immediacy, expertly capturing the urgency and suspense behind the mission that gave America the lead in the Space Race. --Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis Gripping . . . Space buffs will enjoy this accessible and engaging account of human ingenuity and exploration. --Library Journal (starred review) Kurson effectively recreates the era, recalling the tumult of a changing nation, as well as the tension felt by those involved both on Earth and in space, of a mission with little margin for error. . . . Fans of explorers and adventurers will enjoy Kurson's vibrant, accessible history. --Publishers Weekly Kurson's first-rate account of this remarkable spaceflight starts by reminding us what a gamble it was, a revelatory wake-up nudge for anyone who thinks moon flights were routine. . . . There are many pieces to the Apollo 8 story, but Kurson brings them together effortlessly. --USA Today Rocket Men is close-to-the-bone adventure-telling on a par with Alfred Lansing's Endurance and Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. It's as close to a movie as writing gets. --Mary Roach, The Washington Post Engrossing . . . Kurson's conception-to-splashdown reporting had the cooperation from the astronauts and their wives, giving him invaluable details. . . . Kurson builds suspense around a mind-bendingly complex and dangerous journey. --Associated Press In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger A timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. . . . Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon, in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut Advance praise for Rocket Men In 1968 we sent men to the Moon. They didn't leave boot prints, but it was the first time humans ever left Earth for another destination. That mission was Apollo 8. And Rocket Men, under Robert Kurson's compelling narrative, is that under-told story. --Neil deGrasse Tyson Kurson takes us on mankind's first trip to the Moon in 1968, another time when it seemed America was tearing itself apart. But on Christmas Eve, we raised our eyes skyward and were inspired by the bravery and eloquence of the three Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited the Moon and reminded us of our common humanity. --Chesley Sully Sullenberger Rocket Men is a timely and thrilling reminder of a heroic American achievement--three dashing astronauts and the first rendezvous with the Moon. It has it all--suspense, drama, risk, and loving families. We could use those days again. --Tom Brokaw This is the story of the most consequential and daring voyage since those in the era of Columbus, the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. The tale is told with the care and clarity, and the heart-banging drama, that Robert Kurson's legion of readers have come to expect from him. --Scott Turow As a Rocket Woman myself, I know very well the story of Apollo 8, and yet I couldn't put this book down. I was transported--along with NASA, the public, and the crew and their families--on this first-of-its-kind journey. Kurson presents not only the challenges, risks, ambition, and success of Apollo 8, but a story of human spirit. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 8, their incredible journey and the stunning memory of Earthrise can set us on the trajectory for an awe-inspired future. --Nicole Stott, NASA ISS and space shuttle astronaut

Author Information

Robert Kurson is the author of the runaway bestseller Shadow Divers, Crashing Through, and Pirate Hunters. Ray Porter is the multiple Earphones Award-winning and Audie-nominated narrator of audiobooks, such as The Second Life of Nick Mason. A veteran of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, he has also appeared in Argo, The Runaways, Sons of Anarchy, Justified, Almost Famous, and many other TV and film productions.

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