Customer Reviews

Story: The Way of Water

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"Story: The Way of Water" is not a typical astronaut book. It is a compelling, philosophical journey into the life and mind of one of America's most accomplished men. The reader travels a path that chronicles the challenges and triumphs of this intrepid pioneer. Author Anne Lenehan intersperses poetry and literary references to connect life and literature in a way that adds dimension to both.

Richly told, the book imparts resounding respect and admiration for its subject, Story Musgrave -- the doctor, astronaut, poet, pilot, performer, and philosopher who overcame enormous obstacles to fulfill his destiny. What makes him different than others who've dreamed of -- and succeeded in -- becoming an astronaut is what sets him, and this book, apart.

To convey the essence of this complex individual, a multitude of interviews and extensive research were conducted to describe every angle of Story, from the deeply personal to the professional. As someone who knows Story well enough to have been interviewed by the author, I can attest to the accuracy of this portrayal. Lenehan truly captures the passion, determination and uniqueness of this multi-faceted scientist and artist.

This is a great story not only for aspiring astronauts, philosophers and biography fans, but anyone facing challenges or searching for meaning in their own life. This literary endeavor will inspire the greatness in all of us and, like Story himself, encourage you to "reach for the stars."

Don't let anyone say that they failed because they were dealt a poor set of cards. Starting out from a dysfunctional family of high achievers, Story Musgrave rose from a fractured childhood - scarred by bitter divorce engendered by a violent father and a loving but alcoholic mother; a rebellious nature and spectacularly failed school grades at a brutally regimented Massachusetts boarding school - to become an American hero. His first job was with the US Marine Corps as an aviation electrician on an aircraft carrier in the Korean War. This might have been it, but tests with the Marines startlingly revealed a person of exceptional aptitude with a strong mathematical bent, an insatiable curiosity and impatience for the next challenge.

Here on, Story's stellar career would be launched as from an aircraft ejector seat, his astonishing non-linear trajectory whizzing through medicine and aviation - Story excelling firstly as a physiologist and then T-38 jet pilot after joining NASA in 1967 and embarking on the Space Shuttle Challenger's maiden voyage in 1983. Along the way, he would harness his engineering and medical skills in designing space suits, developing techniques for walking in space, and being selected to perform the harrowing task of surgically tinkering with the Hubble telescope on the first repair mission. At NASA Story simply 'set the standards for training and preparation' and this would later be carried into a corporate context - encouraging people to stretch their abilities and achieve new heights. He would become one of the longest serving members of the NASA space team finally bailing out in 1997.

Anne Lenehan meticulously and caringly introduces us into the world of this remarkable Renaissance man and the NASA environment in a beautifully written book. Here, we are taken from the launch pad into the blue void as part of the space team and invited to share Story's abiding spiritual appreciation and respect for nature, a defining quality that would set him apart from almost all other astronauts. Anne also gently provides clues about a complex man who for some reason reminds the reviewer of John Irving's New Hampshire Garp - in his sometimes infuriating pursuit of life and truth. After reading this engrossing book, liberally sprinkled with Story's candour, you feel that you have lived his life, and certainly it is an interesting ride.

This is a book that anyone interested in space and metaphysics must read. It is also the sort of inspirational text that we might plunge into to garner that additional edge towards achieving dazzling success. While this would be a profitable exercise, one cannot ignore that fact that it is Story's uniqueness that stands in high relief. Anne Lenehan has given us the story of the journey through life of a remarkable person and the way he has dealt with his demons and his experiences. But this is the author's journey also, and that is a great part of the pleasure of the read.

A very detailed look into the life of an iconoclast. This is a truly deep dive into, not only the life of Story Musgrave, but his philosophies and methodologies toward living life the way you want. It stares into hardships unflinchingly and takes the viewer into space with the proper sense of anticipation and awe.

A very great read presented in an original and entertaining manner. Not your typical biography.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Story, the Way of Water". It is a gripping book that keeps you riveted to the development of Story's life as he overcomes the problems he encountered. The book gives a clear picture of his strong character, intelligence, and robustness. The great part of the book is that
it conveys his feelings as he accomplished the many great tasks he set out to do. Using those that knew him to help tell his story was truly magnificent. I picked up the book and could not put it down until I finished it.

This is a biography with a difference about a man whose lifetime achievements are incredible; leaving school unqualified, obtaining multiple degrees, more hours on the T38 jet than any other human being, astronaut, multiple spaceflights, multiple space walks, poet etc.
As well as the straight biography you get quotes and writings from Story himself. Somehow he seems to view the world differently from other people.
A really good read but enough to make even the highest achiever seem like a bit of a failure!

This book is the first major work by a young author. It has been written with passion, based on incredible research. This book is both educational and motivational as you witness Story's persistent efforts leading to extraordinary achievements. You are encouraged to follow his example in some small way in your own environment.

"Biographer Anne Lenehan paints an exquisite and detailed portrait of NASA's premiere astronaut, Story Musgrave. She gives the reader an in-depth view of this multi-faceted Renaissance man while she gives her subject a lovingly and tenderly crafted mirror with which he can see aspects of himself that perhaps had previously gone undiscovered by this modern day Christopher Columbus. Our family is proud to have three copies, one for each of our children, of Anne Lenehan's Story book on our bookshelf."

An amazing read! Anne Lenehan's approaches this biography in an extraordinary way. Story's life unravels chapter by chapter bringing incredible images, thoughts and feelings to the reader. Through Story's journals, Anne captures the very essence of life- a gift from Story to the world. An absolute must read. A journey not to miss!

Amazon has asked me to review this book. I haven't finished it yet but so far it parallels my expectations. I heard Story Musgrave (what a name huh?) lecture at the Kennedy Space Center. Earlier in the morning, before we went in to hear him talk, one of the guides at the Kennedy asked us who our speaker was going to be. When I told him, he laughed and said , "You never know what's going to come out of that guy." He was right. I went right out and bought his book. Buy this book. Buy it for your sons and daughters. Take them to see Story. You won't regret it. Bill Best, Squaw Valley, California

The Story Musgrave biography 'The way of water' by Anne Lenehan is an excellent book that I can recommend. It is very thorough, very detailed and shows a deep understanding of the life and accomplishments of this great American.It is easy to read and very well done