Moonwalker : The True Story of an Astronaut Who Found that the Moon Wasn't High Enough to Satisfy His Desire for Success

by Charlie Duke, Dotty Duke

Relates the early excitement and glamour in the life of astronaut Charlie Duke and his wife, recaping the exciting sequences of events that made up Apollo 16 and discussing the personal problems faced by he and his wife

Genres: Space, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Memoir, Autobiography, Christian

284 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Tom Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally an autobiography that opened the door to the pain families of high achieving astronauts experience. Anybody who is married knows that long time away from the family is not good for the marriage or family. Charlie and Dotty Duke are very frank about their relationship. Charlie's trip to the moon is only a small part of his life's journey. A journey that first leads Dotty to find meaning in her life and then for Charlie to finally realyze who is REALLY in charge. Great personal testimony.

[Chris Worthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This multi-faceted book mostly focuses on Charlie Duke's life, first as a fighter test pilot, and then as an Apollo astronaut. He spent three days on the moon, including more than 20 hours outside on the surface. But the book doesn't hold back on the price his family paid to make this happen. The last chapters, including one written by Dotty Duke, show his coming to faith and the redemption of his marriage and his relationship with his children. It is a fascinating book with vulnerable, vibrant stories.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting first-person experience of the moon. Quite a bit of detail, but generally fascinating. Also fascinating to see the progression of grace in his life.

[Peter Boyall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good rendition of the human side to the space programme and brings home how hard it actually was - one year of training and 100,000 days of effort per day of space flight.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, easy read that was different than I expected, but still a good book. As of this writing, the author is still living, at the age of 84 (born in 1935).

I was interested in the book because of a 50th anniversary article in The Patriot Post that quoted Charles Duke saying “In 1972 aboard Apollo 16, I saw with my own eyes what is written in the Scriptures. In Isaiah 40:22 it says ‘It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.’ And in Job 26:7, it is written ‘He hangeth the earth upon nothing.’ Who told Isaiah that the earth was a circle? … And how did the writer of Job know that the earth hung upon nothing? … This is the Lord I love and serve. This is the Lord who transformed by life. This is the Lord who transformed my marriage. … I used to say I could live ten thousand years and never have an experience as thrilling as walking on the moon. But the excitement and satisfaction of that walk doesn’t begin to compare with my walk with Jesus, a walk that lasts forever. I thought Apollo 16 would be my crowning glory, but the crown that Jesus gives will not tarnish or fade away. His crown will last throughout all eternity. … Not everyone has the opportunity to walk on the moon, but everybody has the opportunity to walk with the Son. It costs billions of dollars to send someone to the moon, but walking with Jesus is free, the Gift of God. ‘For by Grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.’”

With that in mind, I added this book to my reading list, and I enjoyed the book's account of and leading up to the Apollo 16 mission. I was especially interested to read about an astronaut who has a profound faith in God, but I was surprised by the timing of when Charles Duke really came to the foot of the cross. His testimony is not what I was expecting, but it is powerful and moving.

[Ashleigh Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the space program! Even though I knew Charlie came home, I found the chapters while he was at the moon the most nerve wracking. One small slit in his suit, wrong angle of re-entry, etc. could change his trajectory and family’s trajectory.

One interesting thing was that I never thought about the fact that astronauts were pilots trained to be scientists/geologists.

I really appreciated Charlie’s faith journey and believe that God is using the timing of my own studies with this reading to teach me things about unconditional love and prayer. I know I personally benefit from his conversion on a daily basis.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at a San Antonio Christian bookstore while Charlie and Dottie Duke were there to autograph books and meet people. Thus I can say that I shook hands with a man who walked on the moon.
Charlie Duke shares his story of how he became an astronaut, about what it's like to be an astronaut, and his amazing trip to the lunar surface.
With a resume like that, he thought he had done it all, but he wasn't happy, and his wife was depressed.
The rest of the book shares the ultimate experience that brought them joy. Read all about their encouraging testimony of how they came to faith in Jesus Christ.

[J.F. Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable account of Duke's career with NASA, the impact it had on his family and the way his life changed as a result. Honest, candid, often funny, you can hear Duke's voice (and that distinctive accent!) on the page. Not quite 'Carrying the Fire' ...but then so few books are! Worth a read, if you are a fan of astronaut biographies. I read this on Kindle - print copies appear to be hard to come by at the moment.

[Ethan Symon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader of many astronaut biographies, I really enjoyed this one. Unlike many others, Charlie Duke has written about the pain that astronaut families go threw and the disadvantages of the all american fly boy life style. There is religion discussed but only in the last 3 chapters and it does not in impede the story being told. A great read!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book by a man who was involved in several Apollo missions, and on one of them walked on the moon. Includes not only his journey through NASA, but also his spiritual journey which leads him to faith in Jesus Christ. A very inspiring story.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading! Great detail!

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a solid read.

[JAGEE' L VALENTINE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read for me. I love clean, honest, good hearted story telling of his journey. They shared history in the making. I loved it!!

[Diane Erler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie and Dorothy are awe inspiring

I loved meeting them on a trip to France on a tour. They had grace and patience about them. They told us how God saved their marriage and after reading this book I can see the grace of the lord and his blessings. A great book.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to score a signed copy of this book by Charlie Duke the Lunar Module copilot of the Apollo 16 Moon trip in 1972. As it comes from his onboard experience and problems that arose, it has lots of new facts that regular NASA books dont have. Training through to the moonwalks and all in between, it is enjoyable book and shows how brave these guys were. Recommended if you interested in the era.

[gargravarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for space fans

[Keir Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable account of the Apollo 16 mission. Took a turn for the worst when God and Jesus came into the story. It all got a bit...preachy. Shame.

[Carlos Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I love this book it taught me so much about God and how he loves every one and knows our name

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I had the best astronaut memoirs I've read!