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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Fantastic to hear what it is really to live in space. The mix of romantic views and day-to-day life is fascinating.
This is written by an astronaut, so while it’s not brilliantly written, the story itself is interesting and engaging.
3.5 stars. First time reading an memoir about space and learned a lot about how astronauts are chosen and what they endure going to, being in, and returning from space. Scott Kelly has humble beginnings but it becomes clear that he is quite an extraordinary person. Parts of the book reads like his expedition log as he goes into specific details about many of his missions.
What an interesting book. It gave a great perspective on the Astronaut corps, space flight, and the ISS. Really interesting read, well done. Worth reading again.
Absolutely outstanding book. Spaceflight has always fascinated me, and this book really provides insight into life beyond the atmosphere.
"When people ask whether the space station is worth the expense, this is something I always point out. What is it worth to see two former bitter enemies transform their weapons into transport for exploration and the pursuit of scientific knowledge? What is it worth to see former enemy nations turn their warriors into crewmates and lifelong friends?"
"...it has been more than fourteen years since all humans were on Earth at once."
"Objects that have been exposed to the vacuum of space have this unique smell on them, like the smell of welding-the smell of space."
"Even though my eyes are closed, cosmic flashes occasionally light up my field of vision, the result of radiation striking my retinas, creating the illusion of light."
"'There are those who have and those who will.' It's easy to look at someone else's screwup and say, "I never wound have done that." but you could have, and you still may."
"I didn't feel as nervous as some of my classmates seemed to be. I knew I had made every effort and held nothing back, working as hard as I could at the things I could control and ignoring what I couldn't. I was ready for whatever was to come."
"...it has been more than fourteen years since all humans were on Earth at once."
"Objects that have been exposed to the vacuum of space have this unique smell on them, like the smell of welding-the smell of space."
"Even though my eyes are closed, cosmic flashes occasionally light up my field of vision, the result of radiation striking my retinas, creating the illusion of light."
"'There are those who have and those who will.' It's easy to look at someone else's screwup and say, "I never wound have done that." but you could have, and you still may."
"I didn't feel as nervous as some of my classmates seemed to be. I knew I had made every effort and held nothing back, working as hard as I could at the things I could control and ignoring what I couldn't. I was ready for whatever was to come."
I listened to this as an audiobook that Scott Kelly narrates himself. I have wanted to read it since it first came out. There are some places where it gets very technical and dry but still interesting, if you enjoy that stuff. Especially in 2024, it’s a great antidote to to what’s going on in the world. It’s the story of a small part of a larger project that involves the cooperation of many different countries and cultures. Proof that we can fix our problems if we work at it, and a reminder to appreciate every day that you have
A solid 3.5, but I might have rated it higher if I read the print version instead of listening to the audio version. Lots of good stuff in there.