The Last American Hero

This is a satisfying, clearly-written biography of a man who was much, much more than the rather stereotyped image of an astronaut that most of us have carried around since we were kids. We’ve heard lots about that first Mercury flight, but what a pleasure it was to learn more about John Glenn’s personal life, his successes and failures, and most of all his enduring commitment to public service. This book shows how thoroughly he earned his acclaim–read it when you need some inspiration, you’ll be glad you did!

A fascinating and excellent read about a remarkable individual. This book is filled with interesting facts – especially when you get to the chapter regarding the selection of the original Mercury 7 astronauts. His previous war exploits as a combat pilot were heroic material but the chapters regarding the flight of Freedom 7, its aftermath, Glenn’s relationship with the Kennedys (especially Bobby), his up and down political career and finally his flight on the space shuttle as a senior were indeed riveting. Many times I stopped reading to discuss interesting details with my wife about the lives of John Glenn and Annie that I was never fully aware of. Highly recommended for anyone who followed the space race and the turbulent 1960’s.

Very well written easy to understand kept my attention

Bought this book to learn more about the man behind the image. Nothing new here.

Early on in his idyllic Ohio childhood, John Glenn developed a lifelong passion for science and aeronautics and a deeply-rooted sense of patriotism. Biographer Alice L. George explores the life of this amazing American in “The Last American Hero: The Remarkable Life of John Glenn”. From his small-town Midwest boyhood, through his combat pilot experience in both WWII and the Korean War, to his historic achievements in space and his Senate term of more than two decades, John Glenn lived a life of courage, curiosity, and service to his country. Before becoming the first American to orbit the Earth, he enrolled in the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School and set a new speed record for traveling from Los Angeles to New York–he went from coast to coast in less than three and a half hours. While serving his final year in the senate, Glenn signed on for a mission that would return him to the role of astronaut. At age 77, he became the oldest person to enter space. John Glenn had a special partner in his long and storied life. He and his wife Annie, with whom he had two children, were childhood sweethearts, and they remained married for over seventy three years until his death at age ninety-five. Annie, who had struggled with a severe stuttering problem, worked hard through a therapy course and eventually overcame her speech impairment. The first time that she was able to speak easily with her husband in complete sentences, he wept with joy. Annie Glenn survived her husband by several years, passing away ate age one-hundred. John Glenn once stated: If there is one thing Ive learned in my years on this planet, its that the happiest and most fulfilled people Ive known are those who devoted themselves to something bigger and more profound than merely their own self interest. The author does an admirable job of letting readers learn about a true American hero and offers an in-depth look at a remarkable man.

Book Copy Gratis Chicago Press

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