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Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel
Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel | Mary Robinette Kowal
Mary Robinette Kowal's science fiction debut, The Calculating Stars, explores the premise behind her award-winning "Lady Astronaut of Mars." Locus Bestseller ListChicago Review of Books--Top 10 Science Fiction Books of 2018Goodreads--Most Popular Books Published in July 2018 (#66)The Verge--12 fantastic science fiction and fantasy novels for July 2018 Unbound Worlds--Best SciFi and Fantasy Books of July 2018Den of Geek--Best Science Fiction Books of June 2018Publishers Weekly--Best SFF Books of 2018Omnivoracious--15 Highly Anticipated SFF Reads for Summer 2018Past Magazine--Best Novels of 2018Bookriot--Best Science Fiction Books of 2018The Library Thing--Top Five Books of 2018On a cold spring night in 1952, a huge meteorite fell to earth and obliterated much of the east coast of the United States, including Washington D.C. The ensuing climate cataclysm will soon render the earth inhospitable for humanity, as the last such meteorite did for the dinosaurs. This looming threat calls for a radically accelerated effort to colonize space, and requires a much larger share of humanity to take part in the process.Elma York's experience as a WASP pilot and mathematician earns her a place in the International Aerospace Coalition's attempts to put man on the moon, as a calculator. But with so many skilled and experienced women pilots and scientists involved with the program, it doesn't take long before Elma begins to wonder why they can't go into space, too. Elma's drive to become the first Lady Astronaut is so strong that even the most dearly held conventions of society may not stand a chance against her.
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LitsyEvents
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Repost for @TheSpineView

The April selection for the #LitsySciFiBookClub had changed to The Calculating Stars since the original choice, which was self-published, is not available at this time. Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list. Happy Reading! ❤️📖🛸

26 likes2 comments
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TheSpineView
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The April selection for the #LitsySciFiBookClub had changed to The Calculating Stars since the original choice, which was self-published, is not available at this time. Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list. Happy Reading! ❤️📖🛸

@Larkken @Deblovestoread @bnp @Johanna414 @BookmarkTavern @julesG @sebrittainclark @BookBelle84 @Readergrrl @CSeydel @Roary47

BethM I was able to get this one! 2d
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Karisimo I‘ve read and enjoyed the first two of this series so I think I‘ll go on and read the third! 2d
PageShifter I found the book 😊 2d
LeeRHarry Woohoo my library has this one! 😊 1d
BookmarkTavern I can‘t wait to get started! 💙 1d
53 likes7 comments
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TheSpineView
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IndoorDame I loved this!!! But I haven‘t read the follow ups yet cause I keep hearing they‘re disappointing. Were you a fan? 4mo
TheSpineView @IndoorDame The 2nd book didn't meet the mark, in my opinion. The 3rd book was much better. 4mo
IndoorDame @TheSpineView good to know, thanks 4mo
Eggs Sounds good 👌🏼 4mo
51 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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traa
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6 likes1 stack add
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TheSpineView
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Looks good!! 10mo
Eggs 🩵🖤💙 10mo
50 likes4 comments
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Jas16
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Pickpick

An alternative history set in the 1950s in which a meteorite causes climate disaster and launches a race into space in order to colonize Mars. Elma wants to be an astronaut but despite her qualifications being female means being relegated to support roles. This wasn‘t at all what I was expecting- I thought it would feel more sci-fi but the focus was on gender and race inequalities. I still really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book.

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TheSpineView
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#Movie2BookRecs @klou
Prompt: October Sky

44 likes2 comments
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claudiuo
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Pickpick

An alternate timeline in which a meteor strike brings up the need to colonize the Moon or Mars that starts with developing space flight in the 1950s. An excellent read, full of love of flight, both airplanes and rockets. Really enjoyed!

To make things better this was both my August #BookSpin and my July #Roll100 pick. And it helped me advance in the Q3 #PromptMaze (no arrows, just covers in the image). Yay! 😁

@TheAromaOfBooks @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Yay! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Love a book that forwards multiple challenges!!! 2y
26 likes2 comments
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nocto
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Pickpick

This was completely fabulous. I don‘t quite do New Years resolutions but have a plan to try and read a bit more across some different genres in 2022. Picked pretty much randomly from the library this is a fun and interesting story in an alternative timeline where a meteor hits Washington DC in the 1950s and the space race accelerates as Earth becomes inhospitable to life. I‘m pleased there are more books in the series.

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nocto
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I'm totally cheating myself a good start to 2022 as I already have three of these partially read for my January #bookspin list 🤣 Happy New Year! 🥳

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julesG
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My June pick for #12Booksof2021 is the first book in The Lady Astronaut series. @Andrew65

@Crazeedi @Lizpixie

Andrew65 I need to read this. 2y
Crazeedi Looks very interesting!! 2y
Ruthiella I‘m also hoping to start this series next year. 2y
TNbookworm Such a good book! 2y
50 likes4 comments
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thewallflower0707
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We just finished decorating our Christmas Tree 🎄, and I decided it‘s a good moment to open my #Jolabokaflod swap present. Thank you @kaysworld1 for the book, the card and the chocolate 🍫! To answer your question, Germans traditionally open their presents 🎁 this evening, and before that, I‘m doing a highlights of the year quiz with my parents. Tomorrow, we‘ll have a big lunch with my grandparents.

#MerryChristmas #presents #newbook

TrishB Lovely ♥️ 2y
27 likes1 comment
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ads0123
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Pickpick

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I can‘t wait to dive into the next one in the series!

#TBRRead #WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs

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underground_bks
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Pickpick

It‘s 1952 and a meteorite has just taken out Washington DC. WWII pilot and mathematician Elma York survives only to realize that cataclysm will eventually render the planet uninhabitable. Joining the International Aerospace Coalition as a computer, Elma aspires to be an astronaut, but her flight to the stars will involve facing sexism, racism, her own privilege, and her anxiety disorder. I had a (rocket) blast reading this Nebula & Hugo winner!

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BookmarkTavern
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History, but slightly to the left. 📜

1. Tagged! I‘ve heard this is really good.
2. The electing in 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote, but Hayes won the electoral college by one vote. 😱
3. I think both can be good, but I‘d prefer something more hopeful.

#SundayFunday Have a great day and don‘t forget to tag me!

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TheSpineView
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#Movie2BookRecs @Klou
Prompt: Laura Dern

Klou Great job!! 3y
59 likes2 comments
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BayouGirl85
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed Elma's characters. She is this WASP pilot who is so rockin' in the cockpit but in her daily life she struggles like every woman/wife. I loved the alternate reality of the 1950-60s with a twist to the space race. I did feel like I wanted more at the end.

June Book 23/25 #LitsyLove #bookspinbingo

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julesG
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Pickpick
melissanorr I read a historical paranormal book by her and enjoyed it. I'll have to check this out. 3y
julesG @melissanorr I'll have to check those out then. 😉 3y
45 likes2 comments
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julesG
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Chapter 34 before heading to an appointment. Busy morning already. My Zen moment, balancing the coffee mug on my knee while the #GhostCat settled herself in my lap. 🎉

#JoysOfJune #readathon @Andrew65

Ruthiella Excellent balancing act! 👏 👏 👏 3y
julesG @Ruthiella Thank you. It was more than half full at that moment. 🧘🏻‍♀️ 3y
GingerAntics Just noticed the mug is on your knee. Very impressive not knocking it over. 3y
71 likes3 comments
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julesG
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Currently listening to this. I picked it based on the author and had no expectations whatsoever. So far, about 25% in, it exceeds my expectations. 😁

#audiobook #JoysOfJune #readathon @Andrew65

Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
sprainedbrain I really liked this book! 3y
julesG @sprainedbrain Did you read the sequels? 3y
sprainedbrain Not yet, but I plan to. 3y
69 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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sprainedbrain
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Pickpick

I bought these books earlier this year for my #NewYearWhoDis reading from my (stellar) list from @TheKidUpstairs 🥰

I‘m a little late, and I still need to get to Megan‘s favorite (3rd in series), but I really enjoyed this book! What a fascinating alternate history: the meteorite strike was such a compelling opening, the characters were fun, the math jokes and nerdiness were on point, and the drama was great. Looking forward to more!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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xicanti
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More keema, this time alongside THE CALCULATING STARS. I‘ve read and enjoyed Kowal before, but this book‘s first 50 pages have got me EXCITED. I think it‘ll be the perfect thing to help me work past my Karin Lowachee hangover.

BkClubCare Fun book 😊 3y
xicanti @BkClubCare I hope the sequel comes in for me soon. I want more! 3y
42 likes2 comments
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kwmg40
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I'm at 6 hours and 35 minutes for the #20in4 readathon.

This weekend, I'm concentrating on the Hugo/Lodestar nominees which were announced recently. I'm a voting member again this year, and I'm currently reading the second book in The Lady Astronaut series.

#hugoawards #hugo2021 #ShutdownRound3
@Andrew65 @DieAReader

Andrew65 Going well 👏👏👏 3y
DieAReader Doing good👏🏻👏🏻 3y
MsMelissa How did the vaccine go? Any side effects? 3y
kwmg40 @Andrew65 @DieAReader Thanks for your encouragement!

@MsMelissa I felt tired and achy all of yesterday but I'm pretty much back to normal today! Thanks for asking.
3y
34 likes4 comments
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Skeeterisme
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Pickpick

I think I‘m in love 🚀☄️👩‍🚀💫

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IamIamIam
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Bailedbailed

This is just not for me. Moving on!!!

MayJasper Sometimes you just have to move on 👍 3y
IamIamIam @MayJasper So true! I really like the concept, especially after reading Hidden Figures, but the writing isn't grabbing me! 3y
Traci1 You didn't miss anything. I finished it but wish I'd given up. 3y
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IamIamIam @Traci1 Oh no!!! I'm just glad I got it for free!!! Lol, I really checked out when she was talking about watching the muscles in her husband's forearm ripple when he was oiling potatoes for dinner... 🙄🙄🙄 NEXT!!! 3y
Angitron Same! I just couldn‘t get into this. And it started out so strong! 3y
IamIamIam @Angitron It really did have such promise!!! 😤 3y
35 likes6 comments
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IamIamIam
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So... I'm 13 chapters into this and it's losing me... not with the science, but with the silly sexual asides that seem to be thrown in there to keep readers engaged who may not be into all the science and calculations. The foreplay and sex involving a rocket discussion a few chapters ago almost made me call it off for good. There are a lot of characters named but with no substance so I'm getting confused. She's no Hiaasen...

Bookwormjillk I bailed on this one but my work buddy keeps telling me it‘s really good. I‘ll probably give it another try? Maybe? 3y
IamIamIam @Bookwormjillk I only just realized it's the first in a series which makes sense if you're dragging to establish characters but I don't like the asides either. The concept is keeping me, not the writing! "He rubbed the potatoes with oil and I watched the muscles in his arm rippling." ?? 3y
32 likes2 comments
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Kboltz
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Pickpick

First in the series of three, Elma is a WW2 pilot and when a meteorite hits Earth everything on Earth is changed. The race to get to outer space is accelerated in this story that mixes history, science, and the fight for women to be seen as equals. Good story and I will probably read the next two.

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alvingregorio
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Mehso-so

The story is predictable but satisfying . The characters are interesting and the read was supersonic. The low rating has to do with the unfortunate luck of being read after an amazing book. I will likely read the sequel.

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TheSpineView
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#20Series20Days @Andrew65

Absolutely loved The Lady Astronaut series! It stars with The Calculating Stars, continues with The Fated Sky and The Rentless Moon. ❤📚👍❣💜💙💚📚

Andrew65 Ooh this looks good. 4y
58 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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IamIamIam
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Starting this while I wait for my eye exam... I might have put off getting my license renewed for a few weeks... 😬😬😬 🚔🚔🚔

vivastory Breakin the law, breakin the law 😂 4y
IamIamIam @vivastory 🤣🤣🤣 Living on the edge!!! 4y
28 likes2 comments
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Johanna414
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It's the first night of my husband's 2 week vacation (and literally the first time we've been off work at the same time ever - we're supposed to be on a 5th anniversary/belated honeymoon right now 😞😞😞) and the plan was to start a new show tonight... but someone can't stay awake while putting the kids to bed! So instead I've got a date with some Lady Astronauts 😉

CallMeIshmael Been there 4y
ErinSBecker Happy anniversary! 💐 4y
UwannaPublishme Happy Anniversary! ❤️ 4y
47 likes1 stack add3 comments
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silentrequiem
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Anybody who was wanting to read the Lady Astronaut books but hadn't yet, the first two are on sale today for $2.99 each! These are hands down my favorite reads from 2018, and I devoured book 3 in less than a day when it released earlier this month.

#dealalert

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fazamrd

"I laughed, because sometimes you have to, even when things aren‘t funny."

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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Alternate historical sci-fi revolving around the early days of space flight following a devastating meteorite strike. Focusing on smart, vulnerable, brave, awesome female characters.

75 likes3 stack adds
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Insightsintobooks
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#freebook For books

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BookmarkTavern
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In preparation for The Relentless Moon coming out on July 14, Tor‘s Book Club of the Month is offering the first Lady Astronaut Book for free mobi or ePub download until 11:59 PM ET, June 26th.

Available only in the US and Canada.

https://ebookclub.tor.com #torbookclub

67 likes2 stack adds
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claudiuo

This is Tor's free ebook of the month and it is available starting today until 11:59 PM ET, June 26th.

https://ebookclub.tor.com/

#freebook

11 likes1 stack add
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AthenaWins
Pickpick

Oh man. I didn't expect to love this book. I thought I was in for a generally entertaining ride. Nope! This book is amazing. It's filled with emotion and tension and a major cast of fantastic characters. Must read!

31 likes1 stack add
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Sharpeipup
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Enjoying a decadent root beer float while starting a new book.

29 likes1 stack add
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wanderinglynn
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#thoughtfulthursday

✈️🌏 my move. I was supposed to move in April, then it got pushed to May. But I should be finally happening next month
📚 I just started the tagged
💛 well, since I live alone, technically everything I do is just for me 😂

Thanks for the tag @TheSpineView @MoonWitch94

Have you played @ozma.of.oz @hes7 @StaceyKondla @PathfinderNicole @kezzlou85 @PickwickPlockPlock

Mitch That‘s good news ..... so glad you‘re not completely off track. ✈️ 4y
wanderinglynn @Mitch they had to get a waiver to make the June move happen. Otherwise, I probably wouldn‘t be moving until fall. 4y
MoonWitch94 Oh that‘s great news about your move!! FINALLY you‘ll get to go!!! ☺️ That is true about living alone 🤣 Thanks for playing 4y
eeclayton I've recently read The Calculating Stars. Looking forward to your review. 4y
55 likes5 comments
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eeclayton
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Mehso-so

There's a lot going on in this book: alt-history, an extinction event, a space program, sexism, racism, anxiety, a Jewish heritage, and of course, Lady Astronauts. While all of these are important and interesting, I feel that less would be more.

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Honeybeebooks
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Pickpick

Thoroughly enjoyable. Detail and pace were used to good effect to demonstrate Elma‘s exquisite mind and the catalyst and drive to reach space. The “isms” and limitations of the 1950‘s are noted but glossed over. It is forgivable. It may not be wishful thinking that we would recognize and value everyone in a global emergency.

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Mindelan
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Pickpick

I just finished this and immediately downloaded the sequel. Having the main character simultaneously coping with anxiety, constant micro-aggressions and coming to terms with being in a racist system really filled out the narrative for me and made it feel genuine. And I loved how she and the other women banded together and burned men to the ground whenever they tried to assert any of the women were less capable or skilled.

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Cortg
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Pickpick

Looking forward to our book club discussion this afternoon! It sounds like everyone really enjoyed the book even though many were skeptical to read a “Sci-fi” book. I loved the characters, the 1950‘s setting and even though women have made significant strides in the workforce, in someways it‘s very much the same as it‘s always been. I‘m looking forward to the sequel and book 3 comes out in July. I may also check out the novellas. 😀

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Cortg
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Had to get up early to make sure the kiddo was out the door by 7am for Science Olympiad, giving me a few hours of quiet time to start this next read before the next kid needs to get up to help with an Eagle project and I venture over to help with the high school musical props and set. Happy Saturday, it‘s going to be a great day!

MidnightBookGirl Sounds like a busy day! Love this cover!!! 4y
ShyBookOwl Great book and I loved the sequel even more! 4y
Cortg @ShyBookOwl Good to know! This is a book club book since we haven‘t read a Sci fi book yet. @MidnightBookGirl The cover screams bad-ass STEM women! ❤️ 4y
See All 6 Comments
Crazeedi Warning!! Busy Saturday ahead! 😉 4y
Cortg @Crazeedi ALWAYS a busy Saturday, but they‘ll be off living on their own in a couple years so I‘m making the best of it now 😉 4y
Crazeedi @Cortg yes the time goes quickly, so savor each day❤❤ 4y
46 likes6 comments
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TheSpineView
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Pickpick

My review of The Calculating Stars is now on my blog at www.thespineview.com. It is an alternative history/Sci-Fi novel about Elma York a young, brilliant mathematician who wants to become an astronaut. A meteor strikes the east coast and at first causes harsh winters then goes onto cause global warming that will lead to extinction if mankind does not colonize the stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

wanderinglynn Great review! An off-topic question: what platform do you use for your blog? 4y
Cortg Thanks for the review! My book club is reading this soon!
4y
TheSpineView @wanderinglynn Word Press and the host is Blue Host. I am very happy with both. BTW, I did my own design. It is a hobby and didn't want to spend tons of money and I like a more simple and sleek look. 4y
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TheSpineView @Cortg You're welcome! 4y
wanderinglynn That‘s why I asked! I love the design. I use WP too, but too lazy to do my own design. I just use one of their template designs. 4y
71 likes6 comments
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beaconhillbooks
Pickpick

3.5 stars

5 likes1 stack add
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TheSpineView
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#friyayintro @howjessreads @4thhouseontheleft

📘 It is between LOTR and Heir of Fire.
📘 The Calculating Stars
📘👍

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Amie
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Pickpick

I rarely read science fiction, but I loved this. It's over 400 pages, but it went quickly. My book club is reading it, and I am interested in what they'll all think of it because it's very different from our typical books. I will definitely read the sequel.

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meowmeowd
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Pickpick

I usually don‘t like stories that happen before the ‘80s, especially when the norm is to diss women and minorities but this one wasn‘t too bad probably because of the space storyline. Was a little slow though. I thought it was going to be more sci-fi-ish but it was OK. Probably won‘t read the sequel.