This was engaging and knowledgeable without feeling dense or like it was trying to pack in every word relating to space that it could. I enjoyed learning more about the moon and feel like this is a great book to share with other people interested in space.

The Book of the Moon is exactly what it claims to be: a through look at our nearest celestial neighbor. In this lucid, occasionally humorous guide to all things lunar Maggie Aderin-Pocock- space scientist, science communicator, and self-proclaimed lunatic- is our guide. This isn't a typical scientific text, but it is my favorite kind. Though this small book is absolutely packed with figures and data, it also explores the deep connection that humans have had with the moon from our earliest days. After describing her background and relationship with the moon in the introduction, Aderin-Pocock breaks The Book of the Moon into four sections:

- Moon 101: The Basics - A description of the physical properties of the moon, its environment, and how it formed.
- Moon Past: The Moon in Our Culture - This was easily my favorite section. Topics here are broken down into groups of five. Five people, five places, five poems, five works of art, and more. The people and works featured here are refreshingly varied, a break from the Eurocentric, whitewashed version of scientific history that we're all used to seeing.
- Moon Present: A Sharper Focus - Tools and techniques for observing the moon accompanied by a description of our recent past involving the moon from, the beginning of the Space Race to present.
- Moon Future: What Lies Ahead? - An unbiased discussion of the future of science, commerce, and settlement on our moon.

I'm currently pursuing a degree in Earth Science with special interest in Planetary Geology and there was still more for me to learn in this brief, but densely packed little book. For all the information here, I never felt bogged down. Aderin-Pocock's intense enthusiasm for the moon permeates this whole text and carried you along effortlessly. My only regret upon finishing it is that I wasn't immediately able to pick up another book by Maggie Aderin-Pocock. In less than 300 pages I'm completely convinced, the next great science communicator- among the likes of Sagan and Nye- now stands before us.

I received my copy of The Book of the Moon from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks for a fun little book packed with information that I can use to help me better understand our Moon. It makes me wish I could reach out during a phase when the Moon appears to be close enough to touch and pat it, gently, to say thanks. And congratulations for not allowing dyslexia to keep you from your dream of astronomy or writing it. B

An illuminating (pun intended) look at our lunar friend in the night sky. Full of info, but not too bogged down in scientific data to be unejoyable.

The Book of the Moon presents a delightfully written history of the Moon, detailing everything you’d ever want to know about our night light in the sky. The author, Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, has an almost mesmerizing way of discussing complicated scientific material. Her writing style makes the book an exciting, entertaining trip through the many facts and figures that make up the Moon. The book runs the gamut of topics, from the basics to its place in our culture to possible future colonization.

If you’re a commoner like me who doesn’t have a PhD in any scientific field, I’m sure you’ll learn a ton of new facts. The moon is something I’ve long taken for granted as it’s just kind of there and I wasn’t alive during the Moon hype of the 60s and 70s. In truth, it has a rich history, both scientifically and in relation to human culture. Most impressive to me were the groups of fives laid out in the cultural chapter. The author lists places, poems, folktales, art - all inspired by the Moon. Think about it for a minute and I’m sure you’ll come up with more songs, movies, or books than you’d expect.

Overall, this is a well-done compendium of Moon-related science, facts, and history. The writing style makes it accessible to everyone, and it’s quite impressive how easy the science rolls off the tongue. There’s a lot to learn about the cosmos and beginning with The Book of the Moon is a great start.

Final review will be published on 4/1/19 at: https://reviewsandrobots.com/2019/04/01/the-book-of-the-moon-book-review

I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. As a full-fledged "lunatic", I adore every word of it and can't stop talking about it. Maggie Aderin-Pocock is amazing, and this book is a perfect expression of her love for the moon. The Book of the Moon explores our nearest neighbor from an astronomy perspective, as well as the culture and history of moon gazing, moon travel, and even some poems and science fiction related to the moon. The tone is engaging and easy to follow, even though it doesn't hold back on advanced concepts. I can't wait to buy it as a gift for everyone I know. If you've ever looked at the moon and wanted to know more about it, you must read this book.

The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me 'till I'm sane
You lock the door
And throw away the key
There's someone in my head but it's not me.
And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear
And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon

Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon, Brain Damage.



The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor by Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a scientific and cultural examination of the moon. Aderin-Pocock MBE is a British space scientist and science educator. She is an Honorary Research Associate in University College London's Department of Physics and Astronomy. She studied at Imperial College London, graduating with a BSc in physics in 1990 and completed her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

Growing up I looked at the moon frequently through a 45x refractor. The moon was much more interesting than the bright spots that were the planets. On cold nights the craters looked sharp and clear. I lived in the city and never appreciated the light reflected by the moon. In the Marines, I found out that in the middle of nowhere (outside of light pollution), I could read by the light of the moon and under a full moon navigation was possible without additional light.

Aderin-Pocock writes almost poetic science about the moon. She presents facts and figures and science in a way that is inviting. Her writing is reminiscent of Carl Sagan in that way that the reader is embraced by the information rather than intimidated by it. It is not just the science, the moon is a cultural icon. Cat Stevens sings about being followed by a moon shadow. Creedence warns of a Bad Moon Rising. Neil Young pays tribute with Harvest Moon. The moon played a role in movies and in many of our childhoods:

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.

Perhaps adding more meaning to the word lunatic. Of course, not all of that the moon inspired is good particularly the terrible poetry and songs that rhyme moon and June. Calendars were set in lunar months and were used by many cultures. Although the sun is essential most early civilizations had moon deities. The moon determines tides for sailors and signaled seasons for farmers. One can record the passage of time by its phases.

Aderin-Pocock presents the reader with a love story for the moon. She gives the science and then reaches beyond the science and offers the more romanticized history of the moon and its place in human thought and lore. A combination of beauty and science.