Disaster Strikes, by Jeffrey Kluger, offers the reader a thrilling view into the world of space travel, through the lens of some of the most harrowing moments since mankind decided to explore outside the boundaries of our own planet. Each chapter of this book details a dangerous, or even deadly, episode in space exploration history, and it is unusual because it contains stories of space explorers from several countries, broadening its focus from the United States.
The accounts in this book are true stories, and much of the dialogue was pulled directly from transcripts of actual missions. This lends authenticity to the accounts and make it an excellent choice for history buffs. The book’s rich historical value is complimented by the author’s excellent storytelling ability. This book is far from the dry record that some history books are and that it easily could have been. The author has a fantastic skill for bringing stories to life, making the reader sympathize with the characters, and creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense.
This is one history book that older middle grade readers will love. And this adult reader did, too.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Philomel
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 1 religious exclamation; 5 minor obscenities; 1 derogatory name.
Violence/Gore: All of the violence in this book is in a historical context, and none of it is gory or graphic. It includes: discussion of the dangers of travel in general and space travel in particular; possibility of nuclear war (mention); report of many deaths by bombing in war; report of death by disease; report of death in a plane crash; report of several deaths in space; many tense disaster situations; a few characters are nearly drowned; a few vehicles are destroyed; fire and explosions damage spacecraft a few times; characters are killed in a plane crash; characters are killed in a fire; characters are killed in spaceship crash or explosions a few times.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Subject Matter:
Loss of a loved one (parent, spouse, friend).
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Mention of celebratory cognac.
