In December 1968, propelled by the most powerful machine ever built, humans escaped Earth's gravity for the first time and traveled to the moon. Nobody had ever before travelled beyond low-Earth orbit. Apollo 8 is probably the riskiest endeavor ever undertaken by NASA, and this book tells the story in an exciting and compelling way. This Christmas Eve marks the 50th anniversary of the mission orbiting the moon 10 times. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
A friend recommended this book to me and I liked it so much that I read it in a day while traveling. Those who believe the government does some great things will like it. Others may not. It gets a nod here because it contains a major section on the importance of NOAA and National Weather Service and the need to integrate social science and improved messaging into their weather products.
I read this a couple of years ago, but it is worth a mention here as it is a mind-boggling tale of exploration and survival that will make your backcountry ski adventures seem like a picnic in the park.
This is a free blog with no advertisements, so allow me an occasional shameless self promotion. That being said, it does make a good Christmas present.
If you like endurance, check out Mawson's expedition "alone on the ice" by Roberts http://iplay.google.com/store/books/details?id=HUrzmU4YJkcC
ReplyDeleteEndurance is so incredible. Alone on the Ice sounds really good too. https://www.denverpost.com/2013/01/24/book-review-alone-on-the-ice-by-david-roberts-is-a-chilling-tale-2/
ReplyDeleteI have read each of these and they are all good choices. My wife got me "Secrets..." last year for Christmas and it is excellent, especially if you ski/ride in UT. I keep it at our condo in Solitude and at least half the people who pick it up order their own.
ReplyDeleteDon't be bashful about plugging your book - it's well written and a great read for those who like the outdoors in winter, and understanding what forces bring us the greatest snow on earth.