“Failure Is Not an Option” is a revealing memoir by Gene Kranz, one of America’s most celebrated astronauts and space engineers. Chronicling his career from the early days of the Mercury program to Apollo 13 and beyond, Kranz provides unparalleled insights into what it takes to achieve success in the cutthroat field of space exploration. He also offers powerful guidance for overcoming setbacks and adversity, sharing hard-won wisdom that can help us all achieve our goals in life.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for individuals who want to learn about space exploration and the challenges of overcoming adversity.
Pros :
- The book is well-written and provides a unique perspective on space exploration.
- It offers valuable insights into the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Kranz is an excellent storyteller, and the book is packed with interesting anecdotes from his career.
Cons :
- The author spends too much time dwelling on his early career and not enough on more recent accomplishments.
- The book is somewhat dry and technical in places, making it difficult to read for non-experts.
- Kranz’s insistence on taking personal credit for all of NASA’s successes can be grating at times.
Learn more about the author
Gene Kranz is a former American astronaut and space engineer. He served as flight director for some of the most iconic missions in NASA history, including Apollo 11, the first Moon landing. Kranz has been widely acclaimed for his leadership and management skills, earning nicknames such as “the Constant Computer” and “Mission Control.” In Failure Is Not an Option, he recounts his storied career with unbridled honesty and passion, offering readers invaluable insights into what it takes to achieve success in one of the most challenging fields imaginable.
Reader Reviews
“This book is about mission control and the many different aspects of working in mission control. Gene Kranz was a flight director for several missions, including Apollo 13. He talks about his experiences in mission control, as well as what it takes to be successful in that environment. He also provides guidance on how to handle failure and adversity.”
“This is a great book about the space program and what it takes to be an astronaut. It is also a story of how Gene Kranz became one of our country’s greatest leaders. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in space or leadership.”
“Gene Kranz has written a fascinating and highly readable account of his career as an astronaut, from the early days of the Mercury program to Apollo 13. In it he provides valuable insights into what is takes to achieve success in space exploration – and more importantly, how to cope with failure. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in space travel or motivated by tales of human courage and ingenuity.”
“A great book about space exploration and the people who make it possible. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history, engineering, or leadership.”
