The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story

The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story
by Lily Koppel

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published June 11th 2013 by Grand Central Publishing (first published January 1st 2013)

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; platinum-blonde Rene Carpenter was proclaimed JFK's favorite; and licensed pilot Trudy Cooper arrived on base with a secret. Together with the other wives they formed the Astronaut Wives Club, meeting regularly to provide support and friendship. Many became next-door neighbors and helped to raise each other's children by day, while going to glam parties at night as the country raced to land a man on the Moon.

As their celebrity rose-and as divorce and tragic death began to touch their lives-they continued to rally together, and the wives have now been friends for more than fifty years. THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB tells the real story of the women who stood beside some of the biggest heroes in American history.

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I love idea of this book- showing us the perspective of the wives of the astronauts.  Their story is compelling and truly intriguing.  The actual writing style wasn't my favorite.  I had trouble staying "involved" with the story even though it was really interesting to me.  I enjoyed hearing about the women despite the writing.  They really went through a lot so we could race to space.  

3.5/5 stars