The Right Stuff
question
How about for young teens?
Gary
(last edited
Sep 11, 2013 05:53PM
)
Nov 25, 2012 11:58AM
I run a book group of 13 - 15 year old boys. I have been trying to think of engaging non-fiction which might give them a different perspective on expository writing. It's hard for me to imagine anyone better than Tom Wolfe at this. I remember loving so many of his New Journalism pieces. And the story here can really engage young boys.
But, it has been close to 30 years since I read The Right Stuff. Can anyone here think of reasons the boys should not read it? I don't mind some expletives. Nor do I mind the iconoclasm inherent in it. Sex and drugs require some prep.
And, while I remember the book being very accessible, that could be very different for a young teen.
So, if any of you have any advice, I would love to hear it.
Thanks much!
FOLLOW UP . . . LONG AFTER
First, thank you for the endorsements. I followed your advice and it was a HUGE hit. The boys were very entertained. They learned a lot about late 20th century media, politics and how they intertwined along with the history of the program. I think they also learned a lot about how people shape history.
We all had great discussions and a lot of fun. To anyone else thinking about this book for young teens: you're on the right track.
But, it has been close to 30 years since I read The Right Stuff. Can anyone here think of reasons the boys should not read it? I don't mind some expletives. Nor do I mind the iconoclasm inherent in it. Sex and drugs require some prep.
And, while I remember the book being very accessible, that could be very different for a young teen.
So, if any of you have any advice, I would love to hear it.
Thanks much!
FOLLOW UP . . . LONG AFTER
First, thank you for the endorsements. I followed your advice and it was a HUGE hit. The boys were very entertained. They learned a lot about late 20th century media, politics and how they intertwined along with the history of the program. I think they also learned a lot about how people shape history.
We all had great discussions and a lot of fun. To anyone else thinking about this book for young teens: you're on the right track.
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I loved the book, but I'm not sure I'd have loved it at 13. But it's worth a try...it's great adventure, told with great wit. "Our rockets always blow up" is the line I keep remembering. It's funny, but it lets you know about the courage it takes to strap yourself into the nosecone of a tube filled with explosive fuel which someone is about to ignite.
I can't recall anything in the book that's inappropriate. The astronauts dabble in easy, plentiful sex, but there's nothing graphic.
I can't recall anything in the book that's inappropriate. The astronauts dabble in easy, plentiful sex, but there's nothing graphic.
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What any kid can see on TV today is far worse than anything there is in this book. I would not worry about that. I think it's a great read for teenage boys. They will also learn about the Cold War, a period which can be dificult to grasp if you did not live in it. Instant fame was a new phenomena back then and this is what happened to these still young men and their wives which overnight became national celebrities with no preparation. The book also explains this aspect well.
I've reread it some years ago after initially reading it when I was just 18. I don't think there's anything in it liable to hurt a teenager's feelings.
I think especially boys will love it, and the magnificent Philip Kaufman movie as well. Some explanations regarding the Cold War and fifties politics might be necessary.
I think especially boys will love it, and the magnificent Philip Kaufman movie as well. Some explanations regarding the Cold War and fifties politics might be necessary.
Ken Pelham
The comment on explaining the Cold War is a good one. Even Americans at the time of the early space program didn't fully realize how much of a respons
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I think this is an excellent choice for the group you describe. It is filled with excitement and adventure, plus science and history. The story is incredibly uplifting, and could very well inspire some of your group to travel to other worlds themselves.
The Right Stuff is like a conneisseurs wine. The more it ages the better it inspires people. I read it myself when I was a teen. It shaped my life today. It motivated me to choose a career path of Aeronautics. As of now, I have re-read it 8 times.
I will reply in a tone of affirmation, like why the boys need to read it.
1. They will get a new perspective of how things were in the past technically and how can they do much better things today.
2.It will pull them out of things like sex, drugs and rock n' roll.
3. It will turn somebodys life around. Some will join Air-Force, some will chose engineering as a noble profession.
But, there is one point. The Right stuff is not a bedtime or a toilet read. It is a serious non-fiction. A one of a kind masterpiece that only Mr. Wolfe can pull off. Your boys will need your guidance to understand some of the technical things.
Regards,
Rahul
I will reply in a tone of affirmation, like why the boys need to read it.
1. They will get a new perspective of how things were in the past technically and how can they do much better things today.
2.It will pull them out of things like sex, drugs and rock n' roll.
3. It will turn somebodys life around. Some will join Air-Force, some will chose engineering as a noble profession.
But, there is one point. The Right stuff is not a bedtime or a toilet read. It is a serious non-fiction. A one of a kind masterpiece that only Mr. Wolfe can pull off. Your boys will need your guidance to understand some of the technical things.
Regards,
Rahul
Ken Pelham
I recently read Homer Hickam's memoir, ROCKET BOYS. Really good book. If you liked THE RIGHT STUFF, you'll like this one.
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Make them really think about the first chapter. How would it color their lives to know their father could die any day, any moment.
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