Homer Hickam is een eclectische auteur wiens verhalen vaak putten uit zijn eigen avontuurlijke leven, waarbij historische settings worden gecombineerd met verhalen over veerkracht en de menselijke geest. Zijn schrijfstijl kenmerkt zich door een directe maar boeiende aanpak, waardoor lezers zich gemakkelijk kunnen onderdompelen in werelden gevormd door ontdekking en doorzettingsvermogen. Hickam verweeft behendig thema's van ontdekking en vastberadenheid, waardoor verhalen ontstaan die diep resoneren. Zijn diverse oeuvre toont een onderscheidende stem die een breed scala aan lezers aanspreekt.
'Die alligator eruit of ik eruit,' roept Homer Hickam (de vader van de schrijver) op een dag tegen zijn vrouw Elsie. Elsie kreeg Albert de alligator van een oude geliefde toen ze met mijnwerker Homer trouwde. Albert woont sindsdien in de badkamer, totdat Homer zijn ultimatum stelt en Elsie besluit dat ze dan Albert maar naar Florida moeten brengen, waar hij thuishoort. En zo begint een lange reis door Amerika, waarbij ze regelmatig van de rechte weg afraken. Want dat gebeurt nou eenmaal als je een alligator in een badkuip op de achterbank van je zwarte Buick vervoert.
The author continues the story of his life with an account of the summer of 1961, which marked the end of his first year of college and the beginning of his dreams to leave his hometown of Coalwood behind
Set during the tumultuous year of 1943 in the Pacific theater of World War II, the story follows Coast Guard Captain Josh Thurlow amid the brutal invasion of Tarawa. As American forces engage in fierce battles against determined enemy fighters, the narrative explores the chaos and unpredictability of warfare, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of young soldiers facing overwhelming odds. The gripping account captures the intensity of combat and the strategic challenges faced by the U.S. military during this critical period.
Set in a West Virginia hometown, the narrative explores the impact of time and change on its unique way of life. Homer Hickam, known for his bestselling memoirs, weaves a rich and unforgettable tale that delves into the essence of his community, capturing its struggles and resilience amid evolving circumstances. Through vivid storytelling, he brings to life the intricacies of his upbringing and the enduring spirit of the people around him.
The true story, originally published as Rocket Boys, that inspired the Universal Pictures film. It was 1957, the year Sputnik raced across the Appalachian sky, and the small town of Coalwood, West Virginia, was slowly dying. Faced with an uncertain future, Homer Hickam nurtured a dream: to send rockets into outer space. The introspective son of the mine’s superintendent and a mother determined to get him out of Coalwood forever, Homer fell in with a group of misfits who learned not only how to turn scraps of metal into sophisticated rockets but how to sustain their hope in a town that swallowed its men alive. As the boys began to light up the tarry skies with their flaming projectiles and dreams of glory, Coalwood, and the Hickams, would never be the same.
‘Must-read… A funny yet tragic tale of a husband and wife’s car journey across the US with Albert the alligator in tow. Yes, really.’ Marie Claire A journey of a thousand miles. With an alligator on the back seat. And John Steinbeck as a passenger. This is a tale where everything is true,except the bits that are made up. In 1930s America, the Great Depression made everyone’s horizons smaller, and Elsie Lavender found herself back where she began, in the coalfields of West Virginia. She had just one memento of her halcyon days – a baby alligator named Albert. Then one day, her husband’s stoical patience snapped and Elsie had to choose between Homer and Albert. She decided that there was only one thing to do: they would carry Albert home to Florida. And so began their odyssey – a journey like no other, where Elsie, Homer and Albert encountered everything from movie stars and revolutionaries to Ernest Hemingway and hurricanes in their struggle to find love, redemption, and a place to call home. From the bestselling author of Rocket Boys–the basis of the movie October Sky–comes a long-awaited prequel. Big Fish meets The Notebook in this novel about a man, a woman, and their alligator. Trade
From Homer Hickam, the author of the #1 bestselling Rocket Boys adapted into
the beloved film October Sky, comes this astonishing memoir of high adventure,
war, love, NASA, and his struggle for literary success.
"A fascinating thriller, well crafted and relentless ... A cross between Tony Hillerman and Larry McMurtry, this is one hell of a good read."--Douglas Preston, author of Tyrannosaur Canyon and Blasphemy The cowboys who work on the ranchlands of Montana expect more than their fair share of trouble. One of them is Mike Wire, a former homicide detective. Mike is about to learn murder and mayhem can happen under Motnana's big skies, too. Beneath the earth lie enough dinosaur fossils to fill several museum collections---and make a fortune for whoever claims them first. Soon he will have to combine everything he learned as a cop with everything he knows as a cowboy to protect the people and the land he could never live without.
Set in the picturesque Appalachian town of Highcoal, the story explores the lives of coal miners who are committed to traditional methods amidst the challenges of modernity. The narrative weaves romance and beauty into the struggles of the community, highlighting their dedication to preserving their heritage while facing contemporary issues. Through rich characterization and evocative storytelling, the novel captures the essence of a close-knit community grappling with change.
A hijacked shuttle sets off a thrilling countdown, plunging the characters into a high-stakes adventure. As they navigate the dangers of their situation, they must confront unexpected challenges and unravel the mystery behind the hijacking. The story promises intense action, suspense, and a test of survival skills, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters fight for their freedom and uncover deeper truths.
