Customer Reviews

Red Helmet

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best yet by Hickam. I couldn't put it down. It was masterfully written- a real page turner! Any woman who has worked in a man's world could relate to the main character's struggles as she trained and eventually became a coal miner. The descriptions of the coal mines themselves were illuminating. Above and beyond all of this, it is a beautiful love story.
Excellent job, Mr. Hickam.

Readers clamoring for fast-moving, absorbing books of either fiction or non-fiction can certainly find both in the works of Homer Hickam. Besides his internationally acclaimed "Rocket Boys" memoirs, Hickam has written a gripping narrative about German U-boats along America's Atlantic coast during World War II ("Torpedo Junction"), a riveting techno-thriller sure to please any science fiction buff ("Back to the Moon"), eloquent and heartfelt words of "strength and courage" inspired by the events of September 11, 2001 ("We Are Not Afraid"), and three action-packed World War II novels featuring the swashbuckling Josh Thurlow ("The Keeper's Son," "The Ambassador's Son," and "The Far Reaches"). With his latest novel, Homer Hickam returns to his roots and the coal mines of West Virginia that he knows so well. And in the pages of "Red Helmet," with its focus on contemporary Highcoal, West Virginia, you'll become familiar with them too, as well as the problems and issues that residents daily--and unflinchingly--face head-on. And throughout the story, which showcases beautiful, hard-nosed New York businesswoman Song Hawkins and the equally tough manager of the Highcoal mine, Cable Jordan, are interwoven thrilling subplots of intrigue, romance, murder, and sheer nail-biting suspense. It all makes for a page-turning tale, one that will captivate the millions of devoted fans of this best-selling author.

I bought this book the first day it came out and enjoyed it tremendously. There's even the speech Homer Hickam made at the memorial to the Sago miners in the back of the book. I got to meet him at a book signing and he is a gracious man. There were a lot of people at the book signing who enjoyed Mr. Hickam's writing as much as me. He is without a doubt West Virginia's favorite author.

I like all of Homer Hickam's books but I'm tickled he has decided to return to what made him famous in the first place with this story of life in the Appalachian coalfields. The difference is this time his story has a contemporary setting with all the problems and challenges of life in today's world.

I loved his main character, the plucky Song, a rich New Yorker who marries a West Virginia coal mine manager. Cable's his name and coal mining's his game and nothing, not even love for his rich, new wife, is going to get him to leave the mountains and mines. Naturally, it doesn't take too long before the marriage is in trouble. Cable's a great character, too, but he is so typically MALE.

I liked it when Song decides to put on the red helmet of the novice coal miner and show Cable what she's truly made of. Pretty soon, I was cheering her and her fellow "red caps" on. There's also a mystery to be solved and a murder or two, not to mention a big finish with a mine explosion and a rescue attempt that makes all the big television news programs. I know women readers are going to love this story and I bet men will, too.

Homer Hickam, in "Red Helmet", transports us to the small mining communities of West Virginia. With characters that make us love them, laugh with them, wipe away a tear or two, and become a part of their lives, struggles, and mysteries, "Red Helmet" is a great read. Curl up on your sofa with a hot cup of tea and a blanket and be carried away to West Virginia!

For those who enjoyed Homer Hickam's previous "tales" of life in Coalwood, West Virginia, you will not be disappointed in this latest work. The conflict between two recently-marrieds, in concert with the drama in the coal mines, makes for a fast-moving story that is dificult to put down. The author's best work, I think, has always been when he's writing about his beloved mountains and people of West Virginia. And though I enjoy Hickam's Josh Thurlow series, I thoroughly get involved with what he really knows best--life in a coal mine community! And one needs to know nothing of coal mining to enjoy the story because Hickam does a masterful job of explaining what goes on "down there." Order this book and enjoy the ride with Song and Cable and all the other colorful characters as they find out many things about themselves and each other in an exciting conclusion to a wonderful story. If this is a first-time read of Homer Hickam, I would certainly recommend going back to Rocket Boys, The Coalwood Way, and Sky of Stone. Those are all non-fiction, but they serve as a good background for Red Helmet, making it all the more enjoyable.

An eclectic group of characters on a thrilling adventure which includes romance, betrayal, tragedy, and heroism. And with as many twists and turns as any coal mine. Be warned, you may not be able to put this book down once you've started reading it; I sure couldn't.

RED HELMET is a riveting romance/adventure/susupense story that reflects the true spirit of the West Virginia coal miner and the courage and skill of mine rescue teams everywhere. This book is a real page turner. At one point I was laughing out loud and the next, my eyes were filled with tears. Indeed, this is a powerful story. I could not put it down.

Homer Hickam (author of "Rocket Boys" that became the inspirational movie "October Sky") does it again with "Red Helmet"! I'd highly recommend it to those of you who enjoyed the movie, or better yet the book "Rocket Boys".
Red Helmet is a historical fiction/love story written by a son of a coal miner. A very good read that transports you to the mines in West Virginia. The characters feel real, are well developed and soon have you rootin' for them.
Readers interested in this topic that is very poignant today given our current state of energy related issues. This story personalizes the people behind our historical main source of energy in an interesting manner. If you are like a lot of people who enjoy gaining knowledge through the gentle mode of fiction--this is a book that transports you to the world of coal mining, while entertaining you with a good story.

Homer Hickam's latest novel takes him back to a familiar place; the coalfields of West Virginia. And, the homecoming is sweet.

InRed HelmetHickam is right in the pocket with the tale of a small mining town, a big city out of towner stirring things up, action, adventure, romance and humor.

If you liked his "Coalwood" series, which included the now classic "Rocket Boys" which became the good-but-not-as-good-as-the-book movie "October Sky", you'll really love this modern day peek into the lives of these folks.

And, if you're a fan of popular musician Jim Brickman, he makes a cameo in the book. How cool is THAT?

I loved this book...couldn't put it down.