[.ca] High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space ... (ISBN 1589266110)

Recounts the Columbia Tragedy Historically and Personally:
This book provides both an account of the Columbia breakup in February 2003 as well as Rick Husband's wife and childrens' reaction to the tragic loss of their husband and father. The book begins with the family expectantly waiting for Columbia to land, then sensing that something is wrong based on the behavior of the people near the landing site. We then learn of Rick's life, and how the family's faith in Jesus Christ had been so important in their lives. We also learn how Evelyn Husband had to tell her children that their father had tragically died.

Very Poignant:
This book makes you laugh; it makes you cry; and it makes you reflect. I could not put this book down! Evelyn Husband's faith and her love for her husband, Rick, was an inspiration to me. It's her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that got her through such a heartbreaking, devastating tragedy. She described in such depth the details of there life and his death: She takes you inside her head and heart, however, she did leave out what it was that caused Rick so much grief early in their marriage, but that's okay. Overall I thought it was a very good book and would recommend it to everyone.

Overemphasizes the religious aspects of this hero:
Although I enjoyed this book, it became tedious because of the overwhelming emphasis on Rick's religious beliefs. The book is co-authored by the astronaut's wife, who is evidently very comforted by her religion. Nearly every statement attributed to Rick, whether it mentioned his wife, his children, his family members, or his close friends -- incorporated his religious beliefs. I was more impressed with Rick's determination, skill, leadership qualities, and his desire to do the best he could in whatever he undertook -- which happened to include becoming a test pilot and astronaut, as well as a husband and family man. Don't get me wrong. Our American astronauts are my heroes. Rick Husband was heroic even before his tragic death. A more balanced picture of Rick would have been preferable. The saddest part of the story is that it took the loss of Columbia before most of the world learned how incredibly special the crew was.

Incredibly open and informative, too.:
Evelyn did a great job explaining the home and family side of Rick Husband. Yes, she was proud of his accomplishments but also listed some of his faults which was refreshing. NASA is not easy on its men and women and Evelyn made that very clear while not blaming them for Rick's death, either. Rick's determination and his resolve were certainly tested but his faith and drive never faltered. All in all the book gives a well rounded view of life as an astronaut as told through the eyes of the one closest to him, his wife. I congratulate Evelyn for her brave tribute to Rick and his 6 very close friends who met death the same day and in the same manner. Thanks, Evelyn.

Excellent, but not without flaws:
At times it felt like Evelyn was going to say something, but then she holds back. The portrait that she paints of Rick is someone without sin, a Godly man, who always aspired to be an astronaut. I felt she could have been more open and honest, and a bit less preachy at times. Otherwise this book was touching. The real tragedy is that before the Columbia Disaster we as Americans did not consider the Astronauts who routinely risked their lives in manned space flight heroes. Space Shuttle launches were considered routine. The Columbia Disaster was a horrible wake up call. Reading what Rick had to do to get into the Space Program, all the training, all the sacrafices he made, was facinating. Rick Husband was a hero before he ever got into the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and this book shows why.