This timely entry in the American Disasters series is a useful introduction to a mystery that has not and may not ever be solved. The author has taken all available data regarding the ill-fated Boeing 747 that crashed into the sea off Long Island in July, 1996, and fleshes it out with the words of those who saw the plane's flameout, and those who were involved in the rescue. It doesn't make for a pretty tale, but one that is not sentimentalized or made overly dramatic. However, when the text focuses on the agony suffered by the relatives and friends of those who were lost in the crash, it is almost unbearable to read. The lengthy and tedious process of bringing body parts and pieces of the plane from the sea is examined in some detail, and theories as to how and why the plane blew apart in midair are discussed. For those who want more on the topic, Cole (Apollo 13, 1995, etc.) includes useful, annotated chapter notes, as well as periodical and Internet sources. Grim but informative. (full-color photos, not seen, glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15) Read full book review >

This entry in the Countdown to Space series is a compact account of the Apollo 13 mission. Cole (Bill Clinton, 1994, not reviewed, etc.) follows the rocket to the moon and back again, intertwining easy-to-grasp explanations of the technical problems faced by the astronauts, and of the logistics behind their solutions, with some of the actual exchanges between the crew and Mission Control. Informative descriptions of rocket technology lace the suspense-laden story, supplemented by black-and-white and full- color photographs of the astronauts, the rocket, etc. Slim, competent, streamlined, this book is not in-depth but is guaranteed popularity with readers fresh from the recent movie of the same name. (diagrams, notes, glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9-15) Read full book review >