Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger 7

by June Scobee Rodgers

Twenty-five years after the very public tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger, June Scobee Rodgers has written her private story—her winding path through childhood poverty, homelessness, and family dysfunction to her teenage marriage and twenty-six years of love and life with Dick Scobee. This is the story, too, of that heartbreaking day in January 1986 when Commander Scobee and his six crewmates “slipped the surly bonds of Earth.” That day, June’s life took a new direction that ultimately led to the creation of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and to new love and new life with Don Rodgers. Her story of faith and triumph over adversity will inspire readers of every age.

June Scobee Rodgers, originally from Alabama, is the widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the space shuttle Challenger. June serves as the Founding Chairman of the Board and as a Founding Director for Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Holding a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree from Chapman College, both in Curriculum and Instruction, she is proud of the fact that she has taught in every grade-level classroom from kindergarten through college. June is married to retired Army Lieutenant General Don Rodgers. They live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have three grown children and nine grandchildren.

Genres: Space

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy non-fiction, this is a wonderful and inspiring story written by a very strong woman. Since she was 11 yrs. old, June found her inspirations from Norman Vincent Peale's book - The Power of Positive Thinking. It carried her through a rough childhood and the dramatic change in her life that happened in a heartbeat back in the mid 80's.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting memoir and the author surely did come from humble beginnings and rose to climb the mountaintop. I believe she is one of those people who just have an incredible backbone, determination, desire to succeed, don't take no for an answer, pull themselves up by their bootstraps, and had incredible support from others. I admire her greatly. She attained her goals, raised a great family, supported her husband(s) in their endeavors, and helped others. Pulling together with the other widows/widower to start the Challenger Science Centers was an amazing feat. I gave the book a 3 mainly for the writing, not the content of the life. I think maybe some editing could have taken place on all the discussion of the Science Centers. Important as they are, many comments about them were reiterative.

[Gary L Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently met June Scobee Rodgers and enjoyed every moment of time with her. I read her book to learn who she is and why. This book was phenomenal. It is a love story (times 2), it is story of famine to fame, it is historical, and it is at times tearful. I was sorry to come to the end.

Thank you Mrs Scobee-Rodgers for such an insightful and fun read.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the inspirational woman behind it. I was 24 years old when the Challenger tragedy occurred and it has stayed in my memory in one way or another for nearly 35 years. June Scobee Rodgers came through the hardest adversity since childhood, capped off by the death of her husband, Commander of STS-51-L, Dick Scobee. From the depths of despair, to new heights and purpose. Per aspera ad astra...through hardships to the stars.

With the renewed interest in Challenger and the Space Shuttle Program via Netflix's "Challenger: The Final Flight," I have learned that the author used her sorrow as a catalyst to continue her husband and his crew's mission by starting The Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which is now in 26 states and 3 countries. I can think of no better way to remember and honor the Challenger 7 than carrying on their mission to teach future generations about space exploration! Who knows how many young Astronauts have been made.
www.challenger.org

[Mira Kalirai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to interview June Scobee Rodgers for my National History Day project. After hearing her story, I was inclined to read her book, which is a heartbreaking account of her journey. This book is seriously something special, and has shaped the way I view loss, grief, and acceptance.

[Inez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there had been more information shared about the NASA experiences. June Scobee focused more on her own history and experiences. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as well as one about Columbia on the same day from the same thrift store, so someone around here must also be interested in space and/or disasters. June Scobee Rodgers gives us a look into her life with Dick, who lost his life in the Challenger shuttle explosion. I have recently watched a documentary series about Challenger and I cannot imagine standing around, excited to see the shuttle blast into space and then it explode. How heavy that atmosphere must have been, and how tragic for all of those who loved the crew. I was disgusted to learn about the factors that contributed to this disaster and the lack of accountability from some of those involved. June Scobee did amazing work after the death of her husband for the public space program, and she seems like an amazing woman to speak with.