Tom Wolfe was a pioneering figure in the New Journalism movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His distinctive style, characterized by free association and onomatopoeia, became his trademark. Wolfe delved into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring the unconscious decisions people make and examining eccentricities of human behavior and language. His work, which also delved into questions of social status, is considered unparalleled in the American literary canon.
Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff" explores American heroism during a time of disillusionment, focusing on the courage of test pilots and astronauts. Using a limited omniscient perspective, he chronicles key figures like Alan Shepard and John Glenn, highlighting their daring feats and personal challenges. The book stands out as a vivid portrayal of America's space program.