I am a science fiction author with several humor titles. My love for sci-fi comedy comes from literary giants like Douglas Adams and John Scalzi. But over the last several years, I have lost my taste for reading sci-fi humor. Why? Because I know how the sausage is made. I can no longer detach from a critical lens to simply enjoy a funny story. It’s very annoying because I miss the thrill of finding a well-crafted nerdy joke.

Thus, I have to read outside of my writing zone to find pleasure in the activity. Sometimes it’s a biography, sometimes it’s a thriller, and sometimes it’s a nonfiction book about the insanity of space travel.

I have owned a copy of Packing for Mars by Mary Roach for many years. It was a gift from one of my closest friends because she knew how much l loved space science and humorous prose. It seemed like a slam dunk, but she had no idea that I viewed the book as a chore instead of a treat. It was too close to my own work, so I assumed I wouldn’t enjoy it.

Thankfully, I was terribly wrong.

I have been on a physical book kick as of late. Since my life is dominated by screens (I work as a programmer), the sensation of holding a paperback has refreshed my enjoyment of reading. After finishing a very funny memoir by one of my favorite comedians, next on the to-read pile was Packing for Mars. “Okay, fine,” I said with an audible sigh, then dove in.

It only took a few glorious chapters to realize something important. Science fiction humor and nonfiction humor are entirely different beasts. Fictional characters can take a narrative beating for the sake of humor. Real characters, on the other hand, have already taken the beating. It’s not your job to make fun of them. It’s your job to find humor in their experiences. Those are two wildly different skill sets. Roach writes like an observational comedian with a deep affinity for the NASA space program, and it’s utterly charming.

She applies her wit to topics like extreme claustrophobia, sex in space, and ornery monkeys. These are not common topics when crafting jokes, but the material she uncovers is so absurd that it lends itself perfectly to parody. It’s been a while since I have laughed out loud at a book. I’m sure my wife got sick of hearing “(chuckle) Holy crap, did you know …”

Hard science humor, what a delightful change of pace. Roach showcases a keen comedic wit with impeccable delivery, which creates a fantastic reading experience. Packing for Mars is a terrific book and I highly recommend it.

This was my first read from Mary Roach and I know it won’t be my last. Up next is Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (one of her many New York Times bestsellers). As luck would have it, I have a paperback copy of this as well, a gift from the very same friend. Hmm, I think she was onto something.