Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe by Mike Massimino

Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe by Mike Massimino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a stellar read! This was so unexpectedly inspirational and motivational. It's clear Mike Massimino is just a good human, regardless of being an astronaut. I was utterly charmed and captivated by his journey. Some moments were touching, others were terrifying. I was on the verge of tears so many times that I was a complete emotional wreck after finishing this book, but in a good way.

I always say I'm not the world's biggest fan of memoirs, but I think I've changed my mind across the course of the past couple of years. It has to be the right person, and the right story, and then I'm just all the way in. This is one of those absolutely right reads for ever so many reasons.

The added bonus on this one is that I accidentally learned all kinds of fascinating things I didn't know or never thought about, in regards to the journey to becoming an astronaut.

Pages: 320

Titanborn by Rhett C. Bruno

Titanborn by Rhett C. Bruno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So Audible recently had sci-fi week, and I clearly bought a bunch of books, which I'm now reading. This one surprised me and ended up being a pretty solid read.

I'm on the fence with whether or not I'm going to fork over the money to buy the rest of the audiobooks in the series or not. There's something that happens near the end of this story that makes me feel unsure if I would want to continue on with the series, so I'm going to wait a few days and see if my curiosity insists upon it, or not.

Pages: 282

Where the Hell is Tesla? by Rob Dircks

SCI-FI ODYSSEY. COMEDY. LOVE STORY. AND OF COURSE... NIKOLA TESLA.

I'll let Chip, the main character tell you more: "I found the journal at work. Well, I don't know if you'd call it work, but that's where I found it. It's the lost journal of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors and visionaries ever. Before he died in 1943, he kept a notebook filled with spectacular claims and outrageous plans. One of these plans was for an "Interdimensional Transfer Apparatus" - that allowed someone (in this case me and my friend Pete) to travel to other versions of the infinite possibilities around us. Crazy, right? But that's just where the crazy starts." 

CHIP'S OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction: the events depicted in the collection of emails did not happen. I have never been in contact with a covert government group attempting to suppress knowledge of the lost journal of Nikola Tesla. I have not been threatened with death if I divulge the secrets contained inside. They did not buy me this handsome jacket (oh crap, you're reading this - trust me, it looks great on me). They did not come to my place, and liquor me up, and offer to publish this book as a sci-fi comedy novel to throw the public off the trail of the real truth. 

Or did they? 

I'm kidding. Of course they didn't. 

Or did they? 

God, I can't keep my big mouth shut. 


You guys.  This book was sheer fun.  There is no depth.  No message.  Just fun.  The dialogue is sharp, the characters interesting, and the premise unique.  What more could you ask for?!  I'll definitely be reading book #2.

396 pages

5/5

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this book to be so funny, and I especially loved how analytical Mark is in some moments, while in others he just throws caution to the wind and hopes for the best. It's like he can only take so much of the procedures and rules before he goes with his gut, which is a compelling contrast.

The audiobook for this is A+. I was stressed out the whole time I read this, but in the best sort of way.

I also really enjoyed how technical this sci-fi novel is, while still being charming and emotional. Honestly, I felt like I was right there with Mark, while he sorted through issues and made all his calculations. I even caught myself nodding along a few times like-- you're right, Mark. You've got this, Mark. But the reality is I was no better than a cheerleader.

The book made me feel like I understood his predicaments and how to resolve them, but on a highly technical level, I didn't. I can step back now and admit that, but in the moment, I was with Mark through all of his logic and math sessions to sort out his solutions. I think that is the true power of this book. It made me feel like I could be a botanical, engineering, martian, wizard, when the reality is that I absolutely cannot. However, during the 369 pages of this book, I absolutely could.

I think that's why people love this book.

Book 271 read in 2018

Pages: 369

Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3)

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman  (Book 3 - YA Sci-Fi)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this had some action and intrigue, as well as some fun new characters, but it still didn't touch book one. It was just a bit too jumpy and convoluted. I know that's partly the format, but we switched so much between the characters from all 3 books/worlds/ships, that instead of it being fun and exciting to see our old characters, I never really settled in well with the new characters, even though I wanted to.

It's still a decent read, but it fell short of my hopes and expectations. Sometimes less is more, and I think this is one of those instances where less would have made this a more solid reading experience. Despite so much going on in this book, I often felt myself being bored or disconnected, which on some level makes no sense, when I just told you the plot is all over the place (and in theory should have kept me busy and paying attention).

Book 235 read in 2018

Pages: 615

Gemina by Amie Kaufman

Gemina by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

This is my 2nd time through this one, and while I still love the concept and the interesting characters, there is still something about this one that just doesn't flow as well for me. It doesn't quite touch the awesome space that book one lives in, even though I do still love the format. It also has pretty good world building, and some interesting sci-fi and space time concepts.

I can't quit put my finger on the disconnect. The first time I read it, I thought maybe it was me and I was being a poor reader. This time through, I realized it's not me, or at least it's not be being a bad reader. This just doesn't click in and fit easily like book one. I got confused a lot more, found myself rewinding more, and I had trouble connecting to and remembering some of the side characters.

It's a solid effort, and still has a unique plot. But I can't love it in the way I loved book 1.

Book 227 read in 2018

Pages: 659

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Oh, AIDAN. Such a fascinating and twisted character. We reread this book on our day trip to Astoria, OR. It was also fantastic the 2nd time through.

Book 220 read in 2018

Pages: 602

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
Wow! Just. . . So. Much. Wow! A thousand stars. My mind was blown. This is the best science-fiction novel I’ve read in a long time!

The format is unique, offered as a series of collected reports, online conversations, video feeds, and research, after an extremely deadly occurrence among a small planetary civilization, a fleet of government ships, and corporate terrorists.

I listened to this on audiobook (at double speed, which added to the excitement), and I highly recommend that format, as it comes with different readers for different materials, as well as sound effects which add to the whole experience. However, I feel certain I will go back and read this in print, in the future, so I can study the style and writing concept further.

It’s YA, but I recommend this to anyone who loves Sci-Fi or space fantasy, or anyone who is genre flexible and likes to try new and interesting books.

The Martian by Andy Weir

As part of a summer reading challenge, I was required to read a science fiction novel. Science fiction is not a genre I read. Period. So I went to my well-versed sci fi reading coworkers for a suggestion, and their suggestion was The Martian by Andy Weir. I could not be more thankful for their suggestion! It was funny, dark, complicated, and thoroughly engaging. It was so much better than I ever expected. 375 pages.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There's nothing quite so painful as desperately awaiting the arrival of a preordered book, only to read it and find you're not really enjoying it and can't wait for it to end.

There's a lot I could say about why this story was a complete disconnect for me, but I may actually be too sad and disappointed to say any of it.

Luckily, every single other person who read this seems to have absolutely loved it, so you should probably just disregard my opinion in this instance.

There was one new character that I adored and was fascinated by. However, I will confess that despite the tedious storyline, with multiple parts, some of which go nowhere as slowly as possible, the most upsetting thing for me was that this story made me dislike and lose interest in a character that used to be a favorite.

Ugh. I feel a book depression coming on. Send chocolate. Or a book that doesn't feel like a chore to get through. *cries a million pretty tears of despair*

Really unpopular opinion time: this actually deserves 2 stars from me, but I just can't do it. I still love the world, and it hurts too much to give it less than 3 stars. At this point, I figure I've suffered enough, just by having read the whole thing, so 3 stars it is.

Book 54 read in 2018

Pages: 600

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I confess I'm disappointed after book one. The storyline was convoluted, and this lacked a lot of the clever charm and humor of book one. Sure, there's still some amusing things that happen or get said here and there, but overall, I just couldn't wait for this book to end, despite some moments of interest. As a result, I don't suspect I continue on to book 3.

Book 43 read in 2018

Pages: 250

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide, #1)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is sci-fi novel is clever, amusing, and full of voice. I was taken with it from the first moment and listened devotedly until the last second. The contrast between characters and their personalities, even the robots, is so well done and adds a lot of humor and variety to the story.

I have to confess that I didn't know this was a series, and I can't believe I haven't read it before now. Anyway, I thought I would just knock this off my list fast, but as it turns out, I now want to read the next 5 books in the series, which increased my TBR, instead of decreasing it as planned. But oh well. I can't be unhappy about such a stellar series.

Pages: 193

The Empress by S.J. Kincaid

The Empress by S.J. Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy. Wow. I love when a second book stands up and delivers. YA Sci-Fi is so wickedly delightful these days.

Nemesis should be my new bestie (sorry Laurie!). I mean she's absolutely ruthless when it comes to protecting Tyrus, and I love that. At the same time, for being considered as something less than human, she's so painfully human that it's almost uncomfortable at times.

And that ending. It was like plot twists upon plot twists upon plot twists. My brain is still swirly from how many unexpected moments occurred in just the last few chapters.

I am in love with this series. The only negative is that I have to wait another year to get my hands on book 3, and I'm desperate for it right now.

Pages: 378

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I absolutely loved this YA space Sci-Fi. This story is exciting, fast-paced, and it has a well developed world--no--universe, that's embroiled in interstellar war. The storyline includes visits to several interesting planets, all with unique side characters.

The story is told from 2 POVs. One is a human girl, Noemi, a flyer sworn to protect her low-tech planet of Genesis by sacrificing her own life for the good of all. The other is a mech boy (artificial intelligence), created by a brilliant earthling. The mech has been stranded in space for 30 years, due to an unexpected chain of events. I won't say more, because spoilers, but the story is captivating from the first moment.

The audiobook is fantastic, with 2 readers, one for each POV.

Pages: 503

United by Melissa Landers

United by Melissa Landers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a satisfying conclusion to an enjoyable series. I'm happy I read this trilogy. It's sci-fi, but it somehow still manages to be light. It's fast paced and easy to read with memorable characters.

Pages: 317

Starflight by Melissa Landers

Summary: "Former high school enemies Solara Brooks and Doran Spaulding must team up when they find themselves aboard a renegade spaceship."

Oh.My.Gosh. I LOVED Starflight! What a fun and refreshing read! This novel has everything I love: 

• band of misfits, 
• enemies to lovers trope, 
• a lost princess, 
• cage fights, 
• adventure, 
• space exploration, 
• pirates --- 
• SPACE PIRATES!

What more could you ask for from a novel? I can't explain all the good parts of this book without spoiling it, but it was a solid read!

I am eagerly anticipating the next novel, Starfall, due out next February! 

359 pages

The Martian by Andy Weir

Confession: I watched the movie before I read the book. 

Therefore, I pictured many of the characters as they were depicted and portrayed in the movie. Luckily, they matched up pretty easily! Also, the movie sets/scenes allowed my brain to concentrate on the technical details of the novel, rather than trying to imagine images of Mars all on my own. 

I particularly loved Mark's voice, spirit, determination and humor. It was also oddly inspiring, as if Mark can figure out how to survive on Mars, then I can certainly get a few simple things done here on Earth!

Conclusion: I loved this book!

369 pages