June 1, 2023
Waldman, host of the space- and pop- culture-focused show Offworld, offers a delightful collection of conversations about the role of popular sf films and television in shaping our vision of space and what the future may hold. She presents conversations she's had with NASA astronauts, physicists, astronomers, engineers, SETI researchers, and other analysts on subjects such as spaceship and spacesuit design, how we might deal with loneliness and communicate with aliens, black holes, artificial gravity, matter transporters, clones, cyborgs and artificial intelligence, the skills modern and future astronauts will need to have, and more. Luminaries such as Frank Drake (creator of the famed Drake Equation), Mythbuster's Adam Savage, and speculativefiction author Annalee Newitz (to name but a few of the most well-known) detail their perspectives on how sf has and continues to influence how we relate to science and popular expectations for human beings' future in space. Most importantly, this work illustrates the importance of imagination in the pursuit of science. It's a concise and rewarding book.
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June 1, 2023
Space may be the final frontier, but Waldman (What's It Like in Space?) provides readers with a friendly guidebook for navigating the questions that arise as TV and movie fans seek to explore new worlds. Each chapter is organized by topic, perfect for perusing alongside a favorite movie or TV show. Accompanying art by Wheeler is a beautiful, otherworldly complement to the text. Readers will discover fascinating intersections between science and pop culture, such as how the development of telescopes influenced the desire and ability to land on the moon. It's not all spacesuits and asteroids, though. The author explores existential concerns, such as loneliness in outer space, too. She also brings experts such as NASA astrophysicist Megan Ansdell and former MythBusters cohost Adam Savage along for the ride, creating multidimensional conversations within each topic. These dialogues often raise more questions than they answer, but such discussions reveal the deep human interest in navigating the unknown and the willpower it takes to continue the journey both on and off the screen. VERDICT Waldman's fun guide brings together a fascinating cast of experts to help readers discover the real-life influences behind science-fiction movies and TV shows.--Claire Sewell
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