Bookworms, We Have a Problem.
I’m LYING. I’m just trying to make space jokes because I just finished listening to the awesome audio book version of Packing for Mars
Packing for Mars is ostensibly about what a mission to Mars would entail mingled with a history lesson of human space travel. Sound awesome? Not so much? Well what about if I tell you that Mary Roach researched all the interesting bits of space travel for you? I mean, you were always curious about motion sickness in zero gravity, right? And what happens when you have to go to the bathroom? What about keeping yourself clean in space? Or, you know, what would happen if a pair of astronauts fell in love and, well, stuff happened in space?!
Mary Roach told me all the gross stuff that I really care about. I mean, sure, there’s plenty of science in there, but it’s the science of every imaginable bodily fluid in space. It’s about just how long an astronaut can go without bathing before stinking their suits up so badly they make themselves ill. It’s about how teams of dietitians study which foods to feed space travelers that will produce the least amount of solid waste. It’s about filtering pee, you guys! If you were ever THAT KID in science class who was interested in the science of boogers, Packing for Mars is 100% your guide to space travel. Take my word for it, kids, this book is a winner!
Talk to me Bookworms! Did you ever daydream about being an astronaut?
*If you make a purchase through a link on this site, I will receive a small commission. Am I too old to go to Space Camp?*
tanya (52 books or bust)
And sold. I’m downloading this as we speak. Mary Roach on audio sounds like a perfect combination.
Amy @ Read a Latte
This sounds so interesting! We’re on the same page with Mars because I’m reading The Martian and was WONDERING about the food thing! He has like multiple whole potatoes, which seemed strange. I’ve heard great things about Mary Roach, I’ll have to check her out!
Shannon @ River City Reading
I love how Mary Roach goes full on gross all the time! My favorite is Stiff…I can’t resist all the details about dead bodies.
Sarah's Book Shelves
Ha! This one sounds fun and maybe a good companion nonfiction to The Martian. And – this is definitely the kind of stuff I’d like to know about space travel 🙂
Loralie
I LOVE Mary Roach! I have all of her books. I love how she isn’t afraid to ask the questions that we all want to know, but she does it in a way that doesn’t make fun of the subject she is covering. Oh, and I wanted to be an astronaut for most of my childhood and would be all over an adult Space Camp!
Jancee @ Jancee Reads
I think I’ve only read one of her other books, maybe the one about sex? She is my favorite type of nonfiction…quirky, interesting, and a little bit disgusting!
Andi (@estellasrevenge)
Hahah! I’ve always liked Stiff the best, but it sounds like I need to try this one. It might give Stiff a run for its money!
thatashgirl
Is it wrong that I just read an article a few days ago about how it would be incredibly difficult to get pregnant in zero gravity?
AMB
Hmmmm, my husband might like this one. Thanks for the recommendation!
Lillian Connelly
Every time I see the cover of this book I want to read it. I am off to find it and save it to my wish list right now so I don’t forget!
Kelly
I love everything about this review. And I need to read this book!
Please tell me your final comment was a tribute to the cinematic classic, Space Camp?
Leah @ Books Speak Volumes
I loved this book! I read it on a family road trip and spouted enough disgusting facts to the captive audience of my family that my sister actually just gave in and read it. (And my dad had read it years ago.) It tickles me to no end that we are united in gross space facts.
Jennine G.
I don’t think Mary Roach could write a bad book. And if I ever meet her in person, I may hug her.
Monika @ Lovely Bookshelf
I’m so glad you got around to this one! I loved it. 🙂 I wanted to be an astronaut as a kid, but when the Challenger disaster happened, and it freaked.me.out. All through high school though, I had planned on majoring in some space-related science field. (Yet, I majored in music performance, go figure haha)
Ashley
Fascinating! You should check out this website: http://www.mars-one.com/
They are sending people on a one-way ticket to colonize Mars in 2024 (for real)! Being an astronaut is one thing but leaving your family forever to colonize a foreign planet??? Cray Cray.
Katie @ Doing Dewey
I love how enthusiastic you are about this one! Sounds like fun 🙂
Akilah
I made it about a third of the way through this on audiobook and gave up. It was fascinating, but I was not retaining the information! I think it may work better in print for me.
That said, I did call my friend (who is a big science nerd and loves NASA) and tell her that she would make a terrible astronaut while I was listening to it, and she got PISSED. Hahahaha. I’m still convinced she wouldn’t last more than two days in space, though she’d be an excellent on the ground NASA person.
Lisedawg
I LOVE Mary Roach! I read “Stiff,” then “Gulp.” I bought “Gulp” for my sister and “Packing for Mars” for my boyfriend. Don’t know how they like them, but I’m obsessed with her.
She’s the Sarah Vowell of science.