Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you can't walk for a year? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 4,000 miles per hour? To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations -- making it possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA's new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Packing for Mars takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.

One Book One Marin Selection Process

Since its inception, One Book One Marin has opened the annual selection process to its committee members - attempting to cast a wide net to garner opinions and thought from as many community representatives as possible. The committee, comprised of one representative from each local library and community partner, has adapted the following criteria for the book selection:

To date, the committee has chosen books by authors who live in the Bay Area and have generously shared their time, speaking at two or more events. It is the committee's hope to chose authors who will continue to be generous with their time for One Book One Marin.

One Book One Marin wishes to raise library awareness and utilization and to build community through the act of reading a common book. Submissions for consideration are appreciated, as the selection process begins in the Spring of each year, with the official announcement of the title and author to be released in December.