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Carrying the Fire

An Astronaut's Journeys

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Carrying the Fire

By: Michael Collins
Narrated by: David Colacci
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About this listen

In July 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 spacecraft to the moon. Fifty years later, it is still one of the greatest achievements in human history.

In this remarkable memoir, Michael Collins conveys, in a very personal way, the drama, beauty and humour of that adventure. He also traces his development from his first flight experiences in the air force, through his days as a test pilot, to his involvement in Project Gemini and his first spaceflight on Gemini 10. He presents an evocative picture of the famous Apollo 11 spacewalk, detailing the joys of flight and a new perspective on time, light, and movement from someone who has seen the fragile Earth from the other side of the moon.

Updated with a new preface to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon-landing, Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins is the utterly absorbing and truly compelling classic account of what it was like to be a member of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

©Michael Collins 2019 (P)2019 Macmillan Digital Audio 20th Century Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Aeronautics & Astronautics Astronomy & Space Science Modern Professionals & Academics Science Science & Technology Space Station Air Force Inspiring Thought-Provoking Transportation Aviation Suspenseful US Air Force Interstellar

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Critic reviews

"No other person who has flown in space has captured the experience so vividly." (New York Times Book Review)
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There are very few occasions when I can truthfully say that I felt sad that I had come to the end of a book. Of course, at the end of most books, I can say, Yes, I enjoyed that or No, that was awful, but rarely that I am sad that it was finished.
Mike Collins writes in an easy and amusing style; a style that isn’t too American for the British ear and the tale he tells remains incredible, even 60 years on. My childhood was in the late 60s/early 70s and I can remember then being aware of Apollo and watching the Moon landings on TV. In my adult life I have been fascinated by Apollo and have read lots of books on the subject. However, for some reason, Mike Collins’ account seemed more relatable than most. By his own account, his place on the Apollo 11 crew was as much down to good fortune as it was to skill, experience or training. He was in the right place at the right time. He always seems to be quite humble about his abilities, which are undoubtedly significant. As such, he comes across as more of an ‘Everyman’ than many of the other Apollo astronauts, and as a lover of adventure myself, whether reading about it, or doing stuff out in the mountains, that means I could easily superimpose myself into that seat in the Apollo spacecraft.
The thing is, we now live in a time when space exploration is no longer considered to be special; it’s just not an adventure anymore. The astronauts of the 60s and 70s were special, even if many later proved just how fallible and human they really were. They were pioneers embarking on the ultimate adventure, achieved in a pre-digital time. Mike Collins’ account of that adventure is thrilling and that is what I found so enjoyable. Apollo 11 achieved Kennedy’s vision of landing a man on the Moon and bringing him safely back again. Of course, the Apollo program continued afterwards and thence onto other space missions. However, the end of Mike Collins’ story still felt like a full-stop which for many in the USA it was. Land on the Moon - Done that - Move on.
But I didn’t want it to stop! Like any good adventure, I wanted it to go on and that finality left me feeling sad. Sad that it was over, but happy that it had happened.
If you are an intrepid explorer or merely an armchair adventurer I am certain you will enjoy this book.

One of the most enjoyable books I have read (listened to!) for some time

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Brilliant read / listen form start to finish.

At times incredibly personal, always honest, this is easily the best account of the Apollo (and naturally 11 in particular) that I have ever read.

At times the 1970s gender role comments sound out of place in 2019 but it was written in a different time.

A must-read account of ridiculous bravery and invention. Collins strikes me as a genuinely nice bloke!!

Utterly Superb!

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This had me hooked from the beginning. I found this ticked all the boxes. It has so much content . For me this one S the only book you will ever need to read , humble to the last and always with integrity. Outstanding.

Outstanding

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Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, brilliantly giving an insight to an astronaut’s life from Gemini to the Moon landing and life after. Michael Collins eloquently describes the highs and lows of the punishing training and pressure put on him and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to succeed in their mission to the moon to be a success. I will listen to this again, there is so much to absorb, despite the readers rather monotone voice!

Totally absorbing

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So detailed, yet interesting and thought provoking. A real inside view of this incredible acomplishment. Thank you Mr Collins

Excellent

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Fabulous story, told for the average person, but particularly tasty for those interested in aeronautics & space travel.
Very well told by the narrator, who initially appears very melancholy, but as the story progressed the voice becomes one with the author.
The story covers all the questions you would ask a moon astronaut if you had the lucky chance of a conversation.
It is told in a highly intelligent yet humble way.
Michael Collins passed away recently, and when I heard the news, I bought the book which made it particularly poignant for me.
I was 10 when Apollo 11 flew to the moon.

Don't miss it

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I do not have the vocabulary to properly do this book justice other than it is written beautifully, honestly and it’s left such a lasting impression. Probably one of the best accounts of anything I’ve ever read (listened to). So much so I’m going to buy the hard cover to own so I can give it to people to read.

Simply incredible.

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Michael Collins was the most unassuming of the three astronauts that took that first journey that landed on the moon. And he remained in orbit while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the surface. Yet Collins' is the most eloquent description, the most enjoyable, being poetic at times in its narration. His descriptions of the earth, the moon, the NASA programme, and the journey, are profound. Thank you, Mike Collins, for such a great story.

Eloquent narration of first journey to the moon

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Michael Collins tells his story initially, then the lead up to the moon landing and finally Apollo 11 itself and a short epilogue about the aftermath. Very easy and fascinating to listen to. No complex aero/astronautical stuff but you get a real appreciation for the astronauts and the back up teams. I really enjoyed going back to my memories of watching the hazy images on our old black & white telly!

1969 Moon landing very well told

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Beautiful real account of the life of the coolest spaceman!! I will be going right back to the start and listening again. A life well lived Mike 👍🏼

Flawless

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