Book Review: 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe

✰✰✰✰½ What is it that astronauts possess that makes them want to put their push their bodies to the limit and put their lives at risk? Is it courage? Bravery? A sense of adventure? Or is it patriotism? Author Tom Wolfe takes a look at this topic as he explores just what it was that the original astronauts had that set them apart from everyone else.

The Bottom Line: Although lengthy and detailed, this book gives the reader a look back in time when the American space program was young. With the technology we have today, it's easy to forget how different things were at that time. Recommended for readers interested in aviation, space, and biography.

Book Club Notes: This was a spirited discussion about what exactly the right stuff is. It's definitely up for debate considering the astronauts were so different from one another. It turns out that the right stuff is a combination of many things. As contemporary readers, our group found that the language and style of this book were somewhat dated. However, if you are able to use your imagination to transport yourself back to that era, then the style is more readable. On a scale of 1 - 5, the book received an average of 4.5, while the movie garnered a 4. Recommended for book clubs interested in science, space travel, American history, and aviation.

Discussion questions can be found at Teach with Movies and the Chicago Public Library.     .

Details: The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. Paperback published by Picador, Second Edition, Revised in 2008. 352 p. ISBN: 978-0-312-42756-6