Play Book Tag discussion

Packing For Mars – Mary Roach
Book on CD narrated by Sandra Burr.
3***

The Subtitle is all the synopsis anyone needs: The Curious Science of Life in the Void.

Another entertaining and informative read from an author who has become a favorite “science” writer for me. As she has done for sex, our alimentary canal, and cadavers, Roach turns her curiosity, sense of adventure and wit to the topic of space travel. What I really enjoy about her books is how informative and approachable she makes these topics. We may not always want to talk about these things at the dinner table (or anywhere), but she satisfactorily answers all those questions we’ve been afraid to ask, but secretly wondered about.

Roach researched the topic of how to prepare for interplanetary travel not only in the USA, but around the world. She explored how astronauts are chosen in Japan, for example. She looked at studies using volunteers who stayed in bed for months at a time, or who agreed to try the sample space foods, or be filmed using a “waste disposal bag.” Her footnotes are sometimes funnier than the text and should definitely NOT be missed.

I have to admit that as I’ve gone about my business this last week since finishing the book, I seem acutely aware of the beneficial effects of gravity (especially in the bathroom).

I listened to the audio read by Sandra Burr. She has a wonderful delivery for this book. There were times I was listening as I drove and just laughing out loud; other drivers who may have looked at me must have thought I was deranged. (Burr also narrated BONK: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex.)


LINK to my review

Review updated

I'm always aware of the effects of gravity- beneficial or not- I was a tumble-down kid, and an adult who trips over her own feet... :)

I listened to this one, too, and liked it- not as much as Stiff or Spook, though.

Yes, STIFF, is still my favorite.