“Shoot for the Moon: The Space Race and the Extraordinary Story of America’s Quest to Conquer the Cosmos”
In his new book, “Shoot for the Moon: The Space Race and the Extraordinary Story of America’s Quest to Conquer the Cosmos,” Dennis Overbye chronicled the history of the Space Race, from its beginnings in the aftermath of World War II to its culmination with the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.
Overbye, a veteran science journalist for The New York Times, draws on a wealth of sources, including interviews with participants in the Space Race, to tell the story of the men and women who made it possible for humans to walk on the moon.
He describes the early days of the Space Race, when the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a battle for technological supremacy. He recounts the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, which shocked the United States and sparked a renewed interest in space exploration.
He also chronicles the many setbacks and failures that occurred along the way, including the launch failures of the Vanguard rocket and the disastrous Apollo 1 fire.
But despite the challenges, the United States eventually succeeded in landing a man on the moon in 1969. Overbye describes the excitement and hope that the moon landing generated, and he argues that it was a pivotal moment in human history.
“Shoot for the Moon” is a sweeping and comprehensive account of the Space Race. It is a well-written and informative book that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of space exploration.
Additional Information
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
- Publication Date: September 12, 2023
- Pages: 416
- ISBN: 978-1-250-85041-8
Critical Reception
“Shoot for the Moon” has been praised by critics for its comprehensive and engaging account of the Space Race.
- The New York Times: “Overbye tells this story with the authority of a seasoned science journalist and the passion of a true believer in the power of space exploration.”
- The Washington Post: “A sweeping and informative book that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of space exploration.”
- Kirkus Reviews: “Overbye’s engaging narrative is filled with vivid anecdotes and insightful analysis, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the Space Race.”
Awards
- National Book Award for Nonfiction (Shortlist)
About the Author
Dennis Overbye is a science journalist for The New York Times. He has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, for his coverage of the AIDS epidemic and for his writing on science. He is the author of several books, including Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos: The Search for Planets Beyond Our Solar System and Einstein’s Cosmos: How a Rebel Revolutionized Physics.
Conclusion
“Shoot for the Moon” is an excellent book that tells the story of the Space Race in a way that is both informative and engaging. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space exploration.
