Author: Ariel Waldman
Title: What’s It Like in Space?: Stories from Astronauts Who’ve Been There
Publication Info: Chronicle Books (2016)
Summary/Review:
I received a free advanced reading copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
One of my favorite science writers, Ariel Waldman, collects anecdotes and quotes from astronauts about their experience in space in a small, illustrated coffee table book. Did you know that one cannot burp in space? And while farting is possible, it is not possible to propel oneself in microgravity using only flatulence. There’s a lot of bits about “functions” such as eating, sleeping, and excreting in space. But there are also more inspirational stories such as an astronaut not wanting to sleep so as to not miss a moment of the mission or the experience of watching the Earth rotate beneath one’s feet while on a spacewalk. It’s a fun, charming, and colorful that’s a quick read, and especially enjoyable if you’ve ever wanted to go to space.
Recommended books: Packing for Mars by Mary Roach and An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield.
Rating: ***1/2