How to Live on Mars

This guidebook for would-be Mars settlers is equal parts 'Mars-humor' and science fiction (the narrator was born on Mars in 2071); a satire highly critical of NASA; and a Loompanics-flavored manifesto of rugged individualism. Fans of vintage Robert A. Heinlein, particularly The Rolling Stones (Del Rey, 1977), will feel right at home here as they enjoy descriptions of practical situations that might actually be encountered: air circulation technologies; choice of 'habs'; pitfalls and scams that greenhorns should avoid. Enlivened by witty illustrations, the prose is both humorous and fact filled, with more technical and scientific information set aside in sections marked 'Warning: High Science Content.' Zubrin's presentation is clear and interesting but some might object that he puts no curbs on content like chemical recipes for explosives, and his Mars-based narrator's views are simplistic on complex Earth-based issues like global warming, bioengineering, and the value of government as a social contract. These topics could spark interesting classroom discussions. Valuable for teachers, this book is enjoyable and attractive for teens and will fascinate, provoke, and delight anyone interested in Mars and space settlement. --School Library Journal, Christine C. Menefee, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA Informative, irreverent, and just plain fun to read. On to Mars! --Ben Bova, author of Mars Life You'll marvel at possibilities, laugh out loud at clever inventions, and relish the tongue-lashing of our present times Zubrin delivers with high-velocity, clear prose. --Gregory Benford, author of The Martian Race I learned more about the science of Mars and the nature of freedom on the new space frontier than from a dozen straight-faced textbooks. And it's funny. This is Heinlein on helium. --Stephen Baxter, international bestselling author of Voyage