Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach
2011
Weight: 9 oz
Method of Disposal: Returning to rightful owner (borrowed 4-5 years ago or so....I know...I am terrible)
I love all things space and thought this book was a lot of fun. I have often dreamed about what it would be like to have the opportunity to board a space shuttle and leave Earth behind. I have thought that I would do it even if I knew I would not make it back. I have thought about how I would be pleased for my ashes after death to be shot up there, which is only a little weird because, otherwise, I do not care at all what happens to my dead body. I've dreamed many many dreams about it and none of them included the oddities in this little book.
It was fun and disturbing to think about all the tiny details of astronaut life. Roach covers bodily fluids, eating, human nature, fungal growth, relationships, sickness, and all the little things you likely do not want to experience in space, but you endure for the ultimate exploration experience. There were times where she had me laughing out loud and times where she was just flat out uncouth, but the overall book was insightful and fun.
I did not love hearing about animals in space, as it breaks my heart every time, but I am always glad to know all I can know about the history of space travel and that includes the poor dogs and chimps that were sent without their consent into the unknown.
I know that not everyone is impressed with Mary Roach and her popular science books, but I think they are a great way to dip into worlds a lot of us do not know much about. I like her upbeat writing and chipper personality. I may not laugh at all her jokes, but she always gets me with a few of them. Also, space is exciting whether you like the author or not so why not? I think it is worth the read!
2011
Weight: 9 oz
Method of Disposal: Returning to rightful owner (borrowed 4-5 years ago or so....I know...I am terrible)
I love all things space and thought this book was a lot of fun. I have often dreamed about what it would be like to have the opportunity to board a space shuttle and leave Earth behind. I have thought that I would do it even if I knew I would not make it back. I have thought about how I would be pleased for my ashes after death to be shot up there, which is only a little weird because, otherwise, I do not care at all what happens to my dead body. I've dreamed many many dreams about it and none of them included the oddities in this little book.
It was fun and disturbing to think about all the tiny details of astronaut life. Roach covers bodily fluids, eating, human nature, fungal growth, relationships, sickness, and all the little things you likely do not want to experience in space, but you endure for the ultimate exploration experience. There were times where she had me laughing out loud and times where she was just flat out uncouth, but the overall book was insightful and fun.
I did not love hearing about animals in space, as it breaks my heart every time, but I am always glad to know all I can know about the history of space travel and that includes the poor dogs and chimps that were sent without their consent into the unknown.
I know that not everyone is impressed with Mary Roach and her popular science books, but I think they are a great way to dip into worlds a lot of us do not know much about. I like her upbeat writing and chipper personality. I may not laugh at all her jokes, but she always gets me with a few of them. Also, space is exciting whether you like the author or not so why not? I think it is worth the read!
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