Homer Hickam is a true West Virginia hero. Raised in Coalwood, a mining town in southern West Virginia, he went on to fight in the Vietnam War, work for NASA, and become a best-selling author. His book, Rocket Boys, was made into the popular movie October Sky. In this episode, he shares with Garrett stories from his life that reveal how his upbringing in West Virginia contributed to his success.
Homer tells about the inspiration behind his books, expresses his love for the Appalachian mountains, and gives his thoughts about education, the importance of community, and so much more. He even gives a sneak peek into some upcoming projects that he is working on.
Garrett’s conversation with Homer evokes a sense of both comforting familiarity and otherworldliness. This episode of Forgotten America will leave you in awe of how much things have changed since the 40s but also grateful for the resilience of the Mountaineer Spirit.
Follow Homer’s work by visiting his website: https://homerhickam.com/
Get a copy of his newest book, Don’t Blow Yourself Up, here: https://homerhickam.com/project/dont-blow-yourself-up/
October Sky (movie adaptation of his memoir, Rocket Boys): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/
Coalwood, WV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalwood,_West_Virginia
Buddy Ebsen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Ebsen
Jake Gyllenhaal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Gyllenhaal
Carrying Albert Home: https://homerhickam.com/project/carrying-albert-home/