The Calculating StarsThe Calculating Stars
Score Modern
What it's about
In 1952 a huge meteorite strikes the Atlantic off Washington, D.C., destroying much of the East Coast. Elma York, a mathematician and former wartime pilot, calculates that the climate will soon make Earth unlivable, and humanity must get to space far faster than planned. She works as a 'computer' for the new space program and sets her heart on becoming an astronaut, while the men in charge insist women can't.
Why it's worth reading
It won the Hugo, the Nebula and the Locus awards. It's an alternate history of the space race, full of math, flying and fighting for a place.
You'll love it if you liked
Project Hail Mary
The Martian
Lessons in ChemistryGood to know
Elma's anxiety disorder is a big part of the story, as are sexism and racism in the 1950s. There are frank sex scenes within her marriage.
By the numbers
- Readers33 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics85 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller32 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz19 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #81 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #124 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #450 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #868 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Adventurous, Dark
More by Mary Robinette Kowal
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Quick answers
Is The Calculating Stars worth reading?
Yes. It won the Hugo, the Nebula and the Locus awards. It ranks #868 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 74.3 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Calculating Stars about?
In 1952 a huge meteorite strikes the Atlantic off Washington, D.C., destroying much of the East Coast. Elma York, a mathematician and former wartime pilot, calculates that the climate will soon make Earth unlivable, and humanity must get to space far faster than planned. She works as a 'computer' for the new space program and sets her heart on becoming an astronaut, while the men in charge insist women can't.
How long does it take to read The Calculating Stars?
About 11 hours (424 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has The Calculating Stars won?
Hugo Award winner (2019); Nebula Award winner (2018).
What should I read after The Calculating Stars?
If you liked it, try Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, The Martian by Andy Weir or Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.