Book description
Kelly Weinersmith's A City on Mars is a tour-de-force of curiosity, wit and hard science that will make even the most seasoned space junkie pause for a breath-and a laugh. The book arrives on a wave of accolades-New York Times bestseller, Hugo winner, Scientific American #1 Book of 2023-but its real power lies in how it turns the lofty idea of colonizing other worlds into something you can discuss over coffee or binge-watching with friends.
From the very first page, Weinersmith pulls readers out of the usual "future-is-now" narrative and throws them into a realistic, sometimes uncomfortable, look at what it would actually take to build a city on Mars. The tone is refreshingly conversational: she asks whether babies can be born in microgravity, if corporations should govern new settlements, or even why astronauts seem to develop an obsession with taco sauce. Each question is answered with a blend of rigorous research and the kind of dry humor that made Soonish such a hit.
What sets this book apart is its balance between optimism and caution. It's not a doom-prophecy; it doesn't pretend we're already on the cusp of space tourism. Instead, Weinersmith lays out the science behind life support, radiation shielding, and even legal frameworks for "space cannibalism" (yes, that's a thing she tackles). She also considers the social side: how would families thrive on a planet with no day-night cycle, and what might happen if we start treating space as a new frontier of inequality?
The illustrations by the beloved creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal add a playful visual layer that complements the prose. They're not just cute; they help explain complex concepts-like how a "Peak of Eternal Light" on the Moon would become a housing crisis in a way that feels almost cinematic.
In short, A City on Mars is a compelling guidebook and a thought-provoking essay rolled into one. It invites you to imagine a future where humanity steps beyond Earth, while also asking whether we're ready for the responsibilities that come with it. Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a science nerd, or just someone who loves a good story about our place in the cosmos, this book will leave you both entertained and deeply reflective-exactly what a bestseller should do.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience