In the Shelves and Stars

I love astronomy. There’s just something so special about staring up at the empty night sky, dotted with stars and planets from thousands of miles away. And then there is the occasional blinking satellite, slowly drifting across the horizon. It’s been 68 years since the first satellite, Sputnik 1, launched, and four years later the first man was sent into space. National Astronaut Day is celebrated on the last Friday of every January, a holiday celebrating and commemorating the men and women who have risked their lives in an attempt to reach the stars. Today, I have complied a list of books about astronomy and the stories of these infamous spacewalkers.

To kick us off and get a standing on the subject, we have “New Frontiers in Space,” part of “The Reference Shelf” series by Grey House Publishing. This compilation provides periodical articles offering perspectives on America’s past, present, and future in space exploration. Key topics include the debate over military space development—from the Strategic Defense Initiative to the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, the future of NASA, and the growth and potential of the private space tourism industry. This book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the multifaceted aspects of space exploration and the technological advancements shaping its future.

“Rocket Men” by Robert Kurson is a compelling non-fiction account of NASA’s 1968 Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth. Kurson delves into the personal and professional lives of the three astronauts, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders. Set in 1968, the book captures the urgency and suspense of the mission that aimed to restore America’s confidence amid the Space Race. Kurson’s meticulous research, drawn from extensive interviews with the astronauts, their loved ones, NASA personnel, and experts, provides vivid and unforgettable detail, making Rocket Men a definitive account of one of America’s finest hours.

But of course, men were not the only ones working hard to take off, “Promised the Moon” by Stephanie Nolen retells the largely overlooked history of the “Mercury 13″—a group of 13 American female pilots who underwent astronaut testing in the early 1960s. Initiated by Dr. William Randolph Lovelace II, the same physician who developed the tests for NASA’s male astronauts, this program sought to determine if women could endure the rigors of space travel. Despite their qualifications and successes, the program was abruptly canceled, and the women were denied the opportunity to become astronauts. Nolen’s book delves into the personal stories of these pioneering women, their determination, and the systemic gender biases that thwarted their ambitions. 

Chris Hadfield, an astronaut who served under the Canadian Space Agency for over 21 years shares his experiences in “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth“, a fascinating and insightful memoir that blends personal anecdotes, life lessons, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the life of an astronaut. Hadfield’s writing is engaging, humorous, and deeply inspiring. The book offers practical advice on thriving under pressure, achieving personal goals, and living a meaningful life. It’s a must-read for space enthusiasts, self-improvement seekers, and anyone curious about what it takes to explore the final frontier.

Another memoir, this time from a completely different perspective, “Once Upon a Time, I Lived on Mars” by Kate Greene. In this memoir, Greene writes about her participation in the HI-SEAS mission, a NASA-funded simulation of a Mars mission conducted in 2013. Over four months, Greene and five other crew members lived in isolation within a geodesic dome atop Mauna Loa in Hawaii, experiencing the challenges of confined living and simulated space exploration. Greene intertwines her personal experiences during the mission with reflections on broader themes such as the history of space exploration, the nature of isolation, and the human drive to explore. She also delves into her personal life, including her brother’s disability and her long-distance marriage, offering a holistic view of her journey.

And to finish off the list is a book for those looking for a more leisurely read, “The Calculating Stars” by Mary Robinette Kowal. This novel is the first book in the “Lady Astronaut” series, an alternate history science fiction novel set in the 1950s. The story imagines a world where a meteorite strikes Earth, triggering climate change and pushing humanity to urgently expand into space to ensure its survival. The protagonist, Elma, is a mathematician and pilot who dreams of becoming an astronaut. However, as a woman in the field, she faces significant barriers. Elma’s journey to becoming one of the first female astronauts is at the heart of the novel, exploring themes of gender, race, and the societal pressures that shape the space race.