Red Moon Rising

Sputnik and the Hidden Rivals That Ignited the Space Age

By: Matthew Brzezinski

Narrated by: Charles Stransky

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

On October 4, 1957, a time of Cold War paranoia, the Soviet Union secretly launched the Earth's first artificial moon. No bigger than a basketball, the tiny satellite was powered by a car battery. Yet, for all its simplicity, Sputnik stunned the world.

Based on extensive research in the US and newly opened archives in the former USSR, Red Moon Rising tells the story of five extraordinary months in the history of technology and the rivalry between two superpowers. It takes us inside the Kremlin and introduces the Soviet engineer Korolev, the charismatic, politically-minded visionary who motivated Khruschev to support what others dismissed as a ridiculous program. Korolev is virtually unknown to most Americans, yet it is because of him that NASA exists, that college loan programs were started in the U.S., and that Kennedy and Johnson became presidents.

Character driven, suspenseful, and dramatic, Red Moon Rising unveils the politics, people, science, and mindset behind a critical and transformative world event.

©2007 Matthew Brzezinski (P)2007 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"The writing is fast-paced and crisp...Yet even more than his absorbing narrative, Brzezinski's final analysis has staying power." ( Publishers Weekly)

Interesting and quick read.

Interesting story. Seems a little light. It was interesting to learn about Sergei Korolev and Bruce Medaris, but I didn't get more than a quick sketch of each of these figures. There are plenty of little details of great interest, about the founding of NASA and DARPA, which are included in the story. It was also interesting views of Eisenhower, Nixon, and Johnson. I do think it's worth a read.

Great information and great presentation

Narrator did a great job. Not bland or boring at all, sometimes historical information can be.

Eye opener

This is a great story but the real kicker comes in the Epilogue in which the author neatly summarises the long-lasting effects of this remarkable episode on our society today. A great read for those of us who lived through those times and an eye opener for younger readers.

Wonderful history

Delightful and informative book about the early days of the space race and portraying the highs and lows of those times.

Combines BOTH sides

Brzezinski tells the story from both sides with enough political and technical details to interest almost anyone. He also benefits from the hindsight and declassification of previous secrets to produce a complete picture.

Outstanding

Excellent writing - so much historic facts and very objective behind the scenes information. I have listened to about 25 audiobooks so far in this year and this is the one I have enjoyed the most. Charles Stransky as narrator also did a great job - his reading style and the voice makes listening joyful and I hope there will be more books coming out narrated by him.

Incredible information

As a fan of Cold War history, I thought this a wonderful exploration of the pre-glamour years of the Space Race. The book explored the deep connection between the arms race and space race to a degree that's often overlooked. Like so many accounts, this book makes me wish I had been around for this unique time in history.

As has been mentioned, the interspersion of dramatic music is annoying, and I tend to wonder if the narrator correctly pronounces Sergei Korolev's name, but the book is nevertheless absolutely worth your time.

well done

This is a remarkable tour through yester year for me. I personally remember these events, of looking up into the sky to try to see Sputnik. The newspaper stories are familiar. The book is very well written, totally non political. It is very engaging, and pleasantly narrated. I personally benefited from the educational benefits provided by funds allotted for resulting emphasis on funding scientific education

Fascinating.

A historical tour de force on the behind the scenes and in front the camera success and failure of the world after the downfall of NAZI Germany and how the captured scientists of the Third Reich brought about the space age and the cold war simultaneously.

Better than fiction

This is a great story of the early space race told in the form of a political thriller. One of the most exciting non-fiction books I've ever listened to.