By August 1968, the American space program was in danger of failing in its two most important objectives: to land a man on the Moon by President Kennedy’s end-of-decade deadline, and to triumph over the Soviets in space. With its back against the wall, NASA made an almost unimaginable leap: It would scrap its usual methodical approach and risk everything on a sudden launch, sending the first men in history to the Moon—in just four months. 

Author Robert Kurson will return to the library on June 6 to discuss his newest real-life thriller, Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who MadeMan’s First Journey to the Moon. His previous books include Shadow Divers, Crashing Through, and Pirate Hunters. Copies of Rocket Men will be available for purchase and signing at the event courtesy of the Book Stall.