Review
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"In Bringing Columbia Home, Mike Leinbach and Jonathan
Ward have vividly captured the intensity of those very difficult
days. They tell the story with compassion but without pulling any
punches. The book also reminded me of the spirit of the American
people who selflessly worked together to help NASA in its hour of
greatest need. It’s a message we all need to remember these
days.―Scott Kelly
“A gripping account of a al tragedy and the impressive and
deeply emotional human response that ensued.”
―Kirkus Reviews, *starred review*
“Gripping and dramatic . . . It’s an important and fascinating
chapter in space history, and it finally gets the full
it deserves. As told by someone who was involved in the effort
from the beginning, it’s also a deeply personal and moving
story.”
―Booklist
“Fast-paced and affecting . . . It is a moving and sometimes
uncomfortably close account. . . . The unadorned, multisensory
narration richly depicts the emotions and everyday acts of
heroism of all involved.”
―Publishers Weekly
“A grimly captivating new history of the loss of the space
shuttle Columbia. . . . Leinbach and Ward set their account apart
from other 'Columbia' books by following the story from its
central tragedy to its almost unthinkably sad immediate
aftermath. . . . Despite the dramatic tragedy at the beginning of
the book, it's the quiet stories of perseverance and camaraderie
[in the recovery effort] that will linger longest with the
reader.”―Christian Science Monitor
“How glowing is our praise of this book? It simply cannot be
higher. This book needs to be required reading in high schools
and colleges across the United States.”
―Spaceflight Insider
“Bringing Columbia Home explains a disaster in the Texas
skies―and how thousands on the ground helped. . . . [It] shines
brightest in telling the story of the search-and-recovery
effort.”―Dallas News
"Riveting."―Air & Space magazine (Smithsonian)
"Bringing Columbia Home is a compelling, personal story about
the Columbia accident and the efforts to recover―both the debris
from the shuttle, and from the accident itself. It’s a reminder
that, as we look at the big-picture policy perspective of human
spaceflight, it’s also a very personal matter for those who put
their lives on the line to fly, and those who support
them."―Space Review
“The book Bringing Columbia Home presents vivid details of the
preparation and the aftermath of that eful day when Columbia
exploded. I am so grateful that the heartwarming story of the
people of East Texas rallying to help the grim search has been
brought forth by Michael Leinbach and Jonathan Ward. It is a
remarkable account of what a team of professionals with an
untrained but willing army of volunteers could achieve.”
―The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator for Texas, 1993-2013
“Mike and Jonathan have done a brilliant job capturing the depth
of emotion and human engagement of what has been covered by
others only as a technical investigative . In doing so,
they have made the story very personal for the thousands of
people who invested themselves in this critical chapter of space
exploration history. This is a valuable contribution about a
defining moment that demonstrates NASA's resolve and the selfless
generosity of the American spirit.”
―Sean O'Keefe, former administrator of NASA
“Mike and Jonathan have written an important book about the
greatness of the United States and the American people in
responding to a national tragedy. This book brought back many
memories―and some tears―as I recalled the selfless cooperation of
countless agencies and the outpouring of support and prayers from
the nation’s citizens, all ed at getting NASA and the Space
Shuttle flying again.”
―Jerry L. Ross, former astronaut, retired USAF Colonel, and
author of Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's
Record-Setting Frequent Flyer
“Spaceflight is an inherently risky business. I had more than my
share of close calls in my career. But the Apollo 1 fire and the
Challenger and Columbia accidents were grim reminders that we
sometimes have to pay a very dear price in the cause for human
advancement. In Bringing Columbia Home, Mike Leinbach and
Jonathan Ward tell the remarkable story of what NASA and the
American people did supremely well after a crisis: supported each
other through difficult times, tirelessly looked for solutions,
and then moved forward to accomplish bold goals. This engaging
and inspiring book reminds us of what Americans look like at
their best―cooperative, compassionate, and committed.”
―James Lovell, former astronaut and coauthor of Apollo 13
“I was privileged to call Columbia my home in space for eighteen
days. Thanks to this moving and heartfelt story, now I know how
many thousands gave their all to bring this storied ship and her
crew to an honored rest.”
―Tom Jones, former astronaut and author of Ask the Astronaut and
Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir
“Bringing Columbia Home is about tragedy and how tragedy is
overcome. Leinbach and Ward have written an intensely compelling
book with life lessons for everyone in the space community and
ordinary life. It is an intensely human and technological drama.”
―Hugh Harris, former director of public affairs, NASA Kennedy
Space Center
“Bringing Columbia Home is a wonderful contribution to
spaceflight history, a previously untold story of heroism related
responsibly, compassionately, and accurately. The depiction of
the entire NASA family's participation in the recovery and
investigation is touching and respectful. People are going to
love this book.”
―Susan Roy, author of Bomboozled: How the US Government Misled
Itself and Its People into Believing They Could Survive a Nuclear
Attack
About the Author
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Michael D. Leinbach was the last launch director in
the space shuttle program at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center,
responsible for overall shuttle launch countdown activities until
the end of the program in 2011. In November 2004, Leinbach was
awarded the prestigious 2004 Presidential Rank Award. He lives in
Scottsmoor, Florida.
Jonathan H. Ward works to bring the thrill of the space program
to life for the general public as a Solar System Ambassador for
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as a frequent speaker on space
exploration topics to interest groups and at regional
conferences. He is the author of two previous books on space
exploration. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Captain Robert L. Crippen, USN, Retired (foreword) was Columbia’s
first pilot. He received a bachelor of science degree in
aerospace engineering from the University of Texas in 1960. He
has received numerous special honors, including the NASA
Outstanding Leadership Medal, three Distinguished Service Medals,
the US Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, the FAA’s Award for Distinguished Service, the
Goddard Memorial Trophy, the Harmon Trophy, four NASA Space
Flight Medals, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the
Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award, the American
Aeronautical Society Flight Achievement Award, the National
Geographic Society’s Gardiner Greene Hubbard Medal, the Aviation
Hall of Fame 1981 Al J. Engel Award, American Legion’s
Distinguished Service Medal, the Society of Experimental Test
Pilots Ivan C. Kincheloe Award, and the NASA Exceptional Service
Medal. He lives in Orlando, Florida.
Colonel Eileen Collins, USAF, Retired (epilogue) became NASA’s
first female shuttle commander on a 1999 mission in the Columbia.
She holds a master’s degree in mathematics and economics from
Syracuse University, a master’s degree in operations research
from Stanford University, and a master’s degree in space systems
management from Webster University. She is from Elmira, New York.
