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Far Side of the Moon: Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman and the Woman Who Gave Him Wings
The decades-long love story of a NASA commander and the leader of the Astronaut Wives Club Far Side of the Moon is the untold, fully authorized story of the lives of Frank and Susan Borman. One was a famous astronaut—an instrumental part of the Apollo space program—but the other was just as much a warrior. This real-life love story is far from a fairy tale.
Life as a military wife was beyond demanding, but Susan always rose to the occasion. When Frank joined NASA and was selected to command the first mission to orbit the moon, that meant putting on a brave face for the world as her husband risked his life for the space race. The pressure and anxiety were overwhelming, and eventually Susan’s well-hidden depression and alcoholism finally came to light. Frank had to come to terms with how his “mission above all else” mentality contributed to his wife’s suffering. As Susan healed, she was able to begin helping others who suffered in silence from mental illness and addiction.
Discover how Frank and Susan’s love and commitment to each other is still overcoming life’s challenges, even beyond their years as an Apollo commander and the founder of the Astronaut Wives Club.
Life as a military wife was beyond demanding, but Susan always rose to the occasion. When Frank joined NASA and was selected to command the first mission to orbit the moon, that meant putting on a brave face for the world as her husband risked his life for the space race. The pressure and anxiety were overwhelming, and eventually Susan’s well-hidden depression and alcoholism finally came to light. Frank had to come to terms with how his “mission above all else” mentality contributed to his wife’s suffering. As Susan healed, she was able to begin helping others who suffered in silence from mental illness and addiction.
Discover how Frank and Susan’s love and commitment to each other is still overcoming life’s challenges, even beyond their years as an Apollo commander and the founder of the Astronaut Wives Club.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 7, 2021
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May 3, 2022
I'm old enough that I remember watching Apollo 8 make it's trips around the moon. It was a six day mission in December, 1968 and was an integral part of NASA's goal to put a man on the moon. This book is an authorized biography of Frank Borman and his family but more than that it is a love story between Frank and his wife Susan. Frank may have gotten all of the glory and publicity for being an astronaut but it was Susan who was the reason that he was able to succeed. She took care of everything at home and was always alone when she needed support. More importantly. she never complained or tried to make him feel guilty. Without her help and support, there is no way that he could have been as successful as he was.
From the time Frank flew a plane for the first time, his goal was to be a fighter pilot. He and Susan started dating in high school but he broke up with her while he was at West Point. When he realized how important she was to him, he went back home and asked her to marry him. She agreed readily. As soon as they got married, they began the nomadic life of people in the service at this time. She would no sooner get their home set up when it was time to move again. Doing the moving and making their apartments and houses into a home fell totally on Susan. When they had two sons, parenting also fell to Susan. She felt that she was fulfilling her role as the wife of a military wife. When he was picked to join the space program, their lives began to change. Their living conditions were better and soon they became media superstars. As the wife of an astronaut, Susan always had to put on a brave face to the media that demanded attention. The pressure was overwhelming and soon Susan's depression and alcoholism came to light. Frank began to realize how important she had been to his success and loved her enough that he was willing to make changes to help her. After she learned to cope with her life and became healthy again she began to work to help others who suffered from mental illness and addiction.
This well researched book was an interesting look at NASA and the way that they treated the families of their astronauts. They did nothing to support them and acted as if they were not important to their husband's success. They handed out tranquilizers to the wives and didn't even help the families after several astronauts died during training. They were more interested in getting good publicity and beating the Russians to the moon no matter what it took to do it.
This book is not just an honest look at Frank Borman, astronaut, but more importantly it's a look at Frank and Susan and the changes in their lives over the years. No matter what happened, their love remained strong and their devotion to each other increased during their lives. They were married over 70 years when she died of complications of Alzheimer's.
From the time Frank flew a plane for the first time, his goal was to be a fighter pilot. He and Susan started dating in high school but he broke up with her while he was at West Point. When he realized how important she was to him, he went back home and asked her to marry him. She agreed readily. As soon as they got married, they began the nomadic life of people in the service at this time. She would no sooner get their home set up when it was time to move again. Doing the moving and making their apartments and houses into a home fell totally on Susan. When they had two sons, parenting also fell to Susan. She felt that she was fulfilling her role as the wife of a military wife. When he was picked to join the space program, their lives began to change. Their living conditions were better and soon they became media superstars. As the wife of an astronaut, Susan always had to put on a brave face to the media that demanded attention. The pressure was overwhelming and soon Susan's depression and alcoholism came to light. Frank began to realize how important she had been to his success and loved her enough that he was willing to make changes to help her. After she learned to cope with her life and became healthy again she began to work to help others who suffered from mental illness and addiction.
This well researched book was an interesting look at NASA and the way that they treated the families of their astronauts. They did nothing to support them and acted as if they were not important to their husband's success. They handed out tranquilizers to the wives and didn't even help the families after several astronauts died during training. They were more interested in getting good publicity and beating the Russians to the moon no matter what it took to do it.
This book is not just an honest look at Frank Borman, astronaut, but more importantly it's a look at Frank and Susan and the changes in their lives over the years. No matter what happened, their love remained strong and their devotion to each other increased during their lives. They were married over 70 years when she died of complications of Alzheimer's.
May 9, 2022
Far Side of the Moon is an emotional biography about one of the most well-known astronauts, Frank Borman, and his wife Susan Borman.
Reading nonfiction is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to read and it's because of great stories like this one. I admit that as I saw the title I just assumed it would be a cool read with a bit of history lesson about space and Frank Borman's career. But it is so much more than that. Sure it has his life story but it highlights his beautiful love story.
Susan was Frank's wife but before she was his wife she was just a young girl who had a wonderful bond with her father and who had to deal with tragedy at a young age. She lost her father tragically at a young age and was blamed by her mother. Dealing with that pain and trauma at any age is so difficult and yet she decides to put her feelings aside in hopes of making a better life for herself. She starts to feel love for the first time again since the loss of her father when she meets Frank in high school. She is a sophomore and he is a senior and they have such a romantic and loving bond. Things are going great and Frank really shocks both Susan and himself when he writes her a letter about breaking up. He is at Westpoint and wants to focus on his goals and doesn't think a girlfriend is in his plan.
Frank has always wanted to fly and become a pilot. So, when he gets into Westpoint he won't let anything stop him. He is one to face obstacles head-on and then overcome them. But a few hiccups and injuries remind him that he has to be ready to adapt to anything. And during this time he realizes how much he misses Susan. Like everything else, he wants to reach his goal, and this time his goal is to win Susan back. He goes back home and tells Susan that he wants her back and although she still has feelings for him she is dating another man. But Frank is persistent and just a short time later they are engaged to be married.
Married life is a start to their new lives together. Susan has always felt that she wasn't good at much so she will do her best to be the perfect military wife. She reads a book called 'The Army Wives' and realizes that this life isn't easy but putting her husband first is what's expected. Susan and Frank really love each other and this is so apparent. Frank is always away for work and yet he knows that he can always count on Susan to keep him going. And when they start their family and have kids, Frank starts moving up in his career and that means Susan is taking on the family and keeping the home together.
When Frank joins the Apollo 8 mission, this is both a momentous and memorable time. Frank is under pressure and he also wants to make this mission successful. This is a time when Susan begins to have a hard time keeping everything together like she is so accustomed to. She begins to feel more anxious because she knows there is a 50/50 chance that Frank won't return home. Susan has a nervous breakdown and really feels lost. Who is she is she isn't the perfect wife or perfect mother? She has to find that out for herself and Frank wants to help her do just that. She goes to a facility and it is also a time of reflection for Frank. Being alone with the kids and without Susan makes him realize how he took advantage of Susan's calmness. He realizes how much she had to hide her emotions so that he could succeed.
What is so amazing about Frank and Susan is that no matter what they went through, their love always shined through. I haven't cried or shed tears in a long time when I read a book, and I did this time! This is such a powerful book about love and how it overcomes all things.
I give Far Side of the Moon 5 stars. It is a great read for readers who enjoy nonfiction and also for those who love a real and raw love story. I'm so glad that I got a chance to read this book because it is so hopeful and had a true impact on me.
Reading nonfiction is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to read and it's because of great stories like this one. I admit that as I saw the title I just assumed it would be a cool read with a bit of history lesson about space and Frank Borman's career. But it is so much more than that. Sure it has his life story but it highlights his beautiful love story.
Susan was Frank's wife but before she was his wife she was just a young girl who had a wonderful bond with her father and who had to deal with tragedy at a young age. She lost her father tragically at a young age and was blamed by her mother. Dealing with that pain and trauma at any age is so difficult and yet she decides to put her feelings aside in hopes of making a better life for herself. She starts to feel love for the first time again since the loss of her father when she meets Frank in high school. She is a sophomore and he is a senior and they have such a romantic and loving bond. Things are going great and Frank really shocks both Susan and himself when he writes her a letter about breaking up. He is at Westpoint and wants to focus on his goals and doesn't think a girlfriend is in his plan.
Frank has always wanted to fly and become a pilot. So, when he gets into Westpoint he won't let anything stop him. He is one to face obstacles head-on and then overcome them. But a few hiccups and injuries remind him that he has to be ready to adapt to anything. And during this time he realizes how much he misses Susan. Like everything else, he wants to reach his goal, and this time his goal is to win Susan back. He goes back home and tells Susan that he wants her back and although she still has feelings for him she is dating another man. But Frank is persistent and just a short time later they are engaged to be married.
Married life is a start to their new lives together. Susan has always felt that she wasn't good at much so she will do her best to be the perfect military wife. She reads a book called 'The Army Wives' and realizes that this life isn't easy but putting her husband first is what's expected. Susan and Frank really love each other and this is so apparent. Frank is always away for work and yet he knows that he can always count on Susan to keep him going. And when they start their family and have kids, Frank starts moving up in his career and that means Susan is taking on the family and keeping the home together.
When Frank joins the Apollo 8 mission, this is both a momentous and memorable time. Frank is under pressure and he also wants to make this mission successful. This is a time when Susan begins to have a hard time keeping everything together like she is so accustomed to. She begins to feel more anxious because she knows there is a 50/50 chance that Frank won't return home. Susan has a nervous breakdown and really feels lost. Who is she is she isn't the perfect wife or perfect mother? She has to find that out for herself and Frank wants to help her do just that. She goes to a facility and it is also a time of reflection for Frank. Being alone with the kids and without Susan makes him realize how he took advantage of Susan's calmness. He realizes how much she had to hide her emotions so that he could succeed.
What is so amazing about Frank and Susan is that no matter what they went through, their love always shined through. I haven't cried or shed tears in a long time when I read a book, and I did this time! This is such a powerful book about love and how it overcomes all things.
I give Far Side of the Moon 5 stars. It is a great read for readers who enjoy nonfiction and also for those who love a real and raw love story. I'm so glad that I got a chance to read this book because it is so hopeful and had a true impact on me.
June 19, 2022
Susan Bugbee had no idea what life had in store for her when she married Frank Borman. However, she did know that their love would carry them through. Susan dutifully followed Frank all over the world as he graduated from West Point and chose to be a fighter pilot and then a test pilot which led him to a career with NASA. When Frank entered the Air Force, Susan read The Army Wife and followed the orders in the book as Frank followed orders for a mission. She didn't bother Frank with household details or concerns about herself or the kids and always had a nice outward appearance and a smile on her face. When Frank went to space in the Gemini 7 mission and later in Apollo 8, Susan's anxiety, depression and addiction began to take over as she had watched so many other military and astronaut wives bury their husbands. However, Frank and Susan's love only grew throughout their time together and when Susan needed help, Frank was there for her. Susan received the treatment she needed and went on to help other wives who have been through the same traumas.
Far Side of the Moon is not only a story of the amazing astronaut Frank Borman, but of the outstanding woman who supported him through everything- Susan Borman. The focus is on their relationship and how Susan dealt with the hectic, uncertain and suspenseful nature of being married to a fighter pilot and astronaut. Susan's early life was punctuated by the death of her father, which her mother blamed her for. Left with a mother who was clearly narcissistic, Susan tried to make the best of things, but knew that something was missing from her life. Frank helped to fill in some of what Susan was missing, but in trying to fulfill the duties of a military wife, Susan slowly lost herself. Susan's story outlines the trials of a military wife and the disconnect of what she is feeling inside with what she had to present to the outside world. Susan stated that as military wives "they didn't get to experience the need to touch glory in some way. They just had to sit quietly and stoically and hope to God they never saw the black car pull up in their driveway." Seeing so many of her friend's husbands die doing the same thing that Frank was doing was a contributing part to Susan's depression, addiction and anxiety. While Susan was dealing with all these feelings and raising a family, Frank's mission-based mindset led him to command Gemini 7 and Apollo 8. Gemini 7 was a record setting flight travelling more than 5.1 million miles and completed 206 orbits during 14 days in space. Apollo 8 made 10 orbits of the moon in 24 hours and broadcasted from space. While Frank's accomplishments will go down in history, he owed a lot to his wife and couldn't see the effect of his career until he was finished.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Far Side of the Moon is not only a story of the amazing astronaut Frank Borman, but of the outstanding woman who supported him through everything- Susan Borman. The focus is on their relationship and how Susan dealt with the hectic, uncertain and suspenseful nature of being married to a fighter pilot and astronaut. Susan's early life was punctuated by the death of her father, which her mother blamed her for. Left with a mother who was clearly narcissistic, Susan tried to make the best of things, but knew that something was missing from her life. Frank helped to fill in some of what Susan was missing, but in trying to fulfill the duties of a military wife, Susan slowly lost herself. Susan's story outlines the trials of a military wife and the disconnect of what she is feeling inside with what she had to present to the outside world. Susan stated that as military wives "they didn't get to experience the need to touch glory in some way. They just had to sit quietly and stoically and hope to God they never saw the black car pull up in their driveway." Seeing so many of her friend's husbands die doing the same thing that Frank was doing was a contributing part to Susan's depression, addiction and anxiety. While Susan was dealing with all these feelings and raising a family, Frank's mission-based mindset led him to command Gemini 7 and Apollo 8. Gemini 7 was a record setting flight travelling more than 5.1 million miles and completed 206 orbits during 14 days in space. Apollo 8 made 10 orbits of the moon in 24 hours and broadcasted from space. While Frank's accomplishments will go down in history, he owed a lot to his wife and couldn't see the effect of his career until he was finished.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
May 9, 2022
Far Side of the Moon
Liisa Jorgensen
Jorgensen’s poignant new book features the Epic love story of Frank and Susan Borman, the tight bond they had, the highs and the lows they survived and how even when astronauts had movie star status their commitment to one another never faltered.
Frank was a pioneer in the space race and probably single handedly saved the Apollo program, he was a no-nonsense man whose motto was “The mission always comes first”, but he was also a loving husband and father albeit for many years of his life more absent than present.
Susan was the heart of her family and the epitome of a military – NASA then corporate executive’s wife, always putting her husband’s career first, always making the most of what ever situation the family found themselves in and as a result often suffered in silence. She saw first-hand how families in the space program often became collateral damage. She was a co-founder of the astronaut wives club, and a consummate hostess, she was in fact everything that Frank needed her to be, until she needed him more.
The book thanks to the author’s meticulous research showcases the professional and personal journeys of this incredible couple throughout their long (over 70 year) marriage, giving an in depth look at a family often under a microscope wearing the mask of a “perfect family” for greedy American’s glued to their TVs about anything to do with the space race. The most profound thing from the read was Susan’s ingenuity as a young military wife often turning a military issued rambled down shack into a livable home, and when Frank became the nurturer when Susan needed him, their devotion to each other was inspiring.
Liisa Jorgensen
Jorgensen’s poignant new book features the Epic love story of Frank and Susan Borman, the tight bond they had, the highs and the lows they survived and how even when astronauts had movie star status their commitment to one another never faltered.
Frank was a pioneer in the space race and probably single handedly saved the Apollo program, he was a no-nonsense man whose motto was “The mission always comes first”, but he was also a loving husband and father albeit for many years of his life more absent than present.
Susan was the heart of her family and the epitome of a military – NASA then corporate executive’s wife, always putting her husband’s career first, always making the most of what ever situation the family found themselves in and as a result often suffered in silence. She saw first-hand how families in the space program often became collateral damage. She was a co-founder of the astronaut wives club, and a consummate hostess, she was in fact everything that Frank needed her to be, until she needed him more.
The book thanks to the author’s meticulous research showcases the professional and personal journeys of this incredible couple throughout their long (over 70 year) marriage, giving an in depth look at a family often under a microscope wearing the mask of a “perfect family” for greedy American’s glued to their TVs about anything to do with the space race. The most profound thing from the read was Susan’s ingenuity as a young military wife often turning a military issued rambled down shack into a livable home, and when Frank became the nurturer when Susan needed him, their devotion to each other was inspiring.
January 29, 2023
I only randomly found this book on an end cap in the biography section at my library, but I knew of Frank Borman from growing up in a family fascinated with space exploration. I never knew of Susan Borman really at all, much less all she went through and overcame. I knew from reading "The Astronaut Wive's Club" that the women suffered greatly, but the individual story of the Bormans in depth was fascinating and impactful. The way that Colonel Borman faced the reality of how his unfaltering commitment to his career and mission harmed his family was truly courageous. Susan took her own story to a place that others could benefit from. Their story together is truly inspiring, because they acknowledged and faced all the harms, instead of glossing over them for the sake of appearances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
The Borman’s life is a great story but this seems to shortchange what could have been a great book.
The writing is a bit bland and quite juvenile, as though written for YA readers, and full of grammatical mistakes.
It will not appeal to those looking for an exciting, rocket-fueled adventure about astronauts.
The writing is a bit bland and quite juvenile, as though written for YA readers, and full of grammatical mistakes.
It will not appeal to those looking for an exciting, rocket-fueled adventure about astronauts.
April 30, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Far Side of the Moon
Author: Liisa Jorgensen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: history, biography
Publication Date: December 7, 2021
Genre: Historical Biography
Age Relevance: 16+ (romance, abuse, PTSD, depression, alcoholism, anxiety)
Explanation of Above: The book shows some of the romance between the main characters, but mostly is a deep dive into how Susan handled Frank’s departure to the moon. There are flashbacks and mentions of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and alcoholism.
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: The decades-long love story of a NASA commander and the leader of the Astronaut Wives Club
Far Side of the Moon is the untold, fully authorized story of the lives of Frank and Susan Borman. One was a famous astronaut—an instrumental part of the Apollo space program—but the other was just as much a warrior. This real-life love story is far from a fairy tale.
Life as a military wife was beyond demanding, but Susan always rose to the occasion. When Frank joined NASA and was selected to command the first mission to orbit the moon, that meant putting on a brave face for the world as her husband risked his life for the space race. The pressure and anxiety were overwhelming, and eventually Susan’s well-hidden depression and alcoholism finally came to light. Frank had to come to terms with how his “mission above all else” mentality contributed to his wife’s suffering. As Susan healed, she was able to begin helping others who suffered in silence from mental illness and addiction.
Discover how Frank and Susan’s love and commitment to each other is still overcoming life’s challenges, even beyond their years as an Apollo commander and the founder of the Astronaut Wives Club.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. I liked the premise of it and I found it a very interesting look at what Susan and Frank went through. I liked how the book was a deep dive into Susan’s past and I found her story far more interesting than others. The book is a well written historical book and it would be a great read for anyone who’s interested in this time period/event. The book had well developed characters and world building as well.
However, I found the pacing a bit too slow for my liking and I while I enjoyed the book I found that sometimes the pacing made it hard for me to continue reading.
Verdict: It was good.
Book: Far Side of the Moon
Author: Liisa Jorgensen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: history, biography
Publication Date: December 7, 2021
Genre: Historical Biography
Age Relevance: 16+ (romance, abuse, PTSD, depression, alcoholism, anxiety)
Explanation of Above: The book shows some of the romance between the main characters, but mostly is a deep dive into how Susan handled Frank’s departure to the moon. There are flashbacks and mentions of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and alcoholism.
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: The decades-long love story of a NASA commander and the leader of the Astronaut Wives Club
Far Side of the Moon is the untold, fully authorized story of the lives of Frank and Susan Borman. One was a famous astronaut—an instrumental part of the Apollo space program—but the other was just as much a warrior. This real-life love story is far from a fairy tale.
Life as a military wife was beyond demanding, but Susan always rose to the occasion. When Frank joined NASA and was selected to command the first mission to orbit the moon, that meant putting on a brave face for the world as her husband risked his life for the space race. The pressure and anxiety were overwhelming, and eventually Susan’s well-hidden depression and alcoholism finally came to light. Frank had to come to terms with how his “mission above all else” mentality contributed to his wife’s suffering. As Susan healed, she was able to begin helping others who suffered in silence from mental illness and addiction.
Discover how Frank and Susan’s love and commitment to each other is still overcoming life’s challenges, even beyond their years as an Apollo commander and the founder of the Astronaut Wives Club.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. I liked the premise of it and I found it a very interesting look at what Susan and Frank went through. I liked how the book was a deep dive into Susan’s past and I found her story far more interesting than others. The book is a well written historical book and it would be a great read for anyone who’s interested in this time period/event. The book had well developed characters and world building as well.
However, I found the pacing a bit too slow for my liking and I while I enjoyed the book I found that sometimes the pacing made it hard for me to continue reading.
Verdict: It was good.
June 26, 2022
This is an interesting biography about Frank Borman and his wife. He was a famous astronaut in the Apollo space program and she stood by him as his wife. He was always an intense person and that first surfaces when he pursues her for her hand in marriage. She was an ignored and neglected child that had learned to do what was asked of her never developing her own personality.
As he was successfully flying and traveling around the world and into space, she was left at home to watch their two children. She did what was expected and put on a brave face regardless of how she felt. Even when she was certain that he wouldn't return from space and the camera and press were following her, she acted like the perfect supportive wife. Sadly, she eventually discovered the only way she could survive the intense pressure was to resort to alcohol. Surprisingly, their love for each other never faltered.
Frank was so busy getting recognized for his accomplishments, he didn't even notice her depression or need to drink. It was almost too late when her problems were finally discovered. After months of therapy in an institution, she acquired her own personality and voice. He also went through therapy to learn what he had done to create the situation and how to improve. They learned to become more of a team. She became a spokesperson and strength for astronaut wives and others. He continued as an intense person but had discovered that he was proud of her and therefore provided support.
This is an easy book to read. It is a true love story beginning when they met and continuing until she succumbed to Alzheimers. It tells a first-hand account so what this woman and others experience as they only stand behind their husband. The book did a great job of showing what Susan went through including her therapy but I wish it would have delved more into what Frank had to correct. I also wish there had been a little more information about how their sons coped. Overall, this is a good book.
As he was successfully flying and traveling around the world and into space, she was left at home to watch their two children. She did what was expected and put on a brave face regardless of how she felt. Even when she was certain that he wouldn't return from space and the camera and press were following her, she acted like the perfect supportive wife. Sadly, she eventually discovered the only way she could survive the intense pressure was to resort to alcohol. Surprisingly, their love for each other never faltered.
Frank was so busy getting recognized for his accomplishments, he didn't even notice her depression or need to drink. It was almost too late when her problems were finally discovered. After months of therapy in an institution, she acquired her own personality and voice. He also went through therapy to learn what he had done to create the situation and how to improve. They learned to become more of a team. She became a spokesperson and strength for astronaut wives and others. He continued as an intense person but had discovered that he was proud of her and therefore provided support.
This is an easy book to read. It is a true love story beginning when they met and continuing until she succumbed to Alzheimers. It tells a first-hand account so what this woman and others experience as they only stand behind their husband. The book did a great job of showing what Susan went through including her therapy but I wish it would have delved more into what Frank had to correct. I also wish there had been a little more information about how their sons coped. Overall, this is a good book.
January 1, 2022
I have not read any books about astronauts or about their personal lives before, and this book by Liisa Jorgensen was fantastic. The personal struggles of Susan Borman - Frank Borman's partner - and the character development both she and Frank go through in their lives is extremely moving. Susan's childhood was traumatic and her mother was cold and unsupportive. Susan's past lead to her suffering in silence, because she had to present a strong facade to her sons and Frank, the public, the media, and NASA. As a driven and no-nonsense military man, Frank's journey from learning to fly to ultimately being the Apollo 8 Commander thrilled me but also angered me, especially because of all of risks taken by various test pilots and Frank's fellow astronauts. The people who sacrificed their lives for the NASA program affected Frank and Susan deeply; one of Susan's fears was that she would lose her partner in a fiery accident. It was also interesting to see some of the inner workings and trials of Frank's career after NASA as the CEO of Eastern Airlines.
Going on Susan's journey of trauma, depression, and alcoholism was sobering and yet uplifting, since she came out of it on the other side a happier and whole woman. Seeing how Frank was determined to change himself so he would be a better partner and friend for Susan was also wonderful. The style of writing is very approachable, and I was sucked into the story, finishing the book within two days. Anyone who enjoys reading about personal journeys and the tumultuous history of the NASA space program will want to dig into this fantastic book!
Going on Susan's journey of trauma, depression, and alcoholism was sobering and yet uplifting, since she came out of it on the other side a happier and whole woman. Seeing how Frank was determined to change himself so he would be a better partner and friend for Susan was also wonderful. The style of writing is very approachable, and I was sucked into the story, finishing the book within two days. Anyone who enjoys reading about personal journeys and the tumultuous history of the NASA space program will want to dig into this fantastic book!
June 23, 2022
This is a tale as old as time. Love, but not only love, true love, that can and does endure through the hardest of hardships that spans decades of time and trials. This is the story of an extremely ambitious Frank Borman who rises through the ranks of the Air Force to the very top, only to trade that in to become an Astronaut, and his story doesn't end there. It is also the story of Susan Borman, who rises to be the best in each role she's assigned, Military Wife, Mother, Astronaut wife, Mrs. Borman, and even....finding out who Susan is without any of these titles and/or people needing/wanting of her. This story covers how Susan grew up and adhering the the "bible" to live by, The Army Wife by Nancy Shea, which in the end was the absolute worse thing she could have done, as it set her on a downward spiral path that was just waiting to self-destruct. What will Frank do, when his best friend and rock start to crumble under the weight his life's projection has placed her on? You'll have to read to find out. It's an absolute gem of a real story that I am so glad has finally been told.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
March 8, 2022
Fascinating account of one astronaut family.
Frank Borman is a noted astronaut for being on the first spaceflight to the moon. He was also a self-centered cad. His career ambitions took precedence over everything, including his wife and sons. If Susan didn’t want a photographer inside their house during liftoff or landing, he brushed her off, “It’s good for NASA, do it.”
Alcohol numbed her pain. After she suffered a nervous breakdown, Frank finally realized what a scoundrel he was and tried to change. They enjoyed several good years before her descend into Alzheimer’s.
This is not a pretty picture of NASA ( or test pilots) as it raced the Soviets to the moon. Too many astronaut marriages failed because of the mission first mentality and men’s willingness to fool around. The real heroes were the women behind them.
June 8, 2022
More that “The Mission”
I’ve read many books about America’s conquest of space and our astronauts. I grew up with that program, thrilled in its triumphs and cried at its tragedies.
This book is different, deeper than “the mission” and has important lessons for all of us.
Frank Borman was a outright American hero, or so the NASA PR flacks made him out to be - Buzz Lightyear in the flesh, the man who “saved 1968.”
But at what cost - to himself, to his boys and especially to his wonderful and troubled wife? They were collateral damage to a man and nation possessed.
This book isn’t so much about astronauts as it is about perspective in life, losing it and perhaps regaining it before time runs out.
One doesn’t have to be a space junkie to enjoy and benefit from this book.
I’ve read many books about America’s conquest of space and our astronauts. I grew up with that program, thrilled in its triumphs and cried at its tragedies.
This book is different, deeper than “the mission” and has important lessons for all of us.
Frank Borman was a outright American hero, or so the NASA PR flacks made him out to be - Buzz Lightyear in the flesh, the man who “saved 1968.”
But at what cost - to himself, to his boys and especially to his wonderful and troubled wife? They were collateral damage to a man and nation possessed.
This book isn’t so much about astronauts as it is about perspective in life, losing it and perhaps regaining it before time runs out.
One doesn’t have to be a space junkie to enjoy and benefit from this book.
March 1, 2023
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was amazing and incredibly captivating. I didn’t know anything about Frank Borman beforehand, but when I saw that this book was about the love story of he and his wife, Susan, I was immediately interested. Their life together was so interesting and Susan was so incredibly strong with everything that was asked and expected of her as a military wife, NASA wife, and mother. It was truly a privilege to get a glimpse of their life together and read a candid account of the struggles the wives and families went through while their husbands and fathers were so committed to their missions. This book made me cry and it will stick with me for a long time.
August 16, 2023
I appreciated this deeper look into the life of astronaut Frank Borman. The story includes enough detail of his professional life as a pilot and astronaut while also detailing the sacrifices his family made in the name of mission success. It is likely the most personal of all the astronaut bios I've read, which is saying something since it is written by a third party. I'd recommend this book to aspiring astronauts and those who work in the human spaceflight industry for awareness of the true costs associated with always putting the mission first.
November 20, 2021
Anna says: Far Side of the Moon is not my usual read, but it is so great. It's the story of Frank Borman, one of the Apollo 8 astronauts, but even more so the story of his wife, Susan, and their marriage. It covers so much of what NASA spouses went through, and Susan's personal journey with depression and alcoholism, with the space program sprinkled in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 16, 2022
A truly inspirational novel on one of America’s great heroes! Not only was his life inspirational, but his wife was also a hero in her own right. What they endured and the problems they overcame, while holding on to each other through out it all, makes this a must read for all!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2022
I’ve learned about Susan Borman from other books and heard of her challenges with anxiety. But not to the depth that this book has to offer. The tenderness between Frank and Susan - I cried my way through the epilogue.
January 17, 2022
wow - what a love
so honored to read and know these people and their story
history come to life
so honored to read and know these people and their story
history come to life
April 27, 2022
5 for the story
3 for the writing
3 for the writing
July 1, 2022
Truly one of the most amazing biographies I have read! I would highly recommend it to anyone!
February 15, 2023
Behind every great man, there is a great woman.
I need to read this book every few years.
I need to read this book every few years.
July 13, 2022
A good story told with compassion, but also with way too many adverbs. This book needed an editor. “Foreign fighter pilots from Italy”? Or how about this doozy:
“For the first time in recorded history, the astronauts aboard Apollo 8 were in a part of the universe that separated them from the rest of world, a world they had just left far behind them." So, setting aside all that prehistoric space travel? Also, whaaaat?
“For the first time in recorded history, the astronauts aboard Apollo 8 were in a part of the universe that separated them from the rest of world, a world they had just left far behind them." So, setting aside all that prehistoric space travel? Also, whaaaat?
May 16, 2023
Really interesting! I like that it dived into the stress put on the wives of astronauts.
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