REVIEWS Are In!!!

First you can LISTEN to the interview and discussion on March 11, 2015 about Moon Child: Growing Up NASA with myself and Cyrus Webb on #ConversationsLIVE blogtalk radio... at the link below

I share what it was like to write the book and relive the childhood memories of the 50's and 60's, about childhood rebellion and the great tenacity for life my parents passed on to us, and about how exciting it was to watch the first moon landing with my father... and more.



Cyrus Webb, it was such a pleasure and joy to spend some time talking with you. Thank you for making me feel so comfortable.  



LISTEN HERE!

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Book Reviews!!

~~~ Cyrus Webb - Conversations Book Club
Author Betty Byrnes' MOON CHILD reminds us that we are all growing, learning and exploring in this thing called life


Sometimes when you are just living your life you don't realize the "bigger picture" that you are a part of. All you can do if you are fortunate is appreciate the moment and then reflect on it later to see the blessings and the lessons you have had along the way.



I was reminded of this when I read MOON CHILD by author Betty Byrnes. The book is not only about Betty's father and his life while working with NASA. It's about coming of age and coming into yourself, becoming the person you were meant to be. Yes, we see Betty's life as she moved around and enjoyed the experiences of having a father who was respected and admired. But we also get to see her enjoying new jeans and a new craze started with the fast food chain McDonalds---and her exerting her independence and a bit of rebellion as kids do.



In the end, though, the book is about the power of dreams and how when you work hard and bring yourself fully to life you can achieve great things. I also feel as though readers will appreciate the sense of family that comes through, and what it means to enjoy the simple times and little things, because once they are gone all you have are the memories.



MOON CHILD reminds us that we are all here growing, learning and exploring----and hopefully at the end of the day we will leave behind a life with meaning.



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~~~  Brenda McDonald - Texas
I love Betty Byrnes' autobiography about her wonderful and adventurous life ...

I love Betty Byrnes' autobiography about her wonderful and adventurous life traveling with her family while her father served as the first manager of the NASA Space Research Center in Houston! It brought about sweet memories of being in elementary school and being filed into the cafeteria one by one to watch NASA's rockets take off into space! How exciting it is for me that in the future I would personally know the daughter of the man who is partly responsible for sending man to the moon! Betty's memories of her childhood are so endearing and I revel in the fact that she can remember so many intimate little details about her life, even down to a rug that she used to lie on in the living room floor to watch the rockets being launched and watching newscasts regarding the event, and how proud she was of her father! This book is just precious! I laughed, I cried, I love books that can move me either way! 'Thank you, Betty, for taking us through this journey with you!' She talks about possibly writing another book in the future and I will be waiting anxiously to read that one as well! Godspeed Betty!

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~~~ Marcela Torres - Argentina:

My dear Betty... it was absolutely amazing.
 Your book took me to places I have never been before.
 I shed tears... I smiled... sometimes I was in total awe.
 Thank you for this wonderful gem.
 You are an amazing writer... storyteller.
 Thanks for sharing with us this story. Your story.
 Your childhood. Loved it.
 Waiting for your next book.

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~~~ Susan Brookes - United Kingdom

a Wonderful and True account of a middle class family in ...

Endearing, Charming and Magical......... I have just finished reading this wonderful and true account of a middle class family in Post War America which takes the reader back to a gentler era and re-ignites many memories of times past that hold a gentle and special charm. A wonderful, tender and nostalgic journey shared and told through the memories of a little girl. I have been privileged to have had that " little girl " as my friend for the last five years, we met, as did so many others, through our mutual love and respect for Michael, following his passing. Betty shares her life's journey with us........ and what a journey it has been. There were parts where I laughed and others where I cried........ a beautiful recollection of exploits, adventures and events written with Compassion and Love by " the little girl " whose love for her Daddy shines through every page..........
a thoroughly, recommended read. Loved It!

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~~~ Junko - Los Angeles, California

Dear Betty...
... You have a gift for words and I'm so thrilled you have expressed them through this amazing accomplishment. Keep writing Betty! I'd love to read the next one!



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~~~ BJ "Beajay" - New York
There's nothing like curling up to a book that warms your heart

I am really enjoying this book! The author brings me back to moments in time that pull me into my own nostalgic memories! There's nothing like curling up to a book that warms your heart, enlightens your mind, and fulfills an ache for remembrance. I want to thank Betty Byrnes for doing just that!

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~~~ Rachel Gillard-Tew - New Zealand
A great read that pulls you into the life of Betty ...

A great read that pulls you into the life of Betty and the experiences of her childhood. She describes the neighbourhood so wonderfully that you are gently transported and immersed into her world and the various challenges and memories that she and her family experience. The story flows wonderfully from chapter to chapter and engaged me from the beginning, allowing me to walk the shoes of an extraordinary girl.

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~~~ RCA - California
An American Story-a Must Read

Moon Child is a touching, tender, and interesting perspective of history through the eyes of a child -- I loved the descriptions of the simplest of things as autos, neighborhoods, and the passion for family, history and a unique view of the space program that touched all Americans -- share this book with your friends and family -- a must read.

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~~~  Kathleen Guzman - New Jersey
Delightful

I highly recommend this nostalgic book to all baby boomers out there. The book was written by a friend who takes us on her journey as a child growing up in a much simpler time... in the 50's and 60's. The story depicts a young child and her experiences as she travels across country with her family and her father who was a true pioneer of the NASA Space Program during its initial launching. The author take us through chronological events and her delightful experiences from one state to another as she finally settles in the state she now calls home... as well as some of the interesting people and events along the way. The author's use of humor adds to this lighthearted story about her life... one does not have to be a baby boomer to enjoy this delightful book....

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~~~ Angela - Texas

Betty does an excellent job capturing middle class America in the 50s and ...

Betty does an excellent job capturing middle class America in the 50s and 60s. She takes me back to a time when the country was excited about the space program and we were still innocent in our thinkings and doings.

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~~~ Bonnie - Boston
Highly recommend book!

This book is written by Betty Byrnes who is a phenomenal woman. I highly recommend this book. Great job Betty!

- Bonnie / MJ-Upbeat.com

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~~~ Karen Stenback - California
A good read....

I loved reading this book. Betty writes about her growing up years from a perspective that is unique - she is the child of a father who, while not an astronaut, was among the chosen few who were 'at the controls' during the early years of NASA. Through a daughter's eyes, we get a glimpse of what it was like to be part of the NASA family during this special time in American history - they were special people with great responsibility. Betty writes about what this experience was like for her, growing up as an insider family member. Her story is personal and political. Colloquial in style, she writes from her heart, which gives this book a special charm. Her writing is sincere and unaffected. It is a good read.

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~~~ John Curran - New York
 Well Done!

A story that reminds us why Tom Brokaw called the generation of Betty's parents the "Greatest Generation". The generation that honored Country, Church and Family above all else and didn't think twice about it. Betty tells of growing up in the 1950s & 60s, like I did, and sent me down memory lane, reminding me of things I hadn't thought about in many years. This was also an exciting time in space exploration and we all gathered around the TV to watch every new launch, we couldn't get enough of NASA. Martin A Byrnes Jr. notes gives us some insight into the behind the scenes goings on at NASA. Thank you, Betty!

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~~~ K. Adams - Nebraska

If You Only Read One Non Fiction This Year...

 This was a great read! I had the pleasure of meeting Marty & Katie years ago and they were just a wonderful, loving couple. They would have been so thrilled by this beautiful tribute from their daughter. This is truly worth your time.

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~~~ Petticoatwriter - New York
Loved this book
Brought back a lot of memories when I was growing up. Very well written. So much info shared regarding her dad's involvement in space program. A must read not only for space fans but for all. Good for you Betty, wonderful book.

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All Amazon Reviews

The Birth of Moon Child: Growing Up NASA

 

First a kernel of a thought, a memory of a precious childhood experience. Just a niggling that kept recurring giving way to memories of a lifetime and the birth of this biography.

... “Sandwiched between horses and marching bands we were slowly driven down the city streets of Houston with cheering crowds rubber necking, gaping back at us. I gazed up at high rise buildings dwarfing us while seated in the convertible back seat with my family.  My blonde hair peeking out from under my turquoise cowboy hat following dad’s direction to wave and smile big at the crowd just like a little junior Miss America.  The wave and smile came naturally for dad, his big jovial smile lighting up the crowd as he humbly waved back, saying hello, many people wanting to shake his hand.  He was humble, took it all in stride, shaking his head in disbelief with his typical rolling laugh.  He knew they were not really there for him but for NASA and the astronauts.  They were the real stars, he was their representative.  He had been to Houston many times paving the way, meeting the mayor and city officials working out the details to move NASA to Houston, helping to create NASA’s main headquarters as the country embarked on the “Final Frontier”.  

 

The parade route ended, we disembarked the open convertible car and entered the giant stadium for the rodeo, my first ever western, cowboy rodeo.  The unequivocal and distinct excitement in the air was enthralling and hypnotizing. Our little family moved forward, walking together, hand in hand with dad at the lead along with the crushing flow of the crowd.” ...


‘Moon Child’ is the true story of a NASA family, specifically a little girl’s adoring love of her Daddy and family during the most adventurous time in modern history.  My father, Martin A. Byrnes Jr., the first Manager of the NASA Space Research Center in Houston, Texas during the 1960’s.  Working as an integral part of the Space Task Group reporting to President Kennedy he penned the report which led to Houston as the final home of the ‘NASA Space Research Center’.  As a primary NASA liaison dad wore many hats in Houston and Cape Canaveral.  He was also held and integral position onboard carriers at sea for every Project Mercury launch and flight.

Gus Grissom being lifted from the Atlantic.
Experience the nail biting moments before the release
of his capsule to watery, ocean depths.

There were many smiles and tears while writing this biographical documentation of Byrnes family legacy. Come and share in the Irish Catholic, NASA, Byrnes family journey from the early years of NACA to NASA and the Final Frontier. You will experience 'Baby Boomer' nostalgia, tracked by the songs and music of the decades along the way. Take the journey with the Byrnes family through those post WWII boomer years right up to Space Shuttle years.

Please join me as I share my life... Growing Up NASA. 


*** Read a sneak peek and order your copy here on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1mep2KD

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~~ Susan Brookes, United Kingdom
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" This Beautiful and True account of a middle class family starts in Post War America takes the reader down Memory Lane to times that will always hold a Gentle and Special Charm and to events that will forever and rightfully be part of History. Endearing, Funny and Informative – this little Gem of a Book is a Must Read! "