Book bits

Three books about Sputnik, a review of 'Pontoon' by Garrison Keillor, areader recommendations.

from the September 25, 2007 edition

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Three books about Sputnik

It was 50 years ago next month that the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I – an achievement that profoundly shocked Americans. In Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries that Shaped the Space Race, Matthew Brzezinski, former Moscow correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, does a terrific job of telling the story of the US-USSR space race in a style that manages to be both thoroughly informative and unfailingly gripping.

A Ball, A Dog, and a Monkey: 1957 – The Space Race Begins by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael D'Antonio focuses on the American side of the story. D'Antonio (author of "Atomic Harvest" and "Hershey") skillfully captures both the energy and the urgency of the US drive toward space. His narrative is further enlivened by firsthand accounts from US citizens recalling their excitement during those heady days.

British comics creator Nick Abadzis has published a poignant tribute to the sometimes forgotten canine hero of the space race. In the form of a graphic novel, Laika tells the story of the mixed breed dog launched into space – where she perished within hours – in Sputnik II. Abadzis cleverly mixes fact and fiction in telling Laika's story, but animal lovers beware: This story is a painful one.

– Marjorie Kehe

Readers' picks

I've just finished Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The novel follows an extended family in Biafra during the 1960s, including the Biafran war of 1967-1970. It is a beautifully written book, and the reader quickly becomes involved in the lives of the different looking twin sisters and their mates.– John C. Deppman, Pebble Beach, Calif.

I am fascinated by The Gospel of Mary of Magdala by Karen King. This is a translation of a 2nd century "new gospel" and King's scholarly, thought-provoking, and tradition-challenging discussion of what it means for Christianity's understanding of itself, and of so-called heretics. – Claire Fisher, Park Ridge, Ill.

Brutality on Trial by E. Kay Gibson is a fascinating read. It's the most complete story possible of tragic events that took place at sea and in faraway ports almost a century ago.– Ted Gardner, Cincinnati

The Feasting Season by Nancy Coons is an engaging story about an American expatriate writer living in rural France with her English husband. Her acceptance of a travel-book writing assignment leads to adventurous excursions (historical and culinary).– Bill Hill, Tampa, Fla.

A Memory for Wonders by Veronica Namoyo Le Goulard is a true story which gives a captivating and breathtakingly vivid account of life in Algeria and Morocco.– Lynda Newman, Aptos, Calif.

A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman is loaded with ideas that at first blush may seem counterintuitive (how can mess be good)? But it's also one of those rare books that makes you look at the world differently. And it's just a fun read. – Ralph Weisheit, Normal, Ill.

What are you reading? Write and tell us at Marjorie Kehe.

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