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Reading Group Choices Interview with Robert Kurson

Robert Kurson writes a real-life thriller in his newest work of nonfiction, Rocket Men.

Robert Kurson recently visited Reading Group Choices and took the time to answer a few questions. His newest book, Rocket Men, tells the riveting inside story of three heroic astronauts who took on the challenge of mankind’s historic first mission to the Moon.

Reading Group Choices: What book changed your life?
Robert Kurson: The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

RGC: What book did you most recently recommend to someone else?
RK: Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday
Patrimony: A True Story by Philip Roth

RGC: What was your favorite book when you were a child?
RK: Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle

One of our recommended books is Rocket Men by Robert KursonRGC: What book/s could you never part with? Think “stranded-on-a-desert-island” books.
RK: The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Socratic Dialogues by Plato
Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky

RGC: Were you ever embarrassed about a book you loved?
RK: Never!

RGC: Do you have a favorite musician or genre of music?
RK: The Beatles and NRBQ

RGC: What do you wish you knew more about?
RK: The origin of the universe

RGC: Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
RK: Martin Rees (British cosmologist and astrophysicist)

RGC: Vinyl, cassette, CD or digital? Typewriter, notebook, tablet or computer?
RK: Digital / notebook / noise-cancelling headphones

RGC: What is your most meaningful place?
RK: Madison, WI – Memorial Union/lake path/Picnic Point

RGC: Can you share a favorite line from a creative work (book/play/film/song)?
RK: “That rug really tied the room together” – The Big Lebowski

RGC: What is something you know about or have heard about Madison or Wisconsin?
RK: The marzipan crullers melt in your mouth if you arrive at the Farmer’s Market before 8 a.m.

Read more about Rocket Men and find other great author interviews on the Reading Group Choices blog!