1st Man To Orbit The Earth
350964
Not particularly riveting or anything, but straightforwardly tells the story of Gargarin and how he was a hero of the Soviet Union because he was the 1st guy in orbit.  Took a lot of guts, and he lived to tell the story, only to die in a plane crash later on.  It seems the Russian gov't didn't have any further use for him after the parades, so he went back to piloting.
1216123
Great insight into a man who was chosen by the Creator to help humanity live a practical life, and a life that makes sense in a complicated world.
4279972
Astronaut Chris Hadfield not only gives one an excellent idea of what blasting-off for (and, then, living in) space is all about, but also talks about the attitude one must have in order to become an astronaut . Hadfield also describes the academic and physical regimen astronauts-in-training must endure if they want to join this very elite few who (after years and years of training) get to call themselves astronauts. An excellent read for anyone curious about what it takes to become an astronaut, and for anyone wanting to learn this extraordinary man's take on the mindset necessary for success in any endeavor.
3577878
Newton was an unusual guy. I studied the physics many moons ago, but knew little about the man. Read Tiner's Kepler book first because Newton built on Kepler.
1710699
I read this book when it was first published and was captivated by the heroic nature of Mawson's journey druing which both of his companions died. It is a remarkable tribute to a man of very unusual abilities. Unlike  the Scott expeditions, which were of no significant scientific importance,  Mawson was a trained geologist with an interest in locating the South  Magnetic Pole and extablishing its geographic variation. He was also the  first to establish communication by radio to Australia from Antarcticia via  a relay station on Mcquery Island. Read this book to appreciate how a man  driven to the extreme manages to survive under conditions which are almost  impossible to believe. Ponder on his accomplishments compared to those of  Scott and marvel at how the British managed to make a hero out of Scott, a  villain of Amundsen and a foot note in polar history of Mawson. Amundsen is  reported to have described Scott as one of the better sled dogs the British  brought to Antarcticia. This was in part a response to the way his success  was received by them. For those interested in the details of Mawson's  Austrialian- New Zealand expedition, a reprint of his own book is now  available. It makes interesting reading as well
4036664
What an enjoyable recounting of this time in our history. Many of us, who are old enough, can remember sitting in front on our televisions watching the US version of the space race unfold. Alan Shepard on that tiny Redstone rocket (it didn't look small that day), waiting (and then waiting more) for John Glenn's wondrous ride around the earth.
The enormity of the challenge, the ability to successfully send our "single combat warriors" to the moon and return them safely.
Thanks to Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton for their enormous contributions to our quest for space and for their recollections in this book. Also Jay Barbee, who did a great job covering the manned missions and also with this book.
3671614
I first heard Chris on NPR.  He's a fascinating guy with a lot of on-earth and in-space experiences, which he shares with us through this book.
4780558
Marine Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr., was selected as one of the original  seven Mercury astronauts in 1959, and made his historic orbital flight  aboard Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962.  But as this book reminds us,  Glenn was involved in many other grand events in our nation's history.  He  was a fighter pilot in the Marines during World War II and Korea in the  1940's and 1950's, he served in the Senate for four terms in Ohio, and  finally, in  the fall of 1998, he made a historic return to orbit aboard  the space shuttle Discovery.  This book captures the details of those  events, sweeping the lifetime of this small town boy from the midwest, a  true American icon.  I thought it was very thrilling, and was interested in  hearing of his accounts of his spaceflights , Senate career, and combat  flights in the wars.  Others have said it was boring because Glenn has  almost never faced adversity in his life, but I thought it was entertaining  nontheless.  His accounts of the Friendship 7 and Discovery missions are  nearly minute-by minute, very detailed, and I thought it was very well  done.
4104500
Buzz Aldrin's positive outlook on life has literally taken him to the moon and back. You can't help but admire his "can do" attitude and this book of life lessons. Beyond the ideals he lives by, the book is chock full of little vignettes that are entertaining and eye-opening. You'll read about Aldrin's time of the moon in a most personal way and get the insider scoop on some facets of the first moon landing that you've likely never heard before. You've got to look up to the guy, 86 and still going strong. He's got his eyes on Mars and this book would make good reading for the person who is likely alive today who will make the first steps there.
2106478
Journey with Axel on Professor Otto Lidenbrocks' expedition to the center of the Earth. The tale is gripping from the very beginning and throughout the Earth, with claustrophobic suspense and moments that will leave you clutching your spade and nap sack. Like all of Verne's great stories, this is one to explore the mysterious yet some how realistic side of life.
Man has traveled to the moon, managed to go around the world in way less than 80 days, yet haven't made it to the center of the Earth which is what uniquely puts Journey in the Journey to the Center of the Earth. I regret that Verne couldn't have been buried on the Moon or at the Center of the Earth, because that is where the remarkable raconteur belongs and where his stories are.
552183
Soft science fiction tale of man's first encounter with alien life forms.  How did it get here and what can we expect?  The space vessel, Rama enters the solar system traveling at a great rate of speed; future astronauts explore Rama which appears to be some kind of ark or vessel of the alien lifeforms.

There is certainly some suspenseful areas as well in book besides exploring Rama's mysteries.  This book ended with a sequel in mind, certainly one I'll be reading soon
191481
Wonderful book showing the first chapters and history of earth from the Bible. I urge you to read this.
1070215
A whirlwind of a life.  A very human account of the life of an astronaut, mountaineer, husband, father  and doctor. An enjoyable quick read.
3791972
What determination this man had.  So thoughtful at even a very young age.  If anything he shows us that even through the worse despair one could not even imagine one can find and make his own light and lift himself up.  Amazing life, amazing man.
3959813
I have read several astronaut autobiographies and space history books over the years. In my opinion, this book is the cream of the crop. Stafford presents the history of Gemini and Apollo in a clear and interesting way. Lt Gen Thomas P. Stafford was one of the most technically skilled and accomplished of all the astronauts. And even though he flew 4 missions and commanded 3 of them, he isn't as well known as some other astronauts that actually walked on the Moon. If you are fascinated with NASA, and the early history of space exploration, I highly suggest you purchase a copy of this book. You will be very informed after reading this book. Thomas Stafford is a giant among men. 5 stars!
2508345
Pete Conrad is a man whose biography is compelling to all of us who have worked in the aerospace industry and should serve as an apt reminder to all Americans that it hasn't been that long ago that we had heros on the moon and that we still have heros in space.  Since Conrad was known to be a bit of a "Cowboy," it is fitting that his biography is authored by the co-writer of Space Cowoboys, Howie Klausner.  The writing is upbeat and ties in  well with the Astronaut's fast paced and intense life.  This book is a quick read, but it still gives the reader a strong sense of what Pete Conrad was all about.  A great read.  Father's should share this one with their sons.
615421
Great book about a hard working regular guy who just happened to have the focus and drive to become one of a select few to wak on the moon.