The Right Stuff stands as a testament to Tom Wolfe's prowess as an observer and stylist, capturing the essence of early space travel with unmatched clarity and detail. Although not specifically aimed at young adults due to its occasional profanity, the book's intricate depiction of the era and its pilots is likely to engage high school readers thoroughly.

Wolfe's work solidifies his reputation as not only a keen observer of American culture but also as one of its finest literary stylists. While The Right Stuff might be categorized as historical, it transcends mere chronicling to become a vivid interpretation of the human figures behind their heroic public facades. This blend of narrative forms is emblematic of what Wolfe helped pioneer: New Journalism.

In the company of writers like Hunter S. Thompson and Jimmy Breslin, Wolfe is credited with shaping New Journalism—a genre that merges the factual rigor of journalism with the expressive intricacies of fiction. This revolutionary style found its footing in the early 1960s, reaching a pivotal moment with Truman Capote’s 1966 'nonfiction novel' In Cold Blood. Although Capote's tone diverges from Wolfe's often lighthearted approach, both employ fictional techniques—dynamic point-of-view shifts, robust characterizations, immersive settings, and engaging dialogues.

Within New Journalism, Wolfe often plays the role of a satirist, contrasting Capote and Norman Mailer, who lean towards tragedy in their work. Wolfe's early contributions, such as The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby (1965), showcased his acute, comedic critique of 1960s American culture. Following this, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968) delved into the counterculture of the West Coast's psychedelic scene, cementing Wolfe's status as a premier cultural critic and prose stylist. His sharp analysis continued with works like Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers (1970), The Painted Word (1975), and From Bauhaus to Our House (1982), where he tackled themes of political radicalism and the art and architecture worlds.

Among Wolfe's celebrated works, The Right Stuff stands out, winning the American Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1980. Its vibrant language, insightful take on the national character, and humorous yet poignant observations make it quintessential Wolfe. However, this book is distinct in Wolfe's oeuvre as he displays a rare departure from his usual critical distance. In this narrative, Wolfe joins the collective admiration for the astronauts, celebrating their courage and resolve in their celestial pursuits.