Packing for Mars

The Curious Science of Life in the Void

By: Mary Roach

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you can’t walk for a year? Have sex? Smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles per hour?

To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. As Mary Roach discovers, it’s possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA’s new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.

©2010 Mary Roach (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Okay but...

Roach is a witty writer but needs to start moving outside the box. This is NOT a book about Mars or planning a trip to Mars. It basically lays out for the reader a history of some of the stranger aspects of space flight. A better title would probably have been Space Oddity 2010

Make it Mullane's!

I've titled this review in honour of the recommendation that the author makes in a footnote that if you read one astronaut's account of their time in space, you should make it Mike Mullane's.

The footnoted incident itself caused me some degree of embarrassment, as I burst out laughing loudly - and, to passersby, inexplicably - while strolling down my suburban main street listening to the book on my iPod - via discreet in-canal ear-buds - doubtlessly further enhancing my local reputation for eccentricity.

This book is popular science writing at its best. The topic is fascinating, the pacing is excellent, and the whole mixture is leavened with good humour. And unexpectedly broad interest: being the only non-seasick member of an otherwise green-of-gill family, the extensive discussion of motion sickness was both intriguing, and surprisingly relevant to non-cosmonautic life.

There's an unimaginably dazzling array of little things that goes into launching squishy, emotional and erratic humans into space. And big things, of course. This book is an outstanding description of the place where humanity meets technology, at the very edge of the most desolate void we could ever conceive of encountering.

And it's also a great account of the vast teams of researchers and technicians that lie behind the space-jockeys.

A great listen. And dazzling well read.

Well, so so.. ummm. Not what it says it is.. Sorry

I mean it was narrated ok, but it wasn't what the title said it was. All stories and interesting tidbits about the first monkey in space, the first dog, what happened to them, first astronaut, all the old missions. I sort of feel a bit cheated out of the Packing for Mars stuff. Ok, good history, and interesting info about odd things, but I went through a full three-quarters of the book and still waiting for the info about Packing for Mars. So, I'm done. Even if it turns around and present the new info now, its way to late in the book. Not to happy. Now if you just want to hear about the old stuff and funny things that happened along the way, get it. But it should be called, "Funny and Odd Stuff that happened over all the previous missions.....Even "Curious Sience for life in the Void" would be accurate, but the packing for mars seems like a publishers suggested add on to make the content seem more modern and sell more.

Boring

Is there anything you would change about this book?

From the reccomendation and the title, I thought this would have more of a storyline to it. I kept waiting for something interesting....but got bored and stopped listening in chapter 5.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something entertaining.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Sandra Burr?

Not sure, but I have enjoyed listening to Sandra narrate other books...just not this one.

Did Packing for Mars inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

This was boring.

Laughed until I almost PEED!

Not only did she research "private" areas about space travel, but it was hysterical. Everyone thinks of space as this clean, zero-gravity container. But it can be totally disgusting! I have a new respect for astronauts.

Inside an astronaut's world

Mary Roach is not squeamish about inquiring into every dark nook of an astronaut's demanding job. But, in doing so, she reveals the extraordinary mental strength and courage possessed by these individuals.

Throughout history, the people who pursue science out of pure passion have taken astounding risks, made extraordinary leaps of faith, their desire to *know* easily outpacing fear. That is what makes books like these a joy to read...being reminded that people like that exist, and they are the reason civilizations progress.

Fascinating, well researched

Ms Roach answered questions I didn't know I had about the space program and what it was/is like to be an astronaut. Thoroughly researched and well presented.

very funny and great info

Performance could have been a little better, but the information was great. hilarious sections on toilet research had me in stitches.

Highly Recommended

It delivers what is advertises and more. The narrator is entertaining. The science and facts are about 99% accurate. I found one or two misquotes and that's about it. As an Engineering student, would recommend this to experts, and the common person.

Hilarious & jam-packed with information

If you have an interest in the history and future of space exploration, this is the book for you.