
The Calculating Stars
A Lady Astronaut Novel
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Narrated by:
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Mary Robinette Kowal
Mary Robinette Kowal's science fiction debut, The Calculating Stars, explores the premise behind her award-winning Lady Astronaut of Mars.
Den of Geek - Best Science Fiction Books of June 2018
Omnivoracious - Fifteen Highly Anticipated SFF Reads for Summer 2018
On a cold spring night in 1952, a huge meteorite fell to earth and obliterated much of the East Coast of the US, including Washington, DC. 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.
©2018 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2018 Audible, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















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This book covers some really hard issues of the times; women's role in society, racial bias, and even anxiety attacks... it's all wrapped up in this amazing talent that kinda' reminds me of old-school science fiction. That's probably because it takes place in an alternate, 1950's Earth, peopled with all the characters and products you'd expect to find then... and it also includes a meteor impact of truly cataclysmic proportions!
Science and mathematics are really important in this post-meteor-impacted-Earth, as opposed to the old trope of societal collapse after the big "event". Where the story really distinguishes itself is that it's written from woman's POV as she and others try to end the intolerance and inequity of a patriarchal society, and go to work in fields that have traditionally been reserved only for men... and Mary Robinette Kowal accomplished this without giving the story an agenda-driven feel to it!!!
This is my new found favorite book of the year! If you enjoyed books like The Martian and Hidden Figures, you're going to love this one... Oh, and even better? The sequel will be released soon!
Simply Stellar storytelling, in every way!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
New found favorite book...
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Imagine a history where the space race began early
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Excellent
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Engaging characters, great story!
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I would rate it higher if I could
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The book is well researched, and a completely believable path to what might have been had the U.S. Space program begun earlier, and Washington been shipped out by a meteor in 1952.
Emma Wexler York is now my all time favorite southern Jewish lady computer "Astronette." Yes, at one time computer ( like typewriter) was actually a job title, one usually held by women. There was indeed a program to test and train women Astronauts, that was killed in the early 60's.
I love Emma as a trail blazing fictional role model, dealing with so many of the historic (and sadly still present) stereotypes the way she does in this book.
I would be remiss in not praising the narrating talents of the author. She is a superb and multi talented voice artist. There are not many authors who could pull off the marathon of their own book the way she has.
All praise to Mary Robinette Kowal!
A truly great listening experience!
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21st century quality sci fi and alternate history
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Worth the credit
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Happy listening!
Captivating
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Rather than preaching at the audience or belittling or vilifying large swaths of society, Kowal gives a breathtaking and very human perspective to overcoming adversity and achieving a goal. Also, strong science in the science fiction and believable alternate history.
Brilliant Novel, Profound First-Person Narrative
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