A mystery story wrapped in a coming-of-age memoir. If you loved Hickem's "Rocket Boys" or the movie (sorta) based on it, "October Sky," read this book. This story arc seems a bit too tidy to be real--same as "Rocket Boys." But in both books, Hickem basically says upfront he's changed the timing of events, eliminated or combined characters, and generally taken artistic license for the sake of a good story. As Hickem explains in an epilogue, he hadn't considered writing about his childhood until, in his 50s, he wrote a short article about his boyhood rocketry for a science magazine--just trying to bang out a quick article on deadline--and it took off (heh heh, rockets, took off, get it?)(this concludes the pun-related content; we now return you to our regularly-scheduled book "review"). He says he did plenty of research, interviewed old friends and acquaintances, and had drafts reviewed by people who could corroborate his recollections and remind him of things he'd left out. But really, what chance does a writer have of accurately reconstructing a decades-old and largely undocumented past? I think Hickem handled this beautifully. If our memories are really a story we tell ourselves, embellishing, polishing, and dramatizing it over years, just tell readers that's what your memoir is. If you do it well, through your eyes readers get to see the essence of a time and place, and the spirit of those who made you who you are. Of course, it helps to be a damn good writer (and/or have a really good editor), which Hickem is (and/or does).
Another great addition to Homer Hickam's life in Coalwood West Virginia. Homer has just finished his first year of college and is ordered, by his mother, to return home to support his father who is on trial for the accidental death of a mine foreman. He doesn't want to return home , but a series of misfortunes force him to stay home and apply for work in the mine. He inadvertently finds satisfaction and pride in his job as he struggles with sore muscles, debt and his father. With help, he eventually pieces together clues to a hidden set of circumstances surrounding the death of the mine worker. Homer includes a brief epilogue which relates his future life events and successes.
What do You think about Sky Of Stone (2002)?
Setting: West Virginia Coaltown in the 60s, a memoir. This could be described, in part, as a coming of age narrative -- a description that turns me away. But it is, in part, bu the angst is not overwhelming. Also, a very gentle book with a thread of a puzzle that is resolved at the end, and with colorful and honorable characters, Several moths ago I happened to read the Anne Pancake novel about mountain removal strip mining in W.VA - not such a gentle book. The two books have given me a sense of the region.One caveat re Sky of Stone: limited local dialect
—Powerock
This is the third book in Homer (Sonny) Hickam's Coalwood trilogy and I would be hard pressed to say which is my favorite of the three. The author is so adept at bringing back a bygone era and depicting the confusion of a young man trying to figure out his place in the world and at the same time having a sense of humor about himself. If I am ever asked if I could invite any three people in the world living or dead to dinner one choice would definately be Elsie Hickam, Sonny's mother. Now there was a lady!
—Cheryl S.
Third and, alas, final volume in Homer Hickam's memoir trilogy. This volume deals with the summer after his first year at college. His mother urges him home to stand by his dad who is accused with negligence in the death of his mining foreman. In a surprise twist, he takes a job as a common miner and joins the union. The title of the book Sky of Stone is the low dark ceiling of the coal mine- so different from the night sky but also similar because of the mica sparkles. The truth cones out about his dad, he matures as the summer progresses and we are treated to an in depth look at a coal mining town in Southern West Virginia. Homer did eventually work in Huntsville, AL after serving in Vietnam. He worked on the Hubble project, among many other space projects. A remarkable man, a remarkable memoir. I will now read more of his books.
—Claudia
