Out of This World, Sort Of

When you grow up watching Star Trek with your dad and sister, then marry a guy who also loves the show (and all its sequels), you definitely romanticize the notion of space travel. High-tech combinations of five-star hotels staffed by nerds so brilliant they're cool--what's not to love? Well, in typical Mary Roach fashion, my preconceived ideas were dashed. She dispels the myth of the sleek astronaut life and boils it down in all sorts of ways . . . from how crews are selected to the decidedly unglamorous realities of living in space, all with her signature wit. Once upon a time I fantasized about going to space. Let's just say I don't anymore.