I came across Mary Kowal through Brandon Sanderson's classes on YouTube and felt compelled to read her work after seeing how strong of a grasp she had on the mechanics of short stories. I enjoyed The Lady Astronaut of Mars. It made me wonder what I'd do if I was in the Lady Astronaut's position because I related a lot to her a lot.
I am so glad I started my year with this little nugget of pain and aspiration.

P.S. I never read a book because of its cover, but this cover definitely pulled me towards it out of all Mary Kowal's works.