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Houston, We Have a Book: A Review of ‘Star Bound’
As I ventured into the vast expanse of American space exploration with “Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program, from Goddard’s Rockets to Goldilocks Planets and Everything In Between,” I was taken aback by the sheer scale and complexity of the story. This comprehensive history of America’s space program, co-authored by Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III, is an absolute must-read for anyone with a passion for science, history, or simply the night sky.
The authors’ writing marriage, if you will, is a masterclass in storytelling. The duo seamlessly weaves together tales of triumphs and failures, from the earliest moments of the US space program to the present day. What stands out is their ability to craft an engaging narrative that is both accessible and informative for readers with varying levels of knowledge on the subject.
The book’s subtitle promises a “Beginner’s Guide,” but I must caution that this is not a primer for young readers. Rather, it’s a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts designed specifically for curious adults who are eager to dive deeper into the world of space exploration.
One of the standout features of “Star Bound” lies in its inclusion of ‘interstitial’ lists, sprinkled throughout the narrative, that cater to the kid in every adult. These bite-sized chunks of information add a welcome layer of fun and interactivity to an otherwise dense subject matter.
I must confess that I was particularly enthralled by the book’s coverage of some of the lesser-known moments in American space history. The story of Tom Stafford’s Gemini 9 spacewalk, which included contingency plans for his fellow astronauts to abandon him if he couldn’t re-enter the spacecraft, left me on the edge of my seat.
Of course, no review would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room – or rather, the door that appears to be present in some Curiosity Mars pictures. I’m delighted to report that, alas, it’s just an optical illusion caused by light and shadow playing on natural formations within the Martian dust and rock. Neil Armstrong was not a robot, but rather a very human astronaut who played a crucial role in our nation’s space program.
In conclusion, “Star Bound” is an extraordinary achievement that will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in science, history, or the cosmos. It’s a book that I would recommend without hesitation to friends and family alike.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
