The Coalwood Way

This is #2 of Homer Hickam's Coalwood trilogy. I purchased this one during a trip to West Virginia, then discovered it was part of a trilogy, so purchased the other two before reading any of them. I described #1 (October Sky) as a fun book to read as Sonny and a group of friends learn to build rockets, capturing the hearts of the people in their coal mining community. This one, however, digs deeper into the struggles of a teenager growing up, understanding his parents and his community, and learning life lessons.

If you had asked me after I finished Rocket Boys, the first part of Hickam's biography, I would have told you it was deeply personal and very real. After finishing this second installment I can honestly say that there was much more to come. Rocket Boys covered the years from Sputnik to high school graduation in 1960. Coalwood Way covers only the fall of 1959 but it covers that period in an in-depth way that shows just how powerful a writer Hickam is - and how traumatic such a short period of time can be to a teenager. The first book spend most of its time covering the building of the rockets and the development of the relationships between the boys and the adults who helped or hindered that project. The 2nd book is much more insular, show more dealing with Sonny's relationship with his parents and brother, with all its ups and downs. As always, the coal mine in Coalwood, WV plays a major role as the town revolves around its workings.

This is a great series of books and I can't wait to read the next episode. show less

I've read this book at least twice, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. If you know the story portrayed in the movie October Sky, then you would enjoy this book. This was meant as a Christmas story, but it's mostly about growing up in a small coal mining town. The rocket building and the Rocket Boys are part of it, but this book goes deeper, looking at all aspects of life in Coalwood.

Another visit to the author's hometown of Coalwood. The previous book focused on home-built rockets. This one is about adolescent angst, family relationships, and life in a small mining town. Enjoyed it very much.

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 show more 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 show less

If you read "Rocket Boys", you will love following the continuing story of Sonny. If you haven't read it, you can still easily get wrapped up this story and transported to Coalwood, WV. I loved this book!