Six Star-Gazing Books to Celebrate the Perseid Meteor Shower This Summer - Reactor

Samantha Edmonds, author of "A Preponderance of Starry Beings," shares six cosmic book recommendations for readers who prefer the mythological aspects of astronomy over mathematical formulas.

Edmonds explores how her fascination with space stems from storytelling rather than scientific calculations, drawing inspiration from events like the Perseid meteor shower. Her debut collection blends mythology with astronomy, featuring characters who gain supernatural powers during celestial events. She advocates for approaching the cosmos through narrative rather than purely scientific perspectives.

• Classic works like Italo Calvino's "Cosmicomics" transform mathematical concepts into magical storytelling about characters made from atoms and galaxies
• Contemporary collections including "Black Stars" and "The Unfinished World" offer diverse perspectives on space exploration and cosmic themes through short fiction
• Educational titles like "Star Stories" provide constellation legends from various cultures, making astronomy accessible through mythology and folklore
• Experimental works such as "The Voyager Record" examine humanity's attempts to communicate with potential extraterrestrial life through creative non-fiction formats