Entering Space: An Astronaut's Odyssey

I was browsing through a Half Price Books store a couple of years ago when this book caught my eye. The detail and insight astronaut Joseph Allen provides almost gives you the sensation that you're floating beside the astronauts on the shuttle, but he never dives too deep into minute technical details that would make the journey dull or boring. However, the photos are the book's real centerpiece; it features over 200 large, full-color photographs that document spaceflight from Project Mercury to the Space Shuttle. I'm an Aerospace engineer, and I hope to become an astronaut one day. This is the book I reach for when I'm in need of some inspiration.

Joe Allen has a great eye and this inspiring collection of phototgraphs from space, many taken by Allen himself, is a treasure. His commentary is intelligent, human and humorous. A keeper for sure.