What readers think of Orbital, plus links to write your own review.

'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey, with its 207 pages, is a thought-provoking journey that does not pretend to be something it is not. It takes us into the minds of astronauts and cosmonauts as they float around the Earth, sharing their profound thoughts about what they see. This deep and existential narrative values introspection over dramatic events, a style that may not appeal to everyone but certainly left me with a lot to ponder.

While we often ponder the moon landing and the search for life on Earth, 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey takes a different approach. It prompts us to consider the implications of encountering other beings and what that means for our place in the universe. The book Sailors of the Stars focuses on Earth and its appearance from the outside, a perspective few will experience, reinforcing our secure place in this world.

As a 9-year-old, when the Challenger exploded, I didn't dwell much on its impact on the space travel industry. But Samantha Harvey, the author of 'Orbital, 'delves deep into this existential question. What did it mean? Her contemplation extends to the very purpose of space travel, often meandering in thought to the point of losing the reader.

Still, there is some beautiful imagery here. If you have difficulty imagining what Earth would look like from the International Space Station, Harvey paints a picture. The astronauts are learning as they go, which means we are, too. They stand in awe of how they see the Earth and recognize different countries and borders. Some have more extended tours of duty than others.

I have more friends doing reading challenges than I previously imagined, so a short but deep work like this will serve its lofty purpose. You will love its universal message and understand its profound significance to humanity.