The Distinction Between Astronauts and Cosmonauts

The terms astronaut, cosmonaut, and taikonaut denote individuals trained for space travel, with astronauts from the United States, Canada, or Europe, cosmonauts from Russia, and taikonauts from China. This nomenclature offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and national contexts of space exploration.

Introducing ‘Orbital’ by Samantha Harvey

‘Orbital,’ a novel recently recognized with the 2024 Booker Prize, immerses readers in the lives of six space travelers aboard a space station orbiting Earth. This narrative presents a unique perspective on the human experience of time, illustrating phenomena such as multiple sunrises and sunsets within a single day in space.

Samantha Harvey, known for her earlier works including the introspective memoir ‘The Shapeless Unease,’ which delves into insomnia, and her debut novel ‘The Wilderness,’ which addresses Alzheimer’s disease, skillfully intertwines her themes of temporal perception with the exploration of outer space in ‘Orbital.’

Understanding Time in ‘Orbital’

In ‘Orbital,’ Harvey continues her exploration of how time influences human experience. From the disorienting effects of insomnia to the perplexities of memory loss in Alzheimer’s, and now to the surreal distortions of time encountered in space, her works reflect a profound investigation into the nature of human consciousness. ‘Orbital’ offers a poignant meditation on existence, captured through the lens of those living in a seemingly timeless environment.

The tone of ‘Orbital’ is rich with emotion, inviting readers to contemplate deeper themes of life and the human condition as they observe the vastness of space.

Reading Recommendations: Who Will Enjoy ‘Orbital’

• Individuals fascinated by NASA images
• Fans of John Wyndham
• Viewers of Terrence Malick films
• Daydreamers looking for thoughtful narratives

This title can be found at a local library, a bookstore, or potentially on the shelf of those connected to the publishing world.

Exploring ‘It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track’ by Ian Penman

Ian Penman’s book, published in 2019, offers an intricate look at the music landscape through a series of essays that span various genres and artists. Penman, regarded as one of the finest contemporary music critics, manages to pay homage to the artistry of musicians like Frank Sinatra while simultaneously delivering sharp cultural critiques.

The collection includes essays on renowned figures such as James Brown, Elvis Presley, and Prince. Each essay provides an exhilarating dive into the complex personalities behind the music. Of particular note is the exploration of James Brown’s life, which serves to illuminate both his musical legacy and his intriguing personal eccentricities.

Essays Worth Reading: Recommended for Fans of Penman

• Those interested in notable art critics like Peter Schjeldahl
• Readers of Gary Indiana and Manny Farber
• Fans of documentary films about music history

This book is available through Fitzcarraldo Editions.