Sex on the Moon

The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History

By: Ben Mezrich

Narrated by: Casey Affleck

Thad Roberts, a fellow in a prestigious NASA program had an idea—a romantic, albeit crazy, idea. He wanted to give his girlfriend the moon. Literally.

Thad convinced his girlfriend and another female accomplice, both NASA interns, to break into an impregnable laboratory at NASA—past security checkpoints, an electronically locked door with cipher security codes, and camera-lined hallways—and help him steal the most precious objects in the world: the moon rocks.

But what does one do with an item so valuable that it’s illegal even to own? And was Thad Roberts—undeniably gifted, picked for one of the most competitive scientific posts imaginable, a possible astronaut—really what he seemed?

Mezrich has pored over thousands of pages of court records, FBI transcripts, and NASA documents and has interviewed most of the participants in the crime to reconstruct this Ocean’s Eleven–style heist, a madcap story of genius, love, and duplicity that reads like a Hollywood thrill ride.

Subject is well researched and presented.

Would you try another book from Ben Mezrich and/or Casey Affleck?

Yes for both. Ben Mezrich does an excellent job in researching and presently complicated topics in an understandable manner. I am a big fan of Casey Affleck's work as an actor and am glad to see he is sharing his talents with a broader audience.

If you’ve listened to books by Ben Mezrich before, how does this one compare?

This is my first Ben Mezrich book.

What about Casey Affleck’s performance did you like?

First his clarify of speech was excellent; no mumbles or swallowed sentences. Secondly, he clearly captured the characters and was able to bring out the nuances of the text by proper voice and tonal inflection.

Do you think Sex on the Moon needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No - subject was well covered.

Fascinating character

What about Casey Affleck’s performance did you like?

He brings the scenes to life. Feels like watching a movie with Thad played by Casey Affleck (in his Bob Ford days). It’s a role right up his alley.

Any additional comments?

At first, learning about Thad’s achievements after he decided to become a astronaut, I thought this is like the back story of Mark Watney! I was filled with dread as I listened on, wondering what happened that derailed him from his path to become Mark Watney. In the end I’m still not sure, but it’s a fascinating journey.

Excellent

Excellent book. Casey Affleck did an incredible job narrating. I will definitely recommend this book!

Very interesting story

there was a tremendous amount of dialogue that clearly had to be recreated. having the dialogue made the story much more engaging, But it also made it feel a little bit like fiction. you are left wondering what really happened and what was really said. also, the epilogue left open a few questions regarding the main character's girlfriend. The author should have answered those obvious questions or indicated why he couldn't answer. I could be more specific but I don't want to be a spoiler.

Interesting story strange perspective

Very interesting story but odd perspective. The author chooses to cast the protagonist in a positive light in spite of the fact he planned and committed a crime. The crime was spectacular, but people were hurt and careers altered. Interesting listen but also curious in the writing.