Carrying the Fire

by Michael Collins

Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins is “widely regarded as the best of the memoirs written by astronauts”, according to science writer and space expert Andrew Chaikin. Of the three astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins was the one who did not walk on the Moon, but circled it and waited for the others to return. As well as the actual Moon landing, his memoir takes you through every step of the training and preparation. It’s also quite funny: Michael Collins likes to joke.

Recommendations from our site

“I really enjoyed all the training, build-up side of things as well—and the human side of the book. It’s such a rocket science-type endeavour, but Michael Collins seems like a really nice guy. He manages to tell the story of this incredible effort by elite people in a way that’s quite relatable and interesting.” Read more...

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Alastair Humphreys, Travel Writer

“Readers really get their money’s worth with Mike because his book is readable, personal, poignant and funny. It sets the bar for astronaut books.” Read more...

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Andrew Chaikin, Science Writer