In The Space Tourist's Handbook, Anderson and Piven disclose discloses everything potential astronauts need to know. Each comprehensive chapter is well researched and written in friendly, easy to understand language.

"Where to Go: Space Destinations" describes each of the global spaceports as well as present and near-future destinations, including the upcoming lightweight inflatable space modules.

"How to Get There: Space Vehicles" explains the levels of space and the various crafts that take travelers to each. One who travels to the edge of space can experience short- term weightlessness, but one is not considered an astronaut until one reaches sub-orbit or orbit.

"What to Do: Space Missions" reveals the costs, training times, mission times and availability of zero-gravity flights, edge-of-space flight, Space Shuttle flights, Soyuz "Taxi" missions, polar orbital missions and trans-lunar cruises.

"Preparing Yourself: Space Flight Training" explains the medical exams potential travelers will face, including disqualifying conditions; classroom and equipment training; and zero-G and high-G physical training. Personally, I think I'd pass on the vestibular chair, but the pre-flight fitness schedule and phonetic Russian lessons are great.

"Space Travel" covers launch, celestial navigation, and space emergencies.

"Life in Space" discusses how to do the things most people take for granted-walking, sleeping, eating, exercising and attending "personal" needs. Be sure to read the section on how to ease the quease.

"The Voyage Home", though not as demanding as entering space, still requires specific preparations. This chapter includes how to get accustomed to gravity again.

The Space Tourist's Handbook also contains beautiful photographs and a list of websites where readers can learn more. In an awesome bonus, readers receive information on how to win a trip to space.

Even those who are content to keep their feet on earth will enjoy this informative handbook, though I warn you, the authors' enthusiasm might just instill a desire to reach out and touch the stars.