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jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely devoured this book and was sad when it ended. As a space geek I expected to love the parts of the book set there. I didn't expect to be so profoundly moved by Hadfield's reflections on the human condition. I didn't expect the book to urge me to such a deep level of self-reflection. I didn't know when I started it that this was exactly the book I needed to read right now. Thanks, Commander Hadfield.
aeclark12's review against another edition
5.0
Chris Hadfield describes his career as an astronaut and links his success in outer space to attributes that any of us can work on in our personal or professional lives. Thoroughly enjoyable!
eringaudet's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
bhnmt61's review against another edition
5.0
The subtitle of this book leads you to believe that you are getting a book of life lessons and earned wisdom. And there is some of that, but if that’s all you’re interested in, he probably has a Ted talk that would be a lot quicker. The “life lessons” part of the book is actually fairly small compared to his extensive anecdotes about training to be an astronaut and then his three tours in space. I have always been fascinated by the space program, so that was fine with me. His vivid descriptions of life on the space shuttle and the ISS were like listening to a friend reminisce over a beer. Really fun, especially the audio version, which Hadfield narrates himself. Four and a half stars rounded up.
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
5.0
Admittedly, I might not be the best person to evaluate the quality of this book because I was already such a big fan of Chris Hadfield. He would have had to have written something pretty awful for me not to enjoy it. That said, this is a book I recommend to pretty much everyone, whether they have any previous interest in space exploration or not.
Chris does a stellar (sorry, couldn't help it) job of telling fascinating stories about his experiences while applying what he's learned to everyday life. He shares his belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with an incredible amount of hard work, support...and luck. I like the way he acknowledges that countless things out of his control contributed his success. His plan was to do everything he possibly could to become an astronaut, and then if fate gave him a chance to succeed he would be ready. If it didn't, he could be at peace knowing that he had done all he could and had prepared himself to do other work in the field of aviation or space exploration. Having that attitude kept him humble and down-to-earth (again, sorry, I'm out of control) because it reminded him that more than just his skills, intelligence, and work ethic got him where he was.
Also, I was inspired by Chris' reverence for the little things. His advice is to sweat the small stuff because details make all the difference in his line of work as well as many aspects of "regular" life. Part of that is appreciating the small things, as Chris seems to do in every part of his life.
On top of all the inspiration, this book is simply entertaining. Chris describes what day to day life is like on the International Space Station and that's just really cool. He does a good job of explaining the work they're doing up there without getting too in depth for the layperson to understand. Bottom line: I think you should read this book. Or at least watch some of Chris Hadfield's videos on youtube.
Chris does a stellar (sorry, couldn't help it) job of telling fascinating stories about his experiences while applying what he's learned to everyday life. He shares his belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with an incredible amount of hard work, support...and luck. I like the way he acknowledges that countless things out of his control contributed his success. His plan was to do everything he possibly could to become an astronaut, and then if fate gave him a chance to succeed he would be ready. If it didn't, he could be at peace knowing that he had done all he could and had prepared himself to do other work in the field of aviation or space exploration. Having that attitude kept him humble and down-to-earth (again, sorry, I'm out of control) because it reminded him that more than just his skills, intelligence, and work ethic got him where he was.
Also, I was inspired by Chris' reverence for the little things. His advice is to sweat the small stuff because details make all the difference in his line of work as well as many aspects of "regular" life. Part of that is appreciating the small things, as Chris seems to do in every part of his life.
On top of all the inspiration, this book is simply entertaining. Chris describes what day to day life is like on the International Space Station and that's just really cool. He does a good job of explaining the work they're doing up there without getting too in depth for the layperson to understand. Bottom line: I think you should read this book. Or at least watch some of Chris Hadfield's videos on youtube.
jackusgomux's review against another edition
5.0
An exceptional book. It is very inspiring, motivational and humbling to see Col. Chris Hadfield's super humble philosophy, especially considering his level of success.
Your dream is most likely impossible, but you should still take the decisions that will bring you closer to it, but still make sure you enjoy the journey and are not miserable as you will most likely not accomplish it. Sweat the small stuff. Aim to be a zero so that you can be a plus one. All things that I am going to integrate in my life from now on.
Your dream is most likely impossible, but you should still take the decisions that will bring you closer to it, but still make sure you enjoy the journey and are not miserable as you will most likely not accomplish it. Sweat the small stuff. Aim to be a zero so that you can be a plus one. All things that I am going to integrate in my life from now on.
nivek1385's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0