The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff cover
Good Books rating 4.42

Technical:
  • ID: 1232
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9781448181971
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2018-06-11
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 3
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The Right Stuff is a captivating exploration of the American space program's early days, focusing on the courageous pilots who risked everything to beat the Russians into space. Tom Wolfe's vivid storytelling brings to life the sweat, fear, and exhilaration of being at the forefront of history, making it a perfect book club choice with an introduction by astronaut Scott Kelly. /n/n This book is not just about the technical achievements but also about the mythology and the human spirit that drove these men to sit atop enormous rockets, ready to light the fuse. It's a tribute to their bravery, arrogance, and the sheer determination that defined an era.

Reviews
The People's Friend · 2019-07-18
thoughtful 4.00

The focus on the inner lives of the astronauts sets this book apart from typical recounts of space missions, offering a deeper understanding of their experiences. It is appreciated for its unique perspective and engaging storytelling.

The People's Friend review highlights the book's unique focus on the inner lives of the astronauts, which sets it apart from other books that merely recount the dramatic events of space missions. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the personal experiences and emotions of the astronauts, making the narrative more relatable and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance the high-stakes drama of space exploration with the human nuances of the individuals involved, creating a compelling and insightful read.


Quick quotes

    This book appealed to me because of its focus on the 'inner life' of the astronauts, rather than a simple (if dramatic) recounting of space missions.

    The book balances high-stakes drama with human nuance, exploring the courage, rivalries, and vulnerabilities of these 'single combat warriors'.

    Wolfe's writing is quite colorful, but there were a few things about it that bothered me.

The Guardian · 2016-03-14
inspiring 4.50

The book is praised for its blend of high journalism and literary ambition, offering a compelling narrative of America's early space program. It stands out for its vivid and entertaining chronicle of a pivotal historical period.

The Guardian highlights how The Right Stuff masterfully combines the rigor of journalism with a higher literary ambition. This combination creates a narrative that is both accurate and engaging, making it a standout work in nonfiction. The review emphasizes the book's ability to vividly capture the essence of America's early space program, making it a thrilling read that is perfect for those interested in history and adventure. The book's exploration of the human elements behind the technical achievements is particularly noted for its depth and insight.


Quick quotes

    The Right Stuff is one of several great books in this list that derive from the interaction of high journalism and a higher literary ambition.

    A wonderful novel and perfect book club choice, The Right Stuff is a wildly vivid and entertaining chronicle of America's early space programme.

    It is Tom Wolfe at his very best, better in fact than he's been before.

The New York Times · 2003-03-27
excellent 4.75

The book is celebrated for its technical accuracy, learned insights, and engaging storytelling, making it one of Tom Wolfe's best works. It is praised for its cheeky, risky, and touching portrayal of the early space program.

The New York Times review lauds The Right Stuff as one of Tom Wolfe's best works, highlighting its technical accuracy and learned insights. The reviewer appreciates the book's cheeky and risky approach to storytelling, which makes the narrative both engaging and insightful. The touching portrayal of the astronauts and their experiences adds a layer of depth to the book, making it a standout work in the genre. The review emphasizes the book's ability to capture the essence of the early space program while also exploring the human elements behind the technical achievements.


Quick quotes

    It is Tom Wolfe at his very best, better in fact than he's been before.

    It is technically accurate, learned, cheeky, risky, touching, tough ...

    The movie is best and most satisfying in its portrayal of these enemies to noble courage.