A review by breeperscreepers
Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys: 50th Anniversary Edition by Michael Collins

adventurous informative inspiring slow-paced

4.0

Every detail you've ever wanted about what it's like to be a pioneering astronaut. This book made me feel stupid and insignificant in a good way. He really answered his most dreaded question well, "yea but what was it really like?" - the moon, usually so friendly and remote, turning into a scarred and desolate behemoth. The faint regret that he wasn't very close with his crew. Being more than content with his "backseat" role and knowing the mission was the peak of his life's experience. (I'd totally sink into depression like Buzz did afterwards, poor guy.)

If I were his wife I'd be pissed after reading this, though. The pin-ups and 'honeys' and attractive lab assistants in the room next door got a relatively large word count for them having nothing to do with the story. It doesn't detract from this awe-inspiring account but the inclusion feels generally disrespectful.