201 pages into it as they overcome the last obstacles to launch (parachute, cable impedance, fuse, transponder):

“A Delta II liftoff is nothing like the slow rumbling of the old Saturn V moon rocket, or even like th estately rise of a Space Shuttle. The Delta is a nimble hotrod of a rocket, and it leaps off the pad. Its sound, by the time it finally gets to you, is more of a high-frequency crackle than a throaty roar. You’re miles away from the thing at ignition, so the sound can take fifteen, twenty, thirty seconds to get to you. By the time it does, the rocket is away—supersonic and moving out, head-tilted-back high in the sky.”

I enjoyed the author’s insights during the NOVA special Mars Dead or Alive and recently noticed his book available at the library. I’m only 30 pages into it, having picked it up from the library this afternoon, but it’s well-written and compelling.
(See also: Interview with Steven Squyres )

Because it’s an encylopedia? I’ve been able to identify a couple of mushroom types, though I fully expect to use this more in the fall when it gets damp and humus abounds.

Mushroom trivia: crimini and portabellas are same mushroom.

It’s great reading, with down-to-earth observations and humor on uncorking the creativity within you (but not in a way that just adds more pressure, counteracting this).

I intend to reread it before NaNoWriMo 2006.

The first 40-or-so pages (section 1, basically) sets up the world of capitalism run amok. It’s brilliant. The rest of the book was disappointing as it flits among different scenes in an odd plot involving too many characters. As much as I reveled in the humor of the first part, I found the second part tedious and unfunny.

Max Barry’s other book, Syrup, is far better and more consistent.