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159 reviews for:
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe
Mike Massimino, Tanner Colby
4.5 AVERAGE
159 reviews for:
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe
Mike Massimino, Tanner Colby
4.5 AVERAGE
I heard Mike speak this week and knew that I immediately wanted to read his book as well. I really enjoyed the book - easy to read and inspiring to learn more about Mike's work to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut and the resulting impact he had at NASA, both from a scientific nature and a key member of the NASA extended family.
Really enjoyed this book. I found the author's determination and resilience to become an astronaut - after 10 years and being medically disqualified - really inspiring. He is also able to write about the science of space in a relatable, understandable way. I loved his descriptions of spacewalking and what it's like to have an unobstructed view of the universe. The last section of the book reads almost like a thriller as he talks about the impossible tasks facing him in fixing the Hubble telescope. Finally, he just seems like an all-around good guy: loves his family, loves his job, loves his Mets; humble about his accomplishments and just loves being part of the team.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
I have read many biographies and memoirs of Astronauts, and I'm really pleased that this one managed to strike yet a new tone. I enjoyed the background before Massimino worked for NASA. I find few biographies go into that, and I think it's important, so I appreciate that Massimino documented his struggles and failures along with successes.
I really appreciated also the discussion of the Columbia disaster. And of course, like many an astronaut biography, there is that "and then I looked back at the earth" moment that satisfied my cravings.
I remember Massimino's second space flight, though I did not remember his name, but I was watching NASA TV (yes, I do watch NASA TV) during the Hubble repair. I remember the situation with the screw. I never would have known he was panicking inside. And when it was all over, I never for a second thought of it as a failure, but as an example of NASA's teamwork and ingenuity. As Gene Kranz said "With all due respect, sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour". I was surprised, I guess, when I learned I was reading that guy's book, and I felt like shouting at it "I was there! It was great! Nobody noticed!"
Overall, a good read.
I really appreciated also the discussion of the Columbia disaster. And of course, like many an astronaut biography, there is that "and then I looked back at the earth" moment that satisfied my cravings.
I remember Massimino's second space flight, though I did not remember his name, but I was watching NASA TV (yes, I do watch NASA TV) during the Hubble repair. I remember the situation with the screw. I never would have known he was panicking inside. And when it was all over, I never for a second thought of it as a failure, but as an example of NASA's teamwork and ingenuity. As Gene Kranz said "With all due respect, sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour". I was surprised, I guess, when I learned I was reading that guy's book, and I felt like shouting at it "I was there! It was great! Nobody noticed!"
Overall, a good read.
Absolutely incredible. Parts were so beautiful that I cried. I love the universe.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I dare you to read this and NOT fall in love with Mike Massimino and the entire space program! What an inspiring, uplifting, and fascinating book. Massimino's personal story is great; I loved hearing about the innumerable obstacles he overcame to realize his dream and become an astronaut. But his description of NASA -- its characters, culture, dedication to science and exploration -- is equally wonderful, as are his first-hand accounts of going to space (!) to spacewalk (!!) in order to fix the Hubble telescope (!!!) two separate times (?!). He's a gifted storyteller and I can see why he ended up doing so much PR for the agency. This made me want to learn about more recent NASA history, after the shuttle program ended.
Really well done. Engaging conversational tone that strikes the perfect balance between info about NASA/Hubble and Massimino’s unique personal experience as an astronaut.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
This is it. This is my favorite book. It made me cry and it made me dream and I want to read it again and again.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced