Light from Other Stars

In Erika Swyler's poignant and fantastical novel, Light from Other Stars, eleven-year-old Nedda Papas dreams of becoming an astronaut in her small Florida town during 1986. As her father, a once-NASA scientist, grapples with personal loss and an obsession that leads to a time-altering invention, Nedda must navigate the complexities of her family and community. Years later, as she achieves her dream in space, she confronts a dire crisis that ties her past to the future, exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the bonds between fathers and daughters. The story delves into the costs of meaningful work and the nature of progress, inviting listeners to reflect on how our lives intertwine with larger aspirations.