Earth is not well. The promise of starting life anew somewhere far, far away beckons, and settling the stars finally seems within our grasp. Or is it? 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.
An exceptional new piece of popular science ... Grim thoughts are tempered by levity: A City on Mars is hilarious. The breezy prose is studded with charming cartoons that illustrate everything ... Most of the book is devoted to fascinating, practical questions of colonization ... This book will make you happy to live on this planet — a good thing, because you’re not leaving anytime soon.
Despite their conclusion that humanity isn’t quite ready for life in space, the Weinersmiths’ passion and enthusiasm shine through every page of this absorbing, lively exploration.
Entertaining ... This book is, to put it simply, a romp ... Though the authors strike a humorous tone, they don’t neglect serious topics, and they do believe that one day space will be colonized. However, the timeline is centuries rather than decades, and there must be more focus on the practical realities than on visionary hyperbole. One way or another, this book has a lot to offer. A fun, informative read that puts the pop into popular science.
