Everyone's Gone to the Moon

This book offers a week-by-week exploration of July 1969, detailing the Apollo 11 mission alongside significant global events, revealing how both space exploration and earthly struggles shaped our history.

Everyone's Gone to the Moon offers a detailed exploration of July 1969, a significant month in both space exploration and global events. It captures the excitement surrounding Apollo 11, the mission that marked humanity's first steps on the lunar surface, while also acknowledging the world’s simultaneous struggles. The book illustrates how, during the historic moon landing, people across the globe were captivated by Neil Armstrong's first steps, yet life continued with pressing issues such as wars and protests.

The narrative intertwines the preparations for Apollo 11 with notable occurrences on Earth, highlighting how these events shaped society. Readers learn about a range of incidents, from a terrorist threat against Prince Charles to the devastating Ohio Fireworks Derecho, and the assassination of Kenyan Economic Minister Tom Myoba. These stories reveal the complexities of the era, emphasizing that while humanity reached for the stars, significant challenges persisted at home.

Additionally, Everyone's Gone to the Moon delves into lesser-known aspects of the Apollo 11 mission, shedding light on NASA's behind-the-scenes struggles. The book discusses the technical difficulties faced by the lunar module and the experiences of the Apollo 10 crew, who encountered discomfort from their spacesuits. By weaving together the triumphs of space exploration with the realities of life on Earth, this insightful account provides a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in history, reminding us that progress often occurs amidst turmoil.