[Johnson] presents efficient thumbnails of astronomers like Percival Lowell, who popularized the idea of visible 'canals' on Mars as evidence of an alien civilization; Carl Sagan, who suggested that big, turtlelike organisms 'are not only possible on Mars; they may be favored'; and Maria Zuber, the only woman among the 87 investigators on the 1996 Mars Global Surveyor science team. Along the way, you come to appreciate the astonishing ingenuity required to safely send rovers the size of Mini Coopers several hundred million kilometers through a frozen vacuum, land them on another planet and drive them around by remote control. Most compelling are Johnson’s memories of formative moments.

... vivid.

As [Johnson] displays the love of discovery that drives so much scientific inquiry, it’s easy to cheer her on.

Johnson details her call to science as a girl, her experiences as a female scientist, and how her involvement with Mars began in 2004 when, as a graduate student, she went to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California to observe the rovers Curiosity and Opportunity as they roamed the Martian terrain. A heady and thoughtful history for space and science buffs..

Part natural history of Mars and part personal story, this narrative is accessible and eloquent, making it essential for armchair explorers and Mars enthusiasts. Johnson’s journey is also inspiring to women interested in S.T.E.M. careers..

... enthusiastic and lyrical.

In accessible and sometimes captivating language, Johnson tells the stories of the people and technologies driving these pioneering quests to study the red planet’s biochemical and geographical makeup. She also deftly unpacks the existential stakes that underlie scientists’ aspirations to demonstrate that humans are not alone in the universe. Blending professional and personal narratives in her discussions of major discoveries—e.g., Mars' surface once held water; Martian rock samples contain the elements required for life—she provides a lucid portrait of the countless challenges and breakthroughs of planetary science. The author also demonstrates how the field of extremophile biology is a key component in the Mars efforts. These recurring themes of optimism, persistence, and survival anchor the book and infuse Johnson’s writing with philosophical weight.