Top of the pyramid
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Collins' book is not ghost-written, but in his own voice. His homely vivid language brings accessibly to life the incredible detail in the technology and training behind his test-pilot career in the air and in space. It gives an idea of what it must have been like 'to be there'. He modestly sees himself at the top of a pyramid of thousands of people working to make the moon accessible. He finishes thinking thoughtfully of the impact on his fellow astronauts, and of Apollo's place in history. I wish I'd read it years ago!
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Brilliant - even from an a beginners point of view!!
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I have recently gained an interest in space and in particular the lunar landings. The previous reviews encouraged me to buy this and I'm glad I did. This book was a little technical at times and although I sometimes didn't quite understand the exact details - I got the general idea and it certainly didn't stop me from rating it top marks. You really do get a true, honest account from Michael Collins and he gives credit where credit is due to the other astronauts. I am now half way through Andrew Chalkins "Man on the Moon" which is so far excellent also.
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Superb book
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This is a great read for anyone with even a slight interest in Space flight and the whole 1960's Space race involving the Gemini and Apollo programs. Collins has a very good style of writing which is warm and well informed but easy to understand he doesn't complicate the Technical stuff too much, thus making it easier to grasp.
Overall it fully deserves the rating of 5 stars.
Interested in Space flight ? Then buy this book.
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The best Apollo auto-biography
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This book did not disappoint. Michael Collins has lived one of the greatest adventures of all time, and, unlike others, he is able to convey how things were and how he felt about them. Who wouldn't want to know what it must have felt like to have been cut off from contact with all human kind as Collins piloted the command module around the moon whilst his fellow astronauts took the glory trail onto the moon itself. Collins' insights into the strained Armstrong/Aldrin relationship is worth the read on its own. If you want to read only one book about the Apollo space program this is it !!
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Engaging and readable by someone who was there...
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I have read many books on the Apollo program, and agree with other reviewers that this is one of the best. If you want detail on every mission then consider Andrew Chaikin's "A man on the Moon". But he cannot match Mike Collin's style, which is supremely light and easy to read, (in a good way!). Technical aspects are handled in a way that is clear and easy to understand, and a joy to read.
The obvious questions (How do you go to the toilet? Were you lonely? Were you afraid?) are handled in a way that lets the less knowledgable reader know, without ever being in danger of boring the more advanced.
He does not duck difficult questions, (such as which astronauts were difficult to work with), but it never gets in the way of the writing.
If you want to know what it was like to be an astronaut at the centre of the Apollo program, this book is perfect. If he had not chosen a career as an astronaut MC could have had a fine career as a professional writer.
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