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.

It was nice

I liked the book, but partly because I like the subject.
The good: You can tell the book is well writen and well researched. I liked the humor laced all over the book. It's light hreated and informative at the same time.
The bad: As a non american, I felt that the use of imperial units anoying. I realize the book is intended for the general audiance of the american public, but still. Dealing in science merits the use of the metric system, in my opinion.
A second thing that bothered me a bit was the uae of side notes. I guess it works better in print, but in audio - not so much.

Anyway, if you like space and space flight, you will like this book.

Fantastic!!

Everything I️ hoped this book would be and more!
Mary does a great job illuminating the topics no one thinks about when it comes to spaceflight

A immense diversity of egesta

This book is beautifully read and entertaining. However sometimes marry's obsession with feces is a bit much for me. She reuses the whole story about fecal bags in the Gemini missions in several chapter. It's funny the first time but then just becomes weird.

Who Knew?

The author does a good job describing the preparations that must be made for a trip to Mars. Everything from food to poop is covered. She had amazing access to the astronauts, NASA staff and other researchers...even the "three dolphin club." I think that I'll read another Mary Roach book, but not for awhile.

Space travel in a whole new light!

This book delivered exactly what I was hoping for - stories, anecdotes and insights about dealing with daily life in space, and the research that went into it. As an added bonus, it was done with a healthy dose of humor. This is the first Mary Roach book I've 'read,' but it won't be the last! Narration was also good - seemed to fit the spirit of the prose, which I appreciate. Well done!

Not just for Space Geeks

This books address lots of questions you wanted to know about space life but were afraid to ask. How do astronauts poop? What happens if an astronaut vomits while doing a space walk? The author and narrator addresses a series of fascinating space dilemmas in a fun, lively way. Loved this book!

oh mary

Mary roach is the best and this book is no exception. I want more from her.

A great book let down by the narrator

I read this book before this download and loved it. The narrator was very flat in her delivery and conveyed none of the wonder and enthusiasm I believe Mary Roach intended.

Curious is the Right Word

A most intriguing book. So much delightful detail about seemingly mundane things. I found it fascinating, and was captivated by the narration.

I laughed out loud at some of the passages in this book!

Mary Roach is an engaging writer. The narrator does an excellent job of imparting the words on the page! This book is interesting in giving insight into what point there is into going into space and even Mars. The thinking behind all that has transpired through the space projects reflects our true pioneering spirit. Onward to Mars and may the Earth benefit from that!