Book Review:
"Unraveling the Intense and Forbidden World of Sex on the Moon: A Thrilling True Story by Ben Mezrich"
Sex on the Moon is a thrilling and captivating true story about a NASA intern who attempted to steal moon rocks for his girlfriend, resulting in an intense legal battle. Mezrich's writing style keeps readers engaged until the very end.
What Is the Book About?
Sex on the Moon tells the true story of Thad Roberts, a young NASA intern who became obsessed with stealing moon rocks. Roberts and his girlfriend, Rebecca, hatched a plan to break into a secure lab at NASA's Johnson Space Center in order to steal millions of dollars worth of moon rocks. Despite their careful planning and execution, they were eventually caught and faced serious consequences for their actions.
The core message of this book is about the dangers of obsession and how it can lead people down destructive paths. It also highlights the lengths that some individuals will go to in pursuit of their desires, even if it means breaking laws or betraying trust. Ultimately, Sex on the Moon serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving into temptation and making impulsive decisions without considering the potential repercussions.
What Makes This Book Different?
The first aspect that sets Sex on the Moon apart from other books in its category is its unique premise. The book follows the true story of Thad Roberts, a NASA intern who attempted to steal moon rocks worth millions of dollars and sell them on the black market. This thrilling heist plot combined with the backdrop of space exploration makes for a captivating and original read.
Another factor that distinguishes Sex on the Moon from similar books is Mezrich's writing style. Known for his fast-paced and suspenseful storytelling, Mezrich expertly weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines to create a gripping narrative. His use of vivid descriptions and dialogue also brings the characters to life, making readers feel fully immersed in their high-stakes world.
Lastly, Sex on the Moon stands out due to its blend of science, technology, and romance. While most books in this genre focus solely on one aspect (such as crime or love), this book seamlessly combines all three elements into one compelling story. Readers will not only be drawn in by the daring theft at NASA but also invested in Thad's relationship with his girlfriend as they navigate through their ambitious plans together. This unique combination makes Sex on the Moon an unforgettable read that stands out among others in its category.
Writing Style & Pacing
Sex on the Moon is written in a fast-paced, engaging style that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The author, Ben Mezrich, uses a combination of narrative storytelling and factual reporting to tell the true story of Thad Roberts, a NASA intern who stole moon rocks for his girlfriend.
The tone of the book is both thrilling and scandalous as it delves into the world of NASA and its strict rules regarding handling moon rocks. Mezrich's writing captures the excitement and danger of Roberts' actions while also questioning the morality behind them. The structure of the book follows a linear timeline, starting with Roberts' internship at NASA and ending with his trial and imprisonment. Within this structure, there are also flashbacks to provide context and background information.
Overall, Sex on the Moon is a fast read due to its captivating writing style and intriguing subject matter. Mezrich expertly weaves together elements of romance, crime, science, and technology to create an immersive reading experience. Readers will find themselves unable to put down this page-turner as they follow along with Roberts' wild journey towards stealing moon rocks for love.
About the Author
Ben Mezrich is a renowned American author and journalist, known for his captivating storytelling and compelling narratives. Born in 1969, Mezrich grew up in Princeton, New Jersey and attended Harvard University where he earned a degree in Social Studies. He began his writing career as a freelance journalist, covering topics ranging from technology to finance. In 2003, he gained widespread recognition with the release of his book "Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions," which was later adapted into the blockbuster film "21." With over fifteen published books to his name, including several New York Times bestsellers, Mezrich has established himself as an authoritative voice in non-fiction literature.
Mezrich's credibility to write this book can be attributed to his extensive research and experience in writing about real-life events that have captured public interest. He has proven time and again that he has a knack for uncovering intriguing stories and presenting them in an engaging manner. His previous works have delved into various subjects such as hackers on Wall Street ("Ugly Americans"), cloning mammoths ("Woolly"), and the rise of Facebook ("The Accidental Billionaires"). This demonstrates both his versatility as a writer and his ability to tackle complex topics with ease.
Furthermore, Mezrich's reputation for thorough investigative journalism adds another layer of credibility to this book on sex on the moon. He is known for conducting extensive interviews with key players involved in the events he writes about, ensuring that all perspectives are represented accurately. This meticulous approach makes him well-suited to explore the controversial topic of sex on NASA missions while maintaining journalistic integrity. Readers can trust that they will be presented with a well-researched account backed by factual evidence when reading one of Ben Mezrich's books.
Historical or Topical Context
Sex on the Moon is a non-fiction book written by Ben Mezrich that tells the unbelievable true story of Thad Roberts, a NASA intern who attempted to steal moon rocks from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The background and setting for this story is rooted in the world of space exploration and scientific discovery during the early 2000s.
At this time, NASA was still recovering from two major disasters - the Challenger explosion in 1986 and the Columbia shuttle disaster in 2003. The agency was under intense scrutiny and pressure to continue making groundbreaking discoveries while also ensuring safety protocols were followed. Against this backdrop, Thad Roberts begins his internship at NASA with high hopes of becoming an astronaut one day. However, he soon becomes disillusioned with his mundane tasks and yearns for something more exciting.
This sets off a chain of events that leads him down a dangerous path as he hatches a plan to steal moon rocks worth millions of dollars from one of the most secure facilities in America. Mezrich's vivid descriptions paint a picture of both awe-inspiring scientific advancements and cutthroat competition within NASA's highly competitive environment. This provides readers with insight into what drove Thad Roberts to risk everything for fame and fortune, ultimately resulting in his downfall.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The opening chapter, where protagonist Thad Roberts is introduced as a brilliant and ambitious NASA intern with a dream of stealing moon rocks, immediately sets the tone for the high-stakes and daring nature of the story.
2. The scene where Thad successfully breaks into NASA's highly secure vault to steal the moon rocks is described in vivid detail, showcasing his intelligence and meticulous planning. This moment also highlights the intense risk he is taking for his obsession with these priceless artifacts.
3. As Thad navigates through multiple obstacles to sell the stolen moon rocks on the black market, readers are given an inside look at the shady world of rare artifact trading and how easily it can be manipulated by greed and deception.
4. The emotional toll that Thad's actions have on those closest to him, particularly his girlfriend Rebecca who becomes entangled in his plans without her knowledge or consent, adds depth to this thrilling tale of crime and passion.
5. In one powerful moment near the end of the book, when Thad reflects on his journey from being a starry-eyed NASA intern to a convicted felon serving time in prison for his crimes, readers are reminded that even seemingly intelligent individuals can make reckless decisions driven by their desires.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading Sex on the Moon, readers may learn about the incredible true story of Thad Roberts and his daring heist at NASA. They will gain insight into the inner workings of one of the world's most prestigious institutions and how a young man was able to manipulate it for his own desires. Readers may also feel a range of emotions such as shock, admiration, and even sympathy for Roberts as they follow his journey from ambitious intern to convicted criminal.
Furthermore, this book may prompt readers to reflect on themes such as ambition, ethics, and consequences. The story raises questions about what people are willing to do in pursuit of their dreams and whether there is a limit to what is acceptable behavior. It also highlights the impact that our choices can have not only on ourselves but also on those around us. Ultimately, after reading Sex on the Moon, readers may find themselves contemplating their own moral compass and considering where they draw the line between right and wrong.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Based on reader reviews, the general sentiment towards Sex on the Moon by Ben Mezrich is overwhelmingly positive. Readers praise the book for its fast-paced and engaging storytelling that keeps them hooked until the very end. Many also commend Mezrich's writing style, describing it as witty and clever. The book has been described as a thrilling page-turner that reads like a Hollywood movie script. Additionally, readers appreciate how Mezrich brings to life the incredible true story of Thad Roberts, a NASA intern who attempted to steal moon rocks from Johnson Space Center.
Sex on the Moon has also received recognition in literary circles with accolades such as being named one of Time Magazine's Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2011 and winning an Alex Award from American Library Association. The book was praised for its blend of science and suspense, making it appealing to both non-fiction and fiction readers alike. It was also noted for its captivating portrayal of human ambition and desire gone awry. Overall, Sex on the Moon has garnered critical acclaim and continues to be a popular read among audiences worldwide.
Who Is This Book For?
1. Young adults with a love for adventure and technology: This book follows the true story of a young NASA intern who steals moon rocks, making it an ideal read for young adults who are interested in space exploration and heists.
2. Fans of non-fiction thrillers: Sex on the Moon is a fast-paced, suspenseful account of real-life events that reads like a thrilling novel. Readers who enjoy non-fiction books with elements of mystery and excitement will be drawn to this story.
3. Science enthusiasts: The book delves into the world of NASA and the intricacies involved in planning and executing missions to outer space. It would appeal to readers who have an interest in science, particularly astronomy and space travel.
4. True crime aficionados: The protagonist's daring act of stealing rare moon rocks from one of the most secure facilities in America adds an element of true crime to this book. Readers who enjoy stories about daring heists or criminal masterminds will find this book intriguing.
5. Those interested in human relationships and psychology: While Sex on the Moon has elements of adventure, it also explores themes such as ambition, betrayal, and forbidden romance between co-workers which can make for compelling reading for those interested in human relationships and psychology.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Engaging Writing Style: Ben Mezrich is known for his fast-paced, thrilling writing style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Sex on the Moon is no exception, with its gripping narrative and vivid descriptions.
2. True Story: This book tells the true story of a young NASA intern who attempted to steal moon rocks from a secure lab in order to impress his girlfriend. The fact that this actually happened adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the story.
3. Exploration of Human Nature: While Sex on the Moon may seem like a simple heist story at first glance, it also delves into deeper themes such as ambition, love, and human nature. It makes readers question how far they would go for someone they care about or what they desire most.
4. Unique Perspective: Most books about space exploration focus on astronauts or scientists, but Sex on the Moon offers a unique perspective by following Thad Roberts, an ordinary person caught up in an extraordinary situation.
5. Blend of Science and Crime: This book seamlessly blends together elements of science and crime, making it appealing to both science enthusiasts and fans of thrillers alike.
Cons:
1. Lack of Depth and Detail
One of the main criticisms of this book is that it lacks depth and detail in its storytelling. While Mezrich's writing style is engaging, some readers may find that he focuses too much on the surface-level events and doesn't delve deep enough into the characters or their motivations.
2. Biased Narrative
Mezrich has been accused of presenting a biased narrative in Sex on the Moon. Some readers feel that he portrays Thad Roberts, the book's protagonist, as more sympathetic than he should be considering his actions (which include stealing moon rocks from NASA). This can make it difficult for readers to fully trust or empathize with Roberts' story.
3. Unrealistic Dialogue
Many reviewers have noted that the dialogue in Sex on the Moon feels unrealistic and forced at times. The conversations between characters often lack authenticity, which can take away from the overall reading experience.
4. Overly Dramatized Events
Some critics argue that Mezrich takes creative liberties with certain events in order to make them more dramatic and exciting for readers. While this may make for an entertaining read, it also raises questions about how accurately these events are portrayed.
5. Shallow Exploration of Themes
Sex on the Moon touches upon themes such as ambition, greed, and obsession but fails to explore them deeply enough. Some readers may find themselves wanting more introspection or analysis surrounding these themes rather than just a surface-level depiction.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a thrilling and captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mezrich does an excellent job of weaving together the incredible true story of Thad Roberts, a NASA intern who stole moon rocks in order to impress his girlfriend. The book is full of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists that make it hard to put down.
Mezrich's writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it easy for readers to get caught up in the story. He also provides enough background information about space exploration and NASA procedures to give readers a deeper understanding of how Roberts was able to pull off such a daring heist.
Overall, Sex on the Moon is an enthralling read that will appeal to anyone who loves true crime stories or tales of adventure. It's a fascinating look into one man's obsession with both love and outer space, and how far he was willing to go for both. If you're looking for a book that will keep you entertained from start to finish, then this is definitely one worth picking up.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Sex on the Moon" on Amazon
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