I was initially hesitant on the title (it makes sense after finishing the book), but I was intrigued by the cover and description so I gave this one a go.

I am glad I did because I had such a fun time reading this book. It was an action-packed, turbulent, fun and punny, story of a near-future race towards Mars between private and public organizations and the effects of that race on the our astronaut main characters.

As the story developed, we got to know the characters better and I appreciated that despite their intelligence, they are still messy and human, and occasionally make mistakes. One of my favourite aspects of any sci-fi story is exploring the human side of space travel and the dynamics of different personalities in difficult situations. It was great to see how the characters dealt with problems and made decisions, and how they dealt with the consequences of those decisions.

My main feedback would be that the story felt rushed between the climax and conclusion and I think could have benefited from more time leading up to the conclusion. Overall, though, this was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more stories from this author.

Tripping Toward Mars is a bit of a popcorn read; the writing has some of the breeziness of Project Hail Mary, but Addy’s moral conundrums feel much more contrived than those of PHM’s Ryland. I was much more interested in the dynamics of Scarlett’s and Nova’s life on reality TV than I was in Addy and Co’s pseudo-scientific endeavors, but unfortunately, Addy is the star of the book, and the plot revolves around all of his (self-created) problems. Not recommended for fans of scientific rigor, as the moral and ethical leaps the characters take, against the larger purposes of the mission, would get you immediately fired in the real world.

It's not very often that you read a science fiction book that is intentionally comedic, but this one absolutely nailed it!

Weaving in just enough science to keep my nerdy side interested, Tripping Toward Mars is really a story of what being trapped in close quarters for months on end does to the relationship of two married couples. Throw in some 'friendly' competition, a bit of family drama, and some psychedelics, and you've got one hell of a space romp.

I didn't like Zena from the beginning, and I was so pleased to learn that my dislike was 100% justified - tumultuous doesn't begin to describe that relationship!

Although Addy had his flaws, he was very lovable. The letter to Bria really shows his true feelings and the real depth of their relationship.

A really fun read, from start to finish!

An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
#36 for the year. Book #2 for February.

Introduction

Alright, folks, buckle up because we're not just talking about another book here; we're talking about a journey to Mars, my kind of journey. "Tripping Toward Mars" by Richmond Scott is a hard sci-fi novel; it's a testament to the human spirit, much like what they over at SpaceX envision for the colonization of Mars. So let's dive into this book, shall we?

Detailed Summary

"Tripping Toward Mars" isn't just a story; it's an adventure that mirrors the challenges and thrills of space exploration. It follows the tale of a crew sent to Mars, not just to explore but to establish some semblance of human life on the red planet. The narrative weaves through the trials of space travel, the psychological toll of isolation, and the groundbreaking science behind terraforming. It's a narrative filled with ingenuity, much like what Elon Musk is all about – pushing boundaries, breaking through the atmosphere of what's possible.



On the Spirit of Exploration:

"The book captures the essence of why we explore. It's not just about planting a flag on Mars; it's about expanding the consciousness of humanity. We're not just passengers in this universe; we're explorers."
This reminds me, we're not just going to Mars to visit; we're going to set up shop, make it home. That's what this book gets right.

On Overcoming Challenges:
"Every page turned in 'Tripping Toward Mars' feels like a new challenge, a new problem to solve. Just like when we're working on the next Falcon rocket or Starlink satellite – it's all about solving the unsolvable."
Scott really nails how every problem is an opportunity for innovation. That's the SpaceX way.

On the Isolation of Space:
"Space is lonely, man. This book doesn't shy away from that. But what it shows is how that isolation can breed incredible creativity, much like how our team thrives in the Mojave Desert, away from distractions."
Isolation isn't just a challenge; it's a catalyst for some of the best ideas.

On the Science of Terraforming:

"Richmond Scott's vision of terraforming Mars is bold, maybe a bit optimistic, but it's the kind of optimism I live for. If we can't terraform Mars, what's the point of dreaming big?"
This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking we need. If we don't dream of terraforming Mars, we'll never get there.

On the Human Element:
"The characters in this book are flawed, just like us. They're not superheroes; they're engineers, scientists, dreamers. That's what makes this story compelling – it's about real people doing extraordinary things."
Just like the team at SpaceX, it's the human element that will make Mars colonization a reality.

Ratings Breakdown
Plot: 4/5 - Engaging, with a narrative structure that keeps you wanting more.
Character Development: 4/5 - Characters are relatable and evolve, much like a real crew might on a long journey.
Scientific Accuracy: 3/5 - Takes some liberties, but the spirit is there. Real science in fiction is hard to balance.
Innovation & Creativity: 5/5 - The ideas in this book are as wild as the ones we're working on at SpaceX.
Overall Enjoyment: 4/5 - A solid read that resonates with anyone passionate about space.

Conclusion

"Tripping Toward Mars" by Richmond Scott it's not perfect, but perfection isn't what drives us; it's the pursuit of the impossible. This book captures that essence, the relentless push against the unknown, much like what is happening with both NASA and SpaceX. I'd say, if you're into the idea of making Mars not just a destination but a new beginning for humanity, this book is a must-read. It's an inspiring narrative that echoes the very dreams we're chasing.

To Mars we go!