Book excerpt: The stories of Philadelphia writer Chris Gibbons often convey the harrowing experiences of America's war veterans, the thrilling wonders of space exploration, and his poignant memories of growing up during the turbulent decades of the 1960's and 1970's. In this collection of 78 of his published essays across a broad range of topics, be prepared to traverse the battlefields of America's wars, rocket across the Solar System, and travel back in time to experience the heartache, joy, and triumph often encountered on the journey of life.