- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson; International Paper Edition edition (Mar 4 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0785260684
- ISBN-13: 978-0785260684
- Product Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.9 x 1.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 281 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#403,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Astronauts
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
In this memoir, Evelyn Husband describes how her husband, Rick, commander of the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia, grew up longing to be an astronaut; how his dream came true; and how it ended with his death in Columbia's explosion in February 2003. At its best, this account (co-written with popular novelist VanLiere, of The Christmas Shoes) puts a human a face on the space program, particularly the sacrifice required to become an astronaut. Details about NASA, quotes from Rick's journal, and interviews with those who knew him add depth. But this is at its heart a story of Christian faith; as Rick's career developed, he grew from a nominal believer into one who would write, in the last day of his journal, "Lord-I want to do Your will and I want to be a godly man." Evelyn details Rick's virtues, but does not sufficiently explain his faults; for example, she reveals that he told her something about himself fairly early in their marriage that shook her up badly, but she doesn't even hint at what it is. It's tough for readers to appreciate his redemption without knowing his sin. A Columbia teamwork-building exercise weighs the story down; the final chapters also need trimming. But scenes of Evelyn and her children (ages 12 and 7) learning of Rick's death, and relying on God help them cope with it, radiate honesty and power. This kind of specificity helps the memoir rise above the level of hagiography.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Rick Husband wanted to be an astronaut since his fourth birthday, but it wasnt always for the right reasons. Initially, he thought it would be neat . . . cool . . . a fun thing to do. It wasnt until he came to a spiritual crossroads and was able to give that dream up to discover the true desires of his heart before he actually got into the space shuttle program at NASA. Three failed attempts didnt daunt this driven pilot-and the fourth interview process, though lengthy and difficult, proved successful for him. Husbands years at NASA served not only to develop his integrity and character, but also to increase his faith in a Creator that could not be denied in the vastness of space. His story is not only inspirational but exhilarating and invigorating, as readers will witness the life of a man who consistently pursued the desires of his heart even as he served a faithful God.
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First Sentence
ON SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 1, 2003, I WATCHED THE sun come up over the ocean in Florida. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
ON SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 1, 2003, I WATCHED THE sun come up over the ocean in Florida. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recounts the Columbia Tragedy Historically and Personally,
By Jan Peczkis "Scholar and Thinker" (Chicago IL, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband (Hardcover)
This book provides both an account of the Columbia breakup in February 2003 as well as Rick Husband's wife and childrens' reaction to the tragic loss of their husband and father. The book begins with the family expectantly waiting for Columbia to land, then sensing that something is wrong based on the behavior of the people near the landing site. We then learn of Rick's life, and how the family's faith in Jesus Christ had been so important in their lives. We also learn how Evelyn Husband had to tell her children that their father had tragically died.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, but not without flaws,
By
This review is from: High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband (Hardcover)
At times it felt like Evelyn was going to say something, but then she holds back. The portrait that she paints of Rick is someone without sin, a Godly man, who always aspired to be an astronaut. I felt she could have been more open and honest, and a bit less preachy at times.Otherwise this book was touching. The real tragedy is that before the Columbia Disaster we as Americans did not consider the Astronauts who routinely risked their lives in manned space flight heroes. Space Shuttle launches were considered routine. The Columbia Disaster was a horrible wake up call. Reading what Rick had to do to get into the Space Program, all the training, all the sacrafices he made, was facinating. Rick Husband was a hero before he ever got into the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and this book shows why.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Overemphasizes the religious aspects of this hero,
By A Customer
This review is from: High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband (Hardcover)
Although I enjoyed this book, it became tedious because of the overwhelming emphasis on Rick's religious beliefs. The book is co-authored by the astronaut's wife, who is evidently very comforted by her religion. Nearly every statement attributed to Rick, whether it mentioned his wife, his children, his family members, or his close friends -- incorporated his religious beliefs. I was more impressed with Rick's determination, skill, leadership qualities, and his desire to do the best he could in whatever he undertook -- which happened to include becoming a test pilot and astronaut, as well as a husband and family man. Don't get me wrong. Our American astronauts are my heroes. Rick Husband was heroic even before his tragic death. A more balanced picture of Rick would have been preferable. The saddest part of the story is that it took the loss of Columbia before most of the world learned how incredibly special the crew was.
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