Why, oh why, oh why do I keep reading Ben Bova?

I sometimes go out for a leisurely drive and will purposely go somewhere I've never been before. I hope against hope that I will come across hidden treasure: A city or small town that contains lots of fun things that I have no idea about. Somewhere amazing that has been kept secret from me but that I unexpectedly discover, and suddenly the driving will have all been worth it.

This is also what I have in mind every time I start a new book by Ben Bova. Maybe this will be the one! Maybe this will be interesting! Maybe this will be a fun read! Maybe this will contain one iota of characterization! Maybe this time I won't be embarrassed to admit that I read this book!

It's rarely true in my travels, and never true where his books are concerned.