The Fallen Sky: An Intimate History of Shooting Stars

The Fallen Sky was a great read. The book has a nice way of connecting his personal travels with his research. It was hard to put this book down.

A few years ago, Chris Cokinos wrote an article for Meteorite Magazine about his Antarctic experience. He said he was working on a book about the history of meteorite hunters. I expected a dry, comprehensive account of all those who have collected and studied meteorites. I am so glad I was wrong. Cokinos selects a handful of landmark meteorite discoveries and makes the reader feel personally connected to those events. His writing style weaves his personal life experience to the history of meteorites, making these discoveries accessible and meaningful to any reader with even the slightest interest in meteorites. As a former Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) participant, I felt his account and description of the experience was right on target. I had many moments in Antarctica where I thought "This is the most amazing experience of my life but now what?" Cokinos does the best job yet of describing the elation of going to Antarctica, but also the psychological burden of existing there and returning home. It's rare that I start a book that I don't want to finish and that I really savor. This book was as meaningful to me as Michael Crichton's Travels, Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire, or Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. I strongly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the history and discovery of meteorites.

THE FALLEN SKY: AN INTIMATE HISTORY OF SHOOTING STARS blends natural history, science, and a memoir as it probes maverick scientists and adventurers studying meteorites from early to modern times. The focus on meteorites and their origins, study and science makes for a lively and fine read recommended not just for science libraries, but for general-interest collections.

I recently watched the Perseid meteor shower, in no small part because of this book. The lovely descriptions of interstellar life; the insightful reflections on what it means to pursue, and be consumed by, passion; and the depth and breadth of information about meteorites and those whose lives are touched by these fallen bits of sky--this book leaves nothing overlooked, no stone unturned. I'm baffled by some of the claims that the book omits important pieces of information. I found a note about calcium-aluminum inclusions in a longer discussion of chondrules--see the reference to them in the index. I also found the balance between Cokinos's introspection and his recounting of important scientists and collectors to be perfect. It's a fine example of narrative nonfiction. It's clear that this book is well researched, thoughtful, and in this reader's opinion, a must read for anyone who has stared at the sky in wonder.