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What I love about Homer Hickam's Coalwood Trilogy is the honest portrait of life in the Appalachian Coal Fields during the mid 20th century. It is moving, inspiring and informative. I'm making it required reading for my teen-aged children this summer. I hope this will give them a little more well rounded impression of the area where so much of their family still calls home and the "stock" of people they come from. All my life I've heard so many negative jokes about people of Appalachian birth and upbringing--it's a breath of fresh air to read about some of the more positive qualities we've honestly earned--at the same time, Mr. Hickam certainly doesn't paint us all with a broad brush, he seems to be writing very honestly. I'm greatful for the opportunity to read them myself-and so far, my eldest is also greatful--She says to say that "From a 14 year old's perspective, 'This is a good book!' She also recommends it from the perspective of a Sci-Fi fan. Thanks for asking our opinion! (Now go get a copy for yourself!)Read full review
Gave this to my teen age great nephew to read and enjoy, especially since we are close personal friends with some of the real life people.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The movie, "October Sky" was based on this account of a young man growing up in a West Virginia coal mining town where opportunities for for a better life were practically impossible. Possessing fortitude and tenacity, Homer Hickam determined he was going to break the pattern of poverty and despair by building rockets, during the time when the Russians were ahead of America in the Cold War space race. Encouraging friends to join him in his endeavour, failing again and again, his determination paid of for himself and his supportive group of teenage companions by finally launching a homemade rocket that soared successfully through the West Virginia skies. Beating overwhelming odds, Homer and his friends all went on to rewarding and notable careers. Living in West Virginia and seeing bright students fail to get the opportunities of education and support, my mother-in-law donated the three copies of this book I purchased to the three area high schools, hoping to encourage young people to dream and reach for the stars. A truly inspiring and uplifting book that will have you cheering for the hometown boy who had a vision that opposition and circumstances would not dissuade from achieving his hard earned goal.Read full review
Love this book! Great for addition to middle school or high school science curriculum. This book is not bogged down with a bunch of uninteresting science garb so students are able to stay interested. Story includes family, friends, life of a coal miner - Homer Hickman's Memoir is interesting, funny, and the love between him and his mother and her inspiration to get him to live out his dream is incredible. Plan outline, curriculum, quiz questions, etc., are all available online. A great book for readers of all types. I fell in love with it and purchased a few for stocking stuffers for the readers in our family.
good read couldnt put down
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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