Discuss Mary Roach's Packing for Mars—Once City One Book #7 (2011)
The author of Stiff and Bonk explores the irresistibly strange universe of space travel and life without gravity. 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 spacewalk? 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 the author 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), she takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.
Celebrate 20 years of great authors. Together, we read them all. This fall, SFPL will announce the 20th One City One Book selection, continuing a cherished tradition of bringing the community together through shared reading and discussion. To celebrate these powerful stories that have connected us over the years, we will host dedicated book clubs for each title throughout the summer—offering thoughtful conversations and a chance to reflect on two decades of collective reading. Pick up a commemorative bookmark at any SFPL location to track your progress on this literary journey. Join us in celebrating 20 years of One City One Book, and stay tuned for the exciting reveal of this year’s selection.
LOCATION:West Portal - West Portal Teen's Area CLASS:PUBLIC TRANSP:TRANSPARENT END:VEVENT BEGIN:VALARM TRIGGER:-PT1440M ACTION:DISPLAY DESCRIPTION:Event Reminder - Book Club: Ulloa Reading Corner—Packing for Mars END:VALARM END:VCALENDAR