From Rocket Boys to October Sky

By: Homer Hickam

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Since the publication of the #1 bestseller Rocket Boys: A Memoir in 1998 and the premiere of the movie October Sky in 1999, many Homer Hickam listeners and fans have wondered how and why he wrote the book, and how the movie was made. Incidental to that are such questions as "What is Jake Gyllenhaal, Chis Cooper, Laura Dern, etc. really like?" and "What's it like to have a movie made about your life?" and "Why are the book and movie different?" and "Why are both book and movie still so popular after all these years?" The answers to those questions and a lot more are in Homer Hickam's new audiobook From Rocket Boys to October Sky.

If you think you know the story of the book and the movie, you don't! Hickam says, "Writing Rocket Boys wasn't easy. In fact, I got a million dollars of psychotherapy I didn't even know I needed!" The making of October Sky wasn't easy, either.

From Rocket Boys to October Sky gives lots of behind-the-scenes stories both on-set and off. Before the first frame of film was exposed, Hickam was involved with the writing of the screenplay and his comment when he saw the first draft - "I'm going to have to go up to West Virginia and apologize to everyone in the state!" - gives an idea of how that went. Be with Homer Hickam as he struggles with the complexities of how a major Hollywood motion picture is made, and how he disagreed with aspects of the film even while he admired the dedication and professionalism of the men and women making it. Listeners will also be alongside the director, producers, actors, and crew as they create one of the most beloved movies ever.

©2013 Homer Hickam (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Good look behind the scenes

A pleasure hearing the process of writing the books and making the movie. Every difficulty is a miracle if one has eyes to see. Real Life and enlightening.

A delightful way to spend an afternoon

This short behind the scenes memoir was incredibly endearing. I saw October sky as a boy and filled it next to the other movies I enjoyed and didn’t mind having to rewatch when mom needed a good cry. Learning about the history and behind the scenes stuff made me tear up once or twice myself. As a result, I purchased Homer’s newer book, Don’t blow yourself up” and am currently eagerly awaiting the download to finish.

excellent listen 👍

Highly recommend for anyone who loved, and continues to love, October Sky. I was in middle school when it hit theatres and I still remember our entire 6th grade class watching it in the auditorium in Boyd County Kentucky.

An look behind the making of October Sky

it was an interesting story showcasing the feelings of the author of Rocket Boys and the inspiration for October Sky. Well voiced and very detailed, the word choice is colorful and descriptive.

Great insight!

A great read for anyone interested in the story of the Rocket Boys and October Sky!

This man has a real gift for story telling

i have used October Sky film many times in working with not very motivated students. Since then, I have read many of author's books. WHAT a joy!

Emotionally excellent

This is one of my very favorite authors writing about one of my very favorite movies and one of my very favorite books. There are only a few books that I have bought as gifts and Rocket Boys is the most repeated. I was in the Coalwood neighborhood last year bringing my dad home for burial. He and Sonny were of an age and I like to think that their high school bands were on the same field at the same time ❤️

Enjoyable account of the story becoming a movie

"October Sky" is one of my favorite movies and it was a pleasure listening to how the story of the Rocket Boys made it to The Big Screen. Was funny how Homer was wary of his part being played by a novice actor.

LIKE THE MOVIE? YOU’LL LOVE THIS STORY!

This recording is the PERFECT companion to the movie and the book. I’ve read the book twice - and watched the movie COUNTLESS times. The story itself never gets old. So when I discovered that Mr. Hickam had written what amounted to the PERFECT BACKSTORY, I was ecstatic. All those questions that ran through your mind when you watched the movie? They’re all answered here. Ever wonder how the movie and book differ? Yep! That’s in here, too! Want to know how people reacted as the movie was being shot? You got it!! All that and a lot more in this packed recording. And by the way, narrator Joe Barrett was THE perfect voice actor for this production. Trust me. I’ve worked in TV and creative services since the early 80s. Joe Barrett was great, even by my standards. He was a pure pleasure to listen to - conversational, but literate. The right age, but fresh-sounding. Energetic, but not over-revved. Country, but not hokey. Bottom line, this recording will answer all your questions AND give you a warm feeling inside. It’s DEFINITELY worth your time! (and it made me want to meet Homer Hickam even more). Enjoy this production. It’s worth at LEAST five stars!!

Amazing!!!

What an amazing story! Its amazing to hear the true story of the making of October Sky!