In "American Moonshot," Douglas Brinkley captures the electric atmosphere of the 1960s as America embarked on the greatest adventure in human history: the journey to the moon. With the Cold War as a backdrop, Brinkley dives deep into President John F. Kennedy's bold declaration that set the nation on a path to achieve the seemingly impossible—landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth before the decade's end. This meticulously researched narrative weaves together the political, cultural, and scientific threads that propelled the United States to victory in the space race, highlighting the relentless spirit of innovation and exploration that defined an era. Through intimate portraits of the visionaries and dreamers who made the moonshot possible—figures like rocketeer Wernher von Braun, astronaut John Glenn, and space advocate Lyndon Johnson—Brinkley brings to life the tireless ingenuity and daring that fueled America's lunar quest. Drawing upon new primary sources and major interviews with key players, "American Moonshot" transcends mere historical recount to become a thrilling homage to the indomitable human spirit. Brinkley's narrative not only celebrates the technological marvels and heroic feats of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo projects but also rekindles the sense of wonder and ambition that led humanity to reach for the stars.