Topic: Falling to Earth (Al Worden, Francis French)
emilyc1978 Member
Posts: 15 From: St. Petersburg, FL, USA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-12-2012 09:22 PM
Here's my overview of the book.
astro-nut Member
Posts: 1028 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
posted 04-06-2013 02:46 PM
Currently reading this book and I am enjoying it very much! It is always interesting to read about our astronauts!! Now if we can just get Joe Engle to write about his X-15 and space careers.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 49690 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-28-2013 05:36 PM
A few days ago I was very pleasantly surprised to receive this video from Al Worden and Francis French. Thank you Al and Francis for bringing "Falling to Earth" to the collectSPACE community!
Though Al thanks me for the coverage of "Falling to Earth" on collectSPACE, I would extend that thanks to our members who have shared their thoughts on this thread and brought the book into their communities.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 04-29-2013 12:38 AM
That is a cool thank you video. All things considered though, if the narrative wasn't good and the story wasn't exciting, no amount of helping to cover it would have done much. So it ultimately comes down to the words Al and Francis put on the page. Once the book is bought, it is just you (the reader) and them as they tell the story.
So thanks to both Al and Francis for inviting us all to come along for the ride.
posted 04-29-2013 08:14 AM
I could not agree more with Al Worden, Congratulations Robert.
COR482932 Member
Posts: 220 From: Cork, Ireland Registered: Mar 2012
posted 01-11-2017 02:28 PM
Between college, sports and a part-time job, on average it usually takes me about a month to finish a book depending on its size.
I finished Falling to Earth in three days. I just couldn't put the thing down!
Al and Francis do a wonderful job describing the 6 a.m. starts at West Point, the deep-space EVA, and those hilarious astronaut gotchas to name just a few - all in incredible detail.
I have to say that it was a fantastic read from start to finish!
Most importantly, the book allowed someone like me - who would not be born for another quarter of a century after the Moon landings - to try and understand what life was like back when people did bold things.
My favourite astronaut autobiography by far!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3283 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 01-13-2017 01:20 PM
Thank you so very much for these kind words!!
dom Member
Posts: 1027 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 10-25-2019 07:45 AM
I've just got around to reading this book and have to say it's probably the best astronaut book I've read. Not only is it a good "space book," Al is such an interesting, thoughtful man that it's a fine read in itself.
As well as lots of unusually candid info about what it was like being an astronaut, I found his observations of Chris Kraft, George Low, Deke Slayton and David Scott eye opening.
In my opinion they all acted disgracefully by dropping Worden in it during the "stamp cover controversy" — all to protect their own careers.
Thankfully, Worden has had the last laugh as his reputation has only grown over the years. Does anyone know how he's doing lately?
4allmankind Member
Posts: 1083 From: Dallas Registered: Jan 2004
posted 10-25-2019 04:07 PM
If any members here find themselves at the Dubai Airshow next month, Col Worden will be signing copies of "Falling To Earth" in the US Pavilion.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3283 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 01-26-2020 10:55 PM
Dom, I only just saw your query as to how Al Worden is doing now. In many ways he is busier than ever, traveling the world talking about aerospace, with a new scholarship program to get kids from around the world to Space Camp. No idea where he gets the energy!
CEKebalo Member
Posts: 34 From: Winnipeg, MB, CA Registered: Jun 2021
posted 01-12-2022 10:32 AM
I wanted share my Amazon review on here as well...
I cannot say enough of about this book and the feeling it left after I finished reading it. The first few pages do start out slower than I expected, but as you read through them, you fall into the words and the pace as you are introduced to the first act of Al's life. The authors do a wonderful job of taking you back to an earlier time, an honest time in the World and in Al's life as a child growing up.
The book really begins to grab hold of you a few chapters in and it doesn't let go until the end. The way you are taken into the CM with Al is amazing, Francis does an incredible job of making you feel the excitement and the energy.
When I finished "Falling to Earth", I was satisfied, but it left me wanting to learn more, to hear other astronaut stories and to see what else Francis French had his name on to add into my collection.
This is a wonderful and memorable book that introduces you to Al Worden and leaves you feeling that you are now connected with him in some way.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3283 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 01-13-2022 09:32 AM
Thank you so much for these very kind words. I am so glad this book continues to resonate with people all these years later!
posted 10-12-2012 09:22 PM
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