The Astronaut Wives Club

A True Story

By: Lily Koppel

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Discover the true story of the women who stood beside some of the greatest heroes of American space travel in this New York Times bestseller that delivers "a truly great snapshot of the times" (Publishers Weekly) that inspired a limited TV series on ABC!

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; JFK made it clear that platinum-blonde Rene Carpenter was his favorite; and licensed pilot Trudy Cooper arrived with a secret that needed to stay hidden from NASA. Together with the other wives they formed the Astronaut Wives Club, providing one another with support and friendship, coffee and cocktails.

As their celebrity rose--and as divorce and tragedy began to touch their lives--the wives continued to rally together, forming bonds that would withstand the test of time, and they have stayed friends for over half a century.

Starts with a Bang But Ends with a Whimper

I wanted to enjoy this book after reading so much about the astronaut's stories. The underlying promise of the book, a tell-all about the little-known marriages of the early astronauts, is introduced but not delivered fully. We learn that shenanigans were widely practiced but the impact on the marriages is discussed from too high an altitude. We learn the marriages were troubled but the author didn't get enough information to chronicle the declines. The narrative falls off the tracks when the author introduces each new group of astronauts, expanding from the original Mercury 7 to include so many couples that they all are treated very superficially. The narration doesn't help the effort by delivering the words in a sarcastic-lite tone. The narration falls flat with very poor execution of male voices. If you're a moon-race reader, you will probably enjoy the first quarter of this book, but what you'll learn is that many of the Mercury and Gemini astronauts fooled around with "Cape Cookies" and most of the marriages ended in divorce. You won't learn much more.

Amazing History of Amazing Women

I enjoyed hearing the history of NASA, but I really enjoyed hearing the stories of the women behind the astronauts!

An interesting perspective on the space race

This was an interesting perspective on the space race and I enjoyed how it showed everything the wives had to put up with and the expectations they were under. A lot of the historical information I already knew, but this was cool but also sad in how little respect they were afforded much of the time. I would’ve liked to have more of an epilogue on what happened to the women during the rest of their lives, where they ended up or what they achieved.

Pleasant, but…

As a southern Indiana resident, it’s very hard to hear Grissom pronounced Grisham throughout the book. Otherwise, it was nice to hear the wives’ perspective.

Great read

This book offers a great untold intimate perspective of the space age as well as the change of culture throughout the late 50s and 60s.

wonderful, true, and real

A unique look at very interesting lives and original stories! I highly recommend this book!

Tremendous!

A side of the space story I didn't know anything about before. Entertainingly written.
Excellent performance by narrator.

What a great story!

I absolutely loved the way this historical account was written. I felt like I was listening to a great fiction story all while knowing it was true. Performed and written quite well!

Missed the mark

Would you try another book from Lily Koppel and/or Orlagh Cassidy?

No...

Would you recommend The Astronaut Wives Club to your friends? Why or why not?

No. It is short on narrative and long on trite details. It is gossipy in tone..both written and narration.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

YES! The tone became sarcastic when passages were describing the husband's behaviors...much as though a group of unhappy women were sharing their husband's miss-deeds. Very unpleasant to listen to.

Do you think The Astronaut Wives Club needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It needs a completely new book with more factual information from the wives...more integration into the history of the times.

Any additional comments?

I am only 8 chapters into it, and I am already cringing when I hear the narrator quote Kennedy or launch into a male voice. I have not paid much attention to critiques re narration before, but wish I had before purchasing this.

History at its best....

Would you listen to The Astronaut Wives Club again? Why?

Yes. It was a book that the ending took me by surprise so I would go back and listen again. Also there were so many characters that it was hard keeping them straight.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Astronaut Wives Club?

Really learning what it was like for thm back in the late 50's and 60's. Most of this is not taught in school and I found seeing it through the womens eyes was fasinating.

Which character – as performed by Orlagh Cassidy – was your favorite?

Each character was wonderful but I think Rene was the best. she really showed that just because you were a famous astro wife you could alos fulfill your professional needs as well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life as an Astro wife..