This hardcover book club edition of "Welcome to Moonbase" gives readers an intriguing vision of what it might be like to live and work on the moon. “Welcome to Moonbase” presents itself as a guide for a newcomer to the lunar base. In its pages are some moonbase history [both factual and some extrapolated future-truths], the governance and organization of moonbase, the layout of the base, and an overview of job opportunities. It continues with sections on Quality of Life, information on the Lunar Transportation Node, Lunar Manufacturing, Exploration and Research, Lunar Tourism, Permanent Residents [referred to as Luniks], and Facing the Future.

Appendices include basic lunar facts and a sample employment agreement.

Although new discoveries [such as water and ice on the lunar surface] may change some of the manual’s information and procedures, readers with an interest in space exploration, the moon, and space colonization are sure to find much to appreciate and consider here.

Reading much like a novel, the narrative's accompanying illustrations and photographs add a dimension of reality to the manual. Readers will find that there is much to be said for serious contemplation of a lunar base as man looks to step out into the wider universe.

Highly recommended. ( )