The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story - Softcover

Koppel, Lily

Softcover

ISBN 10: 145550324X ISBN 13: 9781455503247

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

Read the bestselling book that inspired the ABC television series.

As America's Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. They had tea with Jackie Kennedy, appeared on the cover of "Life" magazine, and quickly grew into fashion icons.
Annie Glenn, with her picture-perfect marriage, was the envy of the other wives; JFK made it clear that platinum-blonde Rene Carpenter was his favorite; and licensed pilot Trudy Cooper arrived with a secret that needed to stay hidden from NASA. Together with the other wives they formed the Astronaut Wives Club, providing one another with support and friendship, coffee and cocktails.
As their celebrity rose-and as divorce and tragedy began to touch their lives-the wives continued to rally together, forming bonds that would withstand the test of time, and they have stayed friends for over half a century. THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB tells the story of the women who stood beside some of the biggest heroes in American history.

About this title

Review:

"[A] perfect beach read."-- Entertainment Weekly's" ""Must List"

"Insightful social history with a light touch."-- Kirkus

"The men catapulted into space in the 20th century were interesting, sort of. The women they left back on earth were fascinating. . . . A lively account of how the wives coped with fame, fear, [and] loneliness." "People (A "Great Summer Read" selection)""

"This is one of those light, tasty summer reads you'll guzzle down like a milk shake." "Entertainment Weekly (grade: B+)""

"[A] perfect beach read." "Entertainment Weekly's" ""Must List"""

"Breezy and entertaining. . . [Koppel] deserves credit for recognizing the richness of the subject matter. More than 50 years after its inception, many of us now take the space program for granted, but Koppel reminds readers just how bold and innovative it felt in the Sputnik era, and how mysterious the wilderness of space remains. . . Koppel is chronicling a cultural moment more than any particular person, and in this she excels. The details are superb, from the ham loaves the women cooked to the Virginia Slims they chain-smoked, the fur hot pants and the Pucci dresses they wore, the luaus and shrimp-boil parties they threw, and the Mercury-capsule-shaped community swimming pool they shared." "Curtis Sittenfeld, "Washington Post"""

"A remarkable story of perseverance and friendship in a time when women had few rights." "The Daily Beast (A "Hot Read" selection)""

"A fair and accomplished reporter. . . . Lily Koppel offers a grounded, irresistible and sociable social history. . . . Koppel's book deftly delivers The Wife Stuff. . . . Koppel does an excellent job of capturing a group portrait with enough highlights, low points, sunny spots and shadows for individual features to emerge. . . . "The Astronaut Wives Club "is wholly and consistently in Koppel's voice: smart, evocative, informed and warm-an electric fireside chat with the women who put men on the moon." "Chicago Tribune""

"[A] true (juicy) story. Gotta love non-fiction that feels like a beach read: Lily Koppel's "The Astronaut Wives Club "chronicles the wives of 1960s astronauts. . . . Put down that mystery and pick up some history!" "Redbook""

"[A] fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the women married to the astronauts...Impressive." ""The Dallas Morning News"""

Book Description:

The true story of the wives behind the American Space Race, the challenges they faced in the '50s and '60s, and the 40 year friendship that bound them together.

About this edition

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 145550324X
• ISBN 13: 9781455503247
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320