Reading Until Infinity discussion

For September I thought we would take a month to honor our nations' 50th anniversary of the first American landing on the moon. Let's each pick something related to the topic of space (space travel, astronauts, etc.). You can each pick your own read that way those not interested in science fiction, for example, can still find something for them. You might want to find a history book, a biography, perhaps a fun short story, or science fiction read. So many choices!!!

Here are some thoughts to jump start your own creative process: Carl Sagan (author of Cosmos), Neil Armstrong, Ray Bradbury (science fiction), Isaac Asimov, and more!

So, we will not have a poll for the coming month (September), but you may each post your selection(s) in this thread and share your thoughts as always.

Enjoy!!!!

Leslie

From NASA's website some fun short stories:

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/mars-sho...

Some fun science fiction reads:
https://dailysciencefiction.com/scien...


http://www.shortstoryguide.com/scienc...

Here's a book I started last year but didn't have time to finish. I loved it! It's written by the guys who work at the Vatican's observatory. Fun for all reading ages. It's written as a Question and Answer from their years of taking such questions.

Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?: . . . and Other Questions from the Astronomers' In-box at the Vatican Observatory by Dr. Guy Consolmagno, SJ , Ph.D


Similarly, this looks interesting:
The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars by Dava Sobel


and some space bedtime stories for your little ones
https://www.storyberries.com/category...

For the non-fiction lovers:
https://www.bustle.com/articles/15538...

Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins ( the astronaut who remained in orbit around the moon when Armstrong and Aldrin landed and was the most alone person in the known universe).

A really good book that is technically science fiction might be fun for non-sci fi fans:

The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

It's alternate history. What if an asteroid hit near the East Coast during the Eisenhower Administration? I loved it. It reads more like historical fiction than science fiction.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

I nominate Undaunted by Rebekah Lyn a (Christian) Coming of age novel set during the sixties space race.

[..] Jessie’s always been the dreamer, but will his dreams be strong enough to launch him out of poverty and into space as his high hopes battle harsh reality? (part of the blurb from an older edition)

This is the first book of a (planned) trilogy.

Henry wrote: "Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins ( the astronaut who remained in orbit around the moon when Armstrong and Aldrin landed and was the most alone person in the known universe)."


Oh yes. Definitely a bad feeling. Thanks for the reading suggestion.

Kirsten #EnoughIsEnough wrote: "A really good book that is technically science fiction might be fun for non-sci fi fans:

The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

It's alternate history. Wha..."

Oh that does sound fun! Thank you for sharing.

Agnieszka wrote: "I nominate Undaunted by Rebekah Lyn a (Christian) Coming of age novel set during the sixties space race.

[..] Jessie’s always been t..."

Thank you. We aren't really nominating this month. This is you reading what you want to read month on the topic of Space (and related themes) in honor of our anniversary. I didn't want to pinpoint a given book. I thought it would be more fun for people to remember our historic past (honor it) by reading something that works for them. Could be a play, book of poetry, history book, biography, work of fiction or whatever.

Candace wrote: "Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly"

Candace, thank you for sharing this. I saw this earlier and also thought this looked very interesting.

I thought of another book of mine that I found interesting many years ago. I loved the book but didn't quite finish it.

The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself by Daniel J. Boorstin. This book goes through the history of how we tell time, set up our calendars, and our early understanding of space, stars, astronomy, etc.

Here's the Vatican Observatory's website if you are interested:
http://www.vaticanobservatory.va/cont...

I didn't remember this bit of history -
https://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/...

Georges Lemaitre: Life, Science and Legacy by Rodney D. Holder

The Day Without Yesterday: Lemaitre, Einstein, and the Birth of Modern Cosmology by John Farrell

How is this going for you guys? I found it somewhat challenging to find books because I can't check things out from the library right now and am relying on deeply discounted books these days for reads, but I did find the James Michener novel. Started it last night.