Shandi Sturgill

The story of the Rocket Boys of Coalwood, WV begins in October of 1957. Russia has just launched Sputnik into orbit, and Sonny Hickam watches this marvel cross the sky from his back yard. Sonny is inspired to join the space race in his own way. He enlists the help of five of his friends and begins to design and build rockets. Over the next three years, Sonny learns many valuable lessons about rocketry, life, love, and friendship.

I should start by saying that this is one of my favorite books. Since it’s October, I thought it would be a perfect time to revisit it. I have read nearly all of Mr. Hickam’s books, and in my opinion, Rocket Boys is his strongest. He brings the people of Coalwood vividly to life and makes the reader feel that they are a part of the community. As amazing and inspiring the plot of the book is, the characters are the heart and soul of Hickam’s memoir.

Reading for the second time I was most captivated by Sonny’s father, Homer. It is easy to see him as an antagonist of sorts. However, the more I contemplate his actions the more I see him as a man at war with himself. He adores his town and his mine, and refuses to accept that the coal is slowly running out. He is thrilled that his son may follow in his footsteps, and eventually run the mine as an engineer. But he also, perhaps on an instinctual level, knows that his sons have to leave Coalwood and make their lives elsewhere. He notices Sonny’s intelligence and drive, and realizes what he’s capable of.

Hickam has a great sense of his voice as a writer, in particular his sense of humor leaps off the page. It may be a bit illogical, but the final chapter may be my favorite moment of the book. As he wraps up the story of his childhood Hickam blends nostalgia, the bitter sweetness of friends going their separate ways, and hopefulness beautifully.

Honestly, I can’t recommend this book enough. You will be inspired as you watch these boys diligently work on their rockets; taking them from a flashlight filled with cherry bomb powder, to intricately designed steel that soars thirty-one thousand feet into the West Virginia sky. You will meet wonderful people who will make you laugh and cry. And you will be reminded of the power of human compassion, ambition, and intelligence.