Notes from the Sept 2014 group

THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB : A TRUE STORY  by Lily Koppel - Discussed on Wed. Sept.3. 2014 at Geneseo Public Library

                                                                                                    

 

As America's Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. They had tea with Jackie Kennedy, appeared on the cover of Life magazine, and quickly grew into fashion icons.

Annie Glenn, with her picture-perfect marriage, was the envy of the other wives; platinum-blonde Rene Carpenter was proclaimed JFK's favorite; and licensed pilot Trudy Cooper arrived on base with a secret. Together with the other wives they formed the Astronaut Wives Club, meeting regularly to provide support and friendship. Many became next-door neighbors and helped to raise each other's children by day, while going to glam parties at night as the country raced to land a man on the Moon.

As their celebrity rose-and as divorce and tragic death began to touch their lives-they continued to rally together, and the wives have now been friends for more than fifty years. THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB tells the real story of the women who stood beside some of the biggest heroes in American history.

NASA insisted that its program’s public image was so important – both the astronauts as well as their wives.  America looked to the wives as trendsetters in fashion, hairstyles, makeup, and family life.  This story makes you realize how much the wives were doing alone while their husbands were away training for space.   It was difficult for the couples/families to stay together.  Luckily the wives banded together to support each other through all events good and bad.  This was an enlightening book, which our group liked.  It generated great discussion about the fifties, space program, and family life.