Book Review – Riding Rockets, Mike Mullane

Having first read An Astronaut’s Guide to Life On Earth by Chris Hadfield I was interested to see how this book by another space shuttle astronaut would compare. It’s every bit as good, but in a completely different way. Whilst Chris Hadfield impressed me with his professionalism and values, someone you’d want on your team, Mike Mullane came over as more of a laugh and a guy with whom you’d enjoy a beer. But behind the terrible jokes and politically incorrect attitude, the book reveals a man with great pride, a drive to be the best and a lot more sensitivity to his colleagues and family than I first suspected. Coupled with the author’s insight into historical events concerning NASA and the shuttle program, this is a brilliant book.