And the Birth of Private Spaceflight - A Band of Renegades

This is a spellbinding book -- a stunning mix of science and the spirit -- that reads like a modern-day version of "The Right Stuff." Like that classic, "Spaceship" is filled with quirky, fascinating characters who make history right before our eyes. Author Julian Guthrie clearly gains amazing access to all of these trailblazers and shows a mastery of her subject. She has written a masterpiece, full of both technical wizardry and humanity, that will appeal to rocket geeks and general audiences alike!

I started out really enjoying this book, but found Peter Diamandis to be increasingly unlikable. I applaud his following of what he loves but found the underlying 'riches to riches' theme of his life to be a bit too difficult to stomach. After the third reference to Mr. Diamandis' love of Ayn Rand and excerpts from his journal complaining that he couldn't be happy as a doctor because there is too little financial incentive, I stopped reading. Perhaps I will pick it up again some other time, only because I hate to leave things unfinished.

This was a great story of the amazing things humans can achieve and the impact that can be created through a simple dream. Julian Guthrie set the stage for an absolute page-turner -- I often forgot I was reading a non-fiction! I'd recommend this book to space enthusiasts and anyone with a dream of their own.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot. The cast of renegades, with their unique history provided the fuel for great character development. If you enjoyed 'The Right Stuff" this is a must read.

I've known Julian Guthrie for many years; we were reporters together at San Francisco newspapers. She is an incredible journalist - not just in reporting facts accurately, but in the way she spins a ripping yarn. All of her books - and this one especially - are impossible to put down. Brava!

This is a great read for anybody fascinated by the magic of high performance teams. It's truly inspiring how a small, yet highly motivated and capable team can achieve the seemingly impossible. The author did an amazing job in researching and capturing the team's spirit, the setbacks, the successes and the human factors behind this endeavor.

How to Make a Spaceship has a captivating narrative and compelling insight about the space industry. It tells the fascinating story of the Ansari X Prise and provides background on many of today's prominent aerospace companies. This book is perfect for anyone interested in space, entrepreneurship, or just a good story of adventure.

An interesting and valuable bit of American history. Far-reaching stories and interesting characters, all treated in a positive light. Title is a little misleading, as it is not a text on how to make a spaceship, but about the persistence of those who have dreams, initiative, and resources.

An informative and enthusiastic look at the origins of commercial space travel. Guthrie explores in captivating detail the extraordinary story of the Xprize, and the entrepreneurial spirit behind it all, Peter Diamandis. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of private space flight and the power of innovation.

I loved "The Mechanic and the Billionaire" by Julian Guthrie, and this book is just as good; but on a lot deeper subject. The book really takes you into the heart of the new space race. It's just great - you should read it!

I actually returned this book. The first time I have ever done it in the 5 years of being on Audible.

The narrator is terrible. Taking frequent pauses and overly dramatizing the text until it sounds cheesy and maladromatic.

4 hours into the book and so far the only stuff they talked about where the backgrounds of the people involved in the project. Nothing relevant to launching or building the ship, just personal stories of themselves growing up. The writer is relentlessly positive and oversells their minor accomplishments to make them seem grandiose.

Again Julian nails it! She has a knack for telling a compelling story with meticulous research and understanding of her subject to back her up. Like "Angels" and the "Billionaire" I was drawn in by the first paragraph!

This book is perfect for college students trying to figure out their lives, where they fit in, and maybe where they don't quite fit in but could change the world. I wasn't really into space when I picked up this book, but I couldn't put it down. I always love a good underdog story, and this one fits the bill and then exceeds. As a college student setting out into a world that often tells you no and gives you 100 reasons why your idea is crazy, this story is inspiring and leaves you excited to make your dreams a reality!

Over-written and over-dramatized - after page 100 when you read a character has AIDS and his friend and him hug you start realizing you're reading a soap opera instead of anything useful. Save your time and money.

This is another phenomenal book by Julian Guthrie!! The amount of time and effort that Julian devoted to the research for this book is evidenced by the detail and devotion with which it was written. I would highly recommend not just reading this book but meeting the incredible author who wrote it. Nina

This was a great story of the amazing things humans can achieve and the impact that can be created through a simple dream. Julian Guthrie set the stage for an absolute page-turner -- I often forgot I was reading a non-fiction! I'd recommend this book to space enthusiasts and anyone with a dream of their own.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot. The cast of renegades, with their unique history provided the fuel for great character development. If you enjoyed 'The Right Stuff" this is a must read.