Book Review

Review by Richard Parks, photographic consultant Roger Rohrdanz

A famous Country and Western song warns mothers “don’t let your sons grow up to be cowboys.” Well, mothers of America, Ky Michaelson’s book Rocketman; My Rocket-Propelled Life and High-Octane Creations should be warning enough. If ever there was a life filled with creation, ambition, purpose and zeal, then Ky Michaelson would fit the description perfectly. Here’s a life cram full of invention, adventure, discovery, friendship, trial, tribulation and creation. I had heard rumors about the ‘Rocketman,’ more rumor than fact, until Captain Ed Ballinger handed me a copy of the book and asked me to review it. This is a man and his friends who are true hot rodders at heart. Continue the rest of the review by CLICKING HERE.

Reviewed by Paul Meisel

The book is divided into two parts.  In part I, Ky tells us how rocket powered racing began in the mid-sixty’s.  Ky was involved with the concept of rocket cars from the very beginning.  He describes how it began, how it evolved, and who each of the players were.  Ky knew almost every rocket car driver and had a hand in designing or building a great many of their cars.

Ky built an amazing number of rocket powered drag cars that set record after record at drag strips around the country.  He built rocket powered snowmobiles, boats and land speed cars.  Ky tells the whole fascinating history as only he can – he was there!

In part two, Ky takes on a challenge far greater than building record setting land vehicles.  He takes the reader step-by-step, hurtle by hurtle, disappointment after disappointment in his drive to be the first civilian to launch a rocked into outer space.

As a reader, you feel you are right there with Ky, his wife, Jodi, and his crew, laughing at some of his crazy antics, and feeling your heart sink as the team encounters every sort of stumbling block imaginable.  From the design failures of the rocket, dealing with pompous government officials who tried to block the team at every step, to sudden sand storms that delayed or canceled chances to launch, and dirty schemes from another, better funded, competitive team.  In the end, Ky’s unbelievable optimism and sear force of determination resulted, finally, in the greatest success of all – the first successful launch of a civilian rocket into outer space.  An achievement no other team has managed.

Many Viking Chapter members know who Ky is.  After reading this book, you will really get to know Ky.   This book is a definite “must read”.

Reviewed by LeAnne Christensen

If you’re a race fan or a just love rockets you HAVE to buy this book.  It's an easy and fun read.  The many pictures make this book an historical archive of rocket powered racing.

If you're not a rocket fanatic you will still want to buy this book. Ky's story of perserverance is both uplifting and inspiring.  It's a testament to what an impact one person can make by using their raw god-given abilities.