"Earth is not well. The promise of starting life anew somewhere far, far away -- no climate change, no war, no Twitter -- beckons, and settling the stars finally seems within our grasp. Or is it? Critically acclaimed, bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith set out to write the essential guide to a glorious future of space settlements, but after years of research, they aren't so sure it's a good idea. Space technologies and space business are progressing fast, but we lack the knowledge needed to have space kids, build space farms, and create space nations in a way that doesn't spark conflict back home. In a world hurtling toward human expansion into space, A City on Mars investigates whether the dream of new worlds won't create nightmares, both for settlers and the people they leave behind. In the process, the Weinersmiths answer every question about space you've ever wondered about, and many you've never considered.
"Can you make babies in space? Should corporations govern space settlements? What about space war? Are we headed for a housing crisis on the Moon's Peaks of Eternal Light -- and what happens if you're left in the Craters of Eternal Darkness? Why do astronauts love taco sauce? Speaking of meals, what's the legal status of space cannibalism?
"With deep expertise, a winning sense of humor, and art from the beloved creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal, the Weinersmiths investigate perhaps the biggest questions humanity will ever ask itself -- whether and how to become multiplanetary."
*****
I am 327 pages into this book, and, despite my childhood dreams, I am now convinced that it would be better to colonize Antarctica than Mars. I recommend everyone read this book ... and that we all begin to love this Earth more.
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Fairfield, California
June 16, 2024
----- Forwarded Message -----
For the Month of June 2024, I appear to be a bit ambitious, but it is doable. This month I want to read A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith and Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau. These two books are based on recommendations from people I know so I want to give them a try.
My middle daughter recommended A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? because it provides a sobering assessment of the prospects for humankind to find another world to exploit. I am halfway through the book, and I have become more sober. Perhaps, if others read this book, they will as well.
A new Amherst acquaintance not only recommended the book Searching for Zion: The Quest for Home in the African Diaspora, he actually sent me a copy. I will be meeting this new Amherst acquaintance for lunch on Juneteenth. I hope to discuss some of it with him there.
Hopefully, some will come along on the journey. As always, it should be quite a ride.
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
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