A review by deearr
Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Race to the Moon by Howard Benedict, Deke Slayton, Jay Barbree, Alan Shepard

4.0

Anyone looking for a detailed, blow-by-blow of everything that happened during the space race and slightly beyond may be slightly disappointed. This book reads more like a novel, capturing the excitement of what was nothing but fantasy to most people in the 1950s. The different missions of Mercury and Gemini leading up to Apollo 11 and beyond capture more of the human element, the glories and the frustrations of a group of men attempting to make the impossible possible. The culmination of two opponents, Russia and America, becoming partners in a joint space effort was heartening.

Whether I agree or disagree with the last chapter’s clumsy step into the political arena makes no difference. After an incredible story, I felt a political rant was uncharacteristic of the rest of the book. I wish I had stopped and not read the last few pages.

Overall, a fun read and a different look at the space race as opposed to some of the fact-full but dry versions I have seen. Four stars.