Hi everyone, this week’s post will take you on a trip to the past. Not too far back, just to those days when the Space Race was all everyone could talk about. So, if you like stories about the controversial 60’s, delve into this delightful epistolary read…
Title: I love you, Michael Collins
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Genre: Fiction – historical
Publication details: Farrar Straus Giroux; NY, 2017
ISBN: 9781250158451 (Paperback) | 9780374303877 (ebook)
What this book is about: It’s 1969 and the country is gearing up for what looks to be the most exciting moment in American history: men landing on the moon. Ten-year-old Mamie’s class is given an assignment to write letters to the astronauts. Mamie is the only one who writes to Michael Collins, the astronaut who must stay with the ship. After school ends, Mamie keeps writing to Michael Collins, taking comfort in telling someone about what’s going on with her family.
My review: A truly remarkable read!! Told entirely in the form of letters young Mamie has written to astronaut Michael Collins, we get to see what family life was like during that era and the events that shaped it. Mamie’s letters describe the Space Race and the moon landing on July 19, 1969, and the events that shaped her young life. Her family life unravels with each letter and we learn of the roles of women, family bonds, friendship and most of all loyalty to one’s beliefs. Despite it all being Mamie’s point of view, it’s expertly written and other characters’ descriptions are flawless. I enjoyed this story with it’s outstanding storyline and excellent narrative.
My rating: 5 ⭐
Best quote for me:
‘So I think now there must be ways to go off into the world and have adventures, to do the work that is important to you, while still somehow staying with those who matter most. Perhaps it is in how you conduct yourself and how you hold people in your heart. And home should not hold you back.’
Mamie
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 