#spacethetic

The Time it Takes to Fall by Margaret Lazarus Dean

The Time it Takes to Fall is a realistic fiction novel that depicts the shift in the space program before and after the Challenger tragedy through the eyes of a young girl, Dolores, who wants to be an astronaut. I first read it my freshman year of high school, and it’s honestly shaped how I’ve pursued my dream of becoming an astronaut ever since. What inspired me was Dolores’s enthusiastic approach to learning; she threw herself in to studying physics and soon was helping her peers. I followed in her footsteps in my first physics class! The Time it Takes to Fall is emotional and poignant, a beautiful and heart-wrenching depiction of the American space program told through the normal life of a girl with extraordinary dreams.

Spaceman by Mike Massimino

Spaceman is one of the most fun and youthful books about space exploration I’ve read. It’s an astronaut biography told with such eyes-wide-open wonder and excitement that I couldn’t help but smile the entire time! Mike Massimino tells the story of growing up and following his dream of being an astronaut, and he describes in amazing detail his experiences once he achieved that goal and flew on several Shuttle missions, including Hubble repair. This is a must-read for anyone who’s wondered what it’s like to go to space. 

A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin 

A Man on the Moon was hands down the book that gave me the most insight into the Apollo Program.  It gives an in-depth account of the Apollo Program from the beginning to the end and it flows very naturally like any fictional story.  I read this book in 7th grade and laughed, cried, and learned a ton.  This book does focus on the facts and statistics, but also emphasizes astronauts’ feelings and personalities.  It was also the basis for the miniseries From the Earth to the Moon. This is probably my favorite non-fiction book of all time!

The Martian by Andy Weir

If you haven’t read this book yet, The Martian has to be at the top of your list for 2019. Futuristic but scientifically accurate, this science fiction novel explores one astronaut’s quest to survive when stranded on Mars. The attention to detail and logical follow-through is incredible. I was truly inspired by this book (and by the movie version too!)

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

I’m going to be upfront, Ender’s Game is one of those books. Yes, you know, those books. Nobody is actually sure what was the author going through writing this but nevertheless, it’s a real gem. Be advised, while reading this book, you might get the very rare but devastating disease, Jump-Up-And-Scream-At-The-Top-Of-Your-Lungs-Because-Of-This-Plot-Twist Syndrome, so please read with caution. This book is about a boy who is a military genius, in space warfare, and that’s all I am going to say because I don’t want to spoil the masterpiece. Don’t read this in public because you’ll need to jump around and punch the air a lot. Oh, and before I forget, box of tissues not included.

Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Ender’s Shadow follows the same storyline as Ender’s Game, but from the point of view of another character, Bean. As Ender’s teammate, Bean is able to see Ender’s flaws more clearly, and it’s fascinating to read Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow side by side. Bean is also an interesting character himself, going from living homeless on the streets to becoming the youngest student in Battle School. While Ender may be the commander, Bean follows his own story arc as elements of his past find him in Battle School. I recommend the rest of the books in the “Shadow” series, too, for those of you as interested in geopolitics as you are in science fiction.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

This is one of the most eloquent, humorous, and witty non-fiction books I’ve read. Though not as in-depth or specialized as some of Dr. Tyson’s other works, such as Death by Black Hole and Welcome to the Universe (each of which are nestled lovingly under a fake potted plant in my room for the one day I’ll have enough time to delve further into them), Astrophysics for People in a Hurry allows busybodies a chance to taste a greater understanding of the universe around them. The knowledge of the seemingly impossible is yours for the taking.

The Case for Mars by Robert Zubrin

Think going to Mars is a science fiction fantasy of the future? Think again! In The Case for Mars, Robert Zubrin outlines a plan to get to Mars cheaply, quickly, and with the technology we already have today in a plan he calls “Mars Direct.” While Zubrin doesn’t shy away from the technical elements of his mission, this nonfiction is appropriate for anyone regardless of space knowledge. Zubrin’s voice really shines through, and the book reads like a humorous conversation rather than a mission outline. Ultimately the question arises: If going to Mars is possible, why haven’t we done it yet? The Case for Mars is an excellent call to action that turns science fiction into reality.

Neon 💫 Dancer