An excellent memoir. A lively and enjoyable supplement to his first book, October Sky.
A good story to have told and well written. Clearly, Homer Hickam might have had a successful career as an author rather than an engineer. With the two books that I have read to date he is well on his way.
Sam Taylor has written a more comprehensive and enlightening review which should encourage you to read this book. ( )

A Review of The Coalwood Way

Have you ever read a memoir? Do you even know what a memoir is? A memoir is a story of a true event told by the writer as he/she remembers it. The Coalwood Way is a memoir by Homer Hickam. It is a story of how a high school student tries to find his place in the world. This is an inspiring story that everyone should peruse.
The story takes place in a little town called Coalwood. The residents resist change and can be cruel to outsiders. Coalwood is one of many small West Virginian towns in the late 1960’s.
Homer Hickam is a hardworking senior in high school. This semester, he is trying to make all A’s which is hard work. On top of that, he and his rocket boys are bringing the town together by building and launching their own rockets.
Many good books involve romance, and this particular book is no exception. Our main character has a crush on Ginger Dantzler. Ginger is a nice sophomore that is musically gifted and also likes Homer. Several people think that they would make “a cute couple” but the pair is never able to set up a date.
Homer’s dad is the head of the Olga Coal Company. Because of his job, he doesn’t have much time for his family. He loves them but has trouble showing it. Elsie Hickam is Homer’s mother. She does not like living in Coalwood and has few friends because of her husband’s career. Throughout the story, Homer learns how to solve problems fairly and maturely.
This book is centered around a beautiful message. It teaches you that what other people think of you isn’t important. Pursue your dreams and do what is right. Care about others and treat people with fairness. Never lose hope.
In my opinion, this is the best book that the author has ever been written. It gives it’s readers an outstanding message and takes them into the life of a high school boy including all the dramas that com with it. With hope, love romance, and loss, this book can’t get any better. The Coalwood Way is a great read for all ages.

Sam Taylor
10-16-08