Didn't realize the copy I listened to was abridged.

I enjoyed the movie before I read the book. Now, well... Reading the book makes the film incredibly disturbing at best.

It was oddly compelling for a book featuring such backward sexist, homophobic thinking throughout. I think part of the reason is because it's a lot closer to the truth than the film ever got. The things the film did in reaction to this telling of the 'story', such as it is, of the Rocket Boys, are rather creepy. The film made the book!protagonist's cat into a love interest. The film made women prizes. True, Book!Homer still thinks of women in a stereotypical young adult male fashion, but it's better than what the film did. Book!Homer at least acknowledges that women aren't these stereotypical cheerleader/pretty things that are only good for dances. They have their own lives and get down and dirty and have their own investments in life.

Homer's mother is much more of a character. She's got chutzpa. His father is much more of a sexist, homophobic prick. His brother is a sexist prick.

I also really don't like how they stuck to Hollywood formula for the gang of protagonists. Homer and Co. are far more intellectual in the book. I don't get what the problem is with showing a protagonist who is stereotypically nerdy in some ways who is also interested in stereotypically non-nerdy things like football and roughhousing. Not that either of those are good things, but it would have helped people see that the definition of a 'nerd' as we see it today has quite the range.

I also think it's odd that Homer got something of a reputation boost in the film among the school crowd. Thinking logically, even in the film logic his original position in the social hierarchy before he spoke to Quentin the first time makes no sense. He's still the son of the guy most kids' parents dislike. His brother is a big football star who doesn't really like him who should be a subject of envy. It doesn't work.

Honestly, the movie's kind of shit in light of that. It's a feel-good film that does so many things wrong and sticks to formula too much to sacrifice other things. Even if some parts are more realistic to fact that others, the film just isn't good. And it's still pretty sexist, although the book tries pretty hard to put that to shame.

Overall it was a quick read and showed a better understanding of the town and local history and gave Homer and Co. a lot more credit for their work. Don't watch the movie. Read this. ( )

Rocket Boys is Homer (Sonny) Hickam Jr.’s memoir of his life growing up in West Virginia, the son of a coal mine superintendent. In 1957, he is inspired by Sputnik to learn how to build rockets. Sonny and his friends are encouraged by their chemistry teacher. At first, they experience spectacular failures, but they persevere and eventually succeed in building increasingly sophisticated miniature rockets. The plot covers his experimentation with different forms of rocket propulsion, competition at science fairs, and relationships with his family members. This book covers his life from childhood through high school.

The memoir focuses on the author’s desire to attain a different life than his father – to get into rocket science rather than becoming a miner, as is expected. The dangers of mining are clearly portrayed by injuries and accidents that occur at the mine. His father is a key player in one of the rescues. I could have done without the awkward back-seat scenes with his high school dates. He occasionally follows rabbit trails that do not add to the storyline. I liked it but probably will not read the other books in the series. The book provides a good example of “small town boy makes good through hard work and discipline.”
( )

Rocket Boys was on my Save Shelves and I was looking forward to re-reading it...

until I got to Sputnik II where the Russians sent their dog up to die.

Couldn't go on with this really well-written book.... ( )

I started the book not realizing it was my favorite kind of writing, nonfiction that reads as fiction. Great read. I am aware that this book is probably intended for high school (?) but I enjoyed it as an adult. I have it on NOOK. The movie did not do the book justice and had many facts incorrect. Books are better than movies! ( )