Do they still align if you can't see them?

This Week's Recommendation

The Calculating Stars ~ Mary Robinette Kowal

In an alternate timeline, of an earth not unlike ours, a meteorite strikes earth off the coast of the U.S., destroying the capitol, and taking out much of the government. Elma York, a pilot and a gifted mathematician in a time where it is not socially acceptable or particularly believable for a woman to be either - steps into a pivotal role in this story that ambitiously tackles feminism, mental health, and racism (among other social issues) along with an excellent science fiction story line. 

I loved Elma. I loved Elma's husband for his unwavering support - and the way that both he and Elma learned, understood, and worked together through both of their shortcomings and challenges. I hated Stanton Parker and hated that I felt empathy for him. I loved Betty and then hated her and then came back around to thinking she wasn't so awful after all. 

Thought-provoking and vastly entertaining, The Calculating Stars is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. 

Read For: Historical (ish) fiction. Alternate timelines. Nerdery on an epic level. Badass female pilots. Representation. Characters dealing with mental health issues. Family. 

Warnings for: Period-typical sexism. Racism. Bullying. Mental Health issues.