How to Navigate Our Universe
How to Be a Star
Gravitationally collapse a nebula.
Fuse hydrogen into helium.
If desired, explode.
Nominated for the 2024 Elgin Award, How to Navigate Our Universe is a collection of 128 astronomy poems, ranging from whimsical to serious — poems about planets, stars, black holes, and astronomers, complete with essential advice such as How to Surprise Saturn, How to Blush Like Betelgeuse, and How to Survive a Black Hole.
Reviews
“Unraveling meaning from partial glimpses of the universe has preoccupied astronomers for thousands of years. Mary Soon Lee’s remarkable collection of poetry traces this journey, capturing the wonder of the celestial bodies that comprise our universe, the elegance of the rules that guide its evolution and the humanity of those who search to better our understanding.”Andy Connolly, Professor of Astronomy, University of Washington
“There are poems that think deeply. There are poems that feel deeply. Here are entire constellations of poems managing to do both at once, accessibly and with a subtle music which seems far more effortless than I suspect it is. Ranging from witty to elegantly serious, apolitical to frankly feminist, this collection celebrates astronomy and space exploration — but never limits itself to those topics. Instead, it expands with its own dark energy, inviting the reader to consider how our views of the universe affect our own humanity.”Ann K. Schwader, SFPA Grand Master
“With eloquent celestial-themed verse, Mary Soon Lee educates, delights, and surprises.”Beth Cato, two-time Rhysling Award winner
“Mary Soon Lee’s extraordinary poetry brings [that sense of wonder] rushing back, rekindling the visceral awe in even the most rigorously sophisticated contemporary models of the universe. Combining a whimsical and graceful voice with a deeply probing mind, she reminds us that at heart, science remains a human endeavor.”Jake Yeston, Science Magazine
"As a collection, HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR UNIVERSE is an overflowing trove of wonderful poems that intrigue and stimulate curiosity. ... I might be biased but I can comfortably say that HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR UNIVERSE is the best science-related poetry collection I’ve read in several years. It’s a remarkable achievement. Stellar even."