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colorfulleo92's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely agree with the tag line on this, it's really is a inspirational, uplift and life affirming book. It's so interesting learning about his life from the age of 7 when he decided to become and astronaut and he's long journey since then, from highlights to hardship. Highly recommend this book!
mkm01's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC*
Defying Limits is a new memoir written by Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. Filled with stories about, not just his career in space, but his whole life, Williams uses the events and his positive outlook to inspire readers. Dave Williams has lead a fascinating life. He started his career as an emergency physician, but always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. He worked on a number of projects with NASA, including working in the world’s only undersea research laboratory and completing three space walks. Although the memoir is fairly short, Williams packs a ton of detail into his stories. It is easy to visual the places he is describing and what he is feeling. He has an amazing sense of wonder that is contagious, especially when he is describing his emotions while in space. You can’t help but get caught up in his passion for space travel, but also life itself. Despite having some set backs he has remained remarkably upbeat and positive and it has served him incredibly well. He talks about how he tries to live each day to its fullest and to appreciate the small moments in life. It is a unique book in that it is not a typical memoir. Williams teaches us lessons about life that he has learned through his vast and incredible experiences. If you are looking for a detailed account of his life, that is not what you will find in this book, but if you are looking for an inspirational and life-affirming read written by one of Canada’s heroes, this the perfect book for you.
Defying Limits is a new memoir written by Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. Filled with stories about, not just his career in space, but his whole life, Williams uses the events and his positive outlook to inspire readers. Dave Williams has lead a fascinating life. He started his career as an emergency physician, but always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. He worked on a number of projects with NASA, including working in the world’s only undersea research laboratory and completing three space walks. Although the memoir is fairly short, Williams packs a ton of detail into his stories. It is easy to visual the places he is describing and what he is feeling. He has an amazing sense of wonder that is contagious, especially when he is describing his emotions while in space. You can’t help but get caught up in his passion for space travel, but also life itself. Despite having some set backs he has remained remarkably upbeat and positive and it has served him incredibly well. He talks about how he tries to live each day to its fullest and to appreciate the small moments in life. It is a unique book in that it is not a typical memoir. Williams teaches us lessons about life that he has learned through his vast and incredible experiences. If you are looking for a detailed account of his life, that is not what you will find in this book, but if you are looking for an inspirational and life-affirming read written by one of Canada’s heroes, this the perfect book for you.
bookthia's review against another edition
4.0
Full of wisdom and inspiration, Dr. Dave Williams is the kind of person we should all aspire to be. This was a wonderful, interesting and uplifting read of his life journey, focusing primarily on his work life with tidbits of professed love for his wife and children. I thoroughly enjoyed ever minute of it.
juliaap's review against another edition
3.0
This book was insightful! The lessons and quotes I got out of this book were incredible!
It’s clear Dave isn’t a writer...some parts were not as sophisticated as others. But some parts were beautifully worded and impactful.
Dave’s journey is inspiring! It was so cool to read about an astronaut. So cool to read about a person who’s childhood dreams came true with hard work and determination. This story is a truly inspiring one.
Dave taught me that though life may throw hurdles in our way, we can persevere and overcome!
It’s clear Dave isn’t a writer...some parts were not as sophisticated as others. But some parts were beautifully worded and impactful.
Dave’s journey is inspiring! It was so cool to read about an astronaut. So cool to read about a person who’s childhood dreams came true with hard work and determination. This story is a truly inspiring one.
Dave taught me that though life may throw hurdles in our way, we can persevere and overcome!
rebekahh's review against another edition
3.0
this book is a pleasant & quick read. as an incoming canadian medical student who has always loved astronomy, i was very intrigued by dave's story on a personal level.
unfortunately, i inevitably found myself comparing this memoir to chris hadfield's as i read, which is maybe why i didn't come to a higher star rating at the end. defying limits was more biographical & prosaic, and less engaging, than CH's memoir.
nevertheless, i think dave williams is a remarkable person and i enjoyed hearing about his story & perspectives. the book contains some great reflections on life - i liked the idea that you can make any moment feel infinite by living in the present.
unfortunately, i inevitably found myself comparing this memoir to chris hadfield's as i read, which is maybe why i didn't come to a higher star rating at the end. defying limits was more biographical & prosaic, and less engaging, than CH's memoir.
nevertheless, i think dave williams is a remarkable person and i enjoyed hearing about his story & perspectives. the book contains some great reflections on life - i liked the idea that you can make any moment feel infinite by living in the present.
bryonie's review against another edition
4.0
While not as well spoken (and well loved) as Chris Hadfield, Dave Williams is still a Canadian astronaut who experienced some incredible things so far in his life, and in a unique position to impart those experiences to us. His memoir of his space flights, space walks, family life, his medical career and then career as an astronaut was fascinating to listen to.
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