The Calculating Stars cover art

The Calculating Stars

A Lady Astronaut Novel

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The Calculating Stars

By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal
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About this listen

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. Fiction Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Exploration Interstellar Aviation US Air Force Social justice Air Force
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The story had promise but the whimpering main character and cringeworthy attempts at romantic/sex scenes almost laughable.

Disappointing

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This book really helps in terms of understanding the things that, as a white guy, you don't have to deal with. It can be frustrating at times because of this, because people questioning competence as a default for the characters in this story; however it is absolutely worth feeling that frustration to understand others' perspectives and the role privilege plays in everyday experience.

Excellent Excersise in Understanding Privilege

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But author’s narration is grating. The heroine’s voice is so tentative and goes up at the end way too much. Male voice attempts not good, better to just read.

Interesting

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Performance incredible by the author. 😍 Love the 1950s style of speaking and accents that they’ve used consistently throughout. This is the first audiobook I have ever finished. Outstanding.

I chose to consume this book via audiobook because of the performance in the preview

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Blown away by narration only to realise at the end it was the author. Bravo. Will be getting sequel.

Captivating

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This was one of the most inspiring and beautiful books I’ve read period. Thoroughly deserving of its multiple awards.

Beautiful

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The performance was great, a good story with some interesting ways of thinking about the future

Great story, enjoyed it.

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she could have been more forcefull fighting for woman in space and that persons of colour were being excluded

colonies on the moon ?without any woman?

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Interesting story about the early space era (1950s USA), set in an alternate history where a meteorite demolishes part of the country. As well as a space story, it's a challenging look at the sexism and racism of the times. Good story and characters, well-written, well acted.

interesting story set in challenging times

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Love it, story, and narration looking for a number two though!! Was interesting especially being set in the 50’s

Great

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