“Too Far From Home” by Chris Jones

On February 1, 2003 ten astronauts were orbiting the earth. Three on the International Space Station and 7 in the Space Shuttle “Columbia”. After Columbia’s tragic break up entering Earth’s atmosphere. Three American astronauts were stranded on the Space Station with no way home  due to the grounding of the shuttle fleet. Chris Jones tells the harrowing story of their survival, alone in space. For many of us on earth watching the news coverage of the shuttle disaster little was covered regarding the fate of the 3 stranded NASA astronauts. This book looks to cover that amazing story which is tragic, hopeful and filled with tension and unknown.

Martin Van Buren by Ted Widmer

Ok I had to take a break from all of those science fiction novels, especially after the weak Star Trek short story collection, “Constellations”. I decided to get back to some history and chose a biography of Martin Van Buren by Ted Widmer.  Van Buren who was president from 1873 to 1841 is not thought much of these days and he is often disregarded by most historians. However his life story and political weight warrants more attention dedicated readers. For one thing, Van Buren was one of the first to recognize to political potential of  Andrew Jackson and Van Buren subsequently played a vital role in helping Jackson obtain the presidency. Van Buren was awarded the vice presidency under Jackson where he faithfully served Jackson for 8 years. Van Buren won the presidency in his own right as Jackson’s hand picked successor. However, unlike Jackson, events controlled him, he did not control events. The Financial Panic of 1837 which stands as this nations greatest financial disaster erupted shortly after Van Buren’s election and clouded his entire time in the White House. If that was not bad enough the ugly head of slavery was brought to his desk with the events surrounding the Slave Ship “Amistad”. This short biography should be entertaining while shining some light on “The Little Magician”.  

Unfortunately I realize that many of you, my dedicated readers are bored by history and reading however I wanted to show you this short video. Did you know there was a whole episode of "Seinfeld" which featured our 8th president? Check it out dedicated readers.

"Star Trek - Constellations"

Ok I admit it. After the new Star Trek movie I can not stop thinking about the Star Trek universe. I have not read a good history or biography in a month or so but I just can't stop with the whole science fiction thing right now. After finishing "Fountains of Paradise" and "Star Trek - Countdown" I decided to read a Star Trek book which has been sitting in my library unread since 2006. "Star Trek - Constellations" is a 40th anniversary special which is a collection of short stories involving the original Star Trek series. I am not a huge fan of the short story format, however I decided to give this a try dedicated readers.

"Star Trek - Countdown"

I have not read a graphic novel in years but after seeing the new Star Trek movie five times (so far) I just had to check the graphic novel, "Star Trek - Countdown" out. This tells the story of Nero 25 years before the events told in the new movie. But wait a minute. If this takes place BEFORE Kirk and Spock's first mission how is Nero in the Next Generation universe. Only in Star Trek can stuff like this happen!

UPDATE: This is a 100 page or so graphic novel and I finished it in one reading. Although short it is worth the time if you enjoyed the movie as it really does fill in some of the back end of the plot and sets up Nero's downfall.