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  • An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

  • Written by: Chris Hadfield
  • Narrated by: Chris Hadfield
  • Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (887 ratings)

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An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

Written by: Chris Hadfield
Narrated by: Chris Hadfield
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Publisher's Summary

As Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield captivated the world with stunning photos and commentary from space. Now, reading from his first book, Chris takes listeners deep into his years of training and space exploration to show how to make the impossible possible.

Chris Hadfield decided to become an astronaut after watching the Apollo moon landing with his family on Stag Island, Ontario, when he was nine years old, and it was impossible for Canadians to be astronauts. In 2013, he served as Commander of the International Space Station orbiting the Earth during a five-month mission. Fulfilling this lifelong dream required intense focus, natural ability and a singular commitment to "thinking like an astronaut." 

In An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, Chris gives us a rare insider's perspective on just what that kind of thinking involves, and how earthbound humans can use it to achieve success and happiness in their lives. 

Astronaut training turns popular wisdom about how to be successful on its head. Instead of visualizing victory, astronauts prepare for the worst; always sweat the small stuff; and do care what others think. Chris shows how this unique education comes into play with dramatic anecdotes about going blind during a spacewalk, getting rid of a live snake while piloting a plane, and docking with space station Mir when laser tracking systems fail at the critical moment. Along the way, he shares exhilarating experiences, and challenges, from his 144 days on the ISS, and provides an unforgettable answer to his most-asked question: What's it really like in outer space? 

With humour, humility and a profound optimism for the future of space exploration, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth offers listeners not just the inspiring story of one man's journey to the ISS, but the opportunity to step into his space-boots and think like an astronaut - and renew their commitment to pursuing their own dreams, big or small. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 Chris Hadfield (P)2013 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"[T]he real treat is Hadfield's presentation. His familiar and natural demeanor draws the listener in from the opening lines. All the joy and wonder he feels about space travel and life is conveyed through a masterful use of pace and tone, while flawless transitions lead to an equally effective delivery of the reflective passages. This appealing audiobook certainly allows Hadfield to add 'narrator' to his impressive list of accomplishments." (AudioFile)

Featured Article: Quotes About Hard Work to Keep You Motivated and Moving Forward

Anything worth achieving is worth working for. Those goals that we reach when we really strive for them, giving it our all, are the most rewarding. Whether it is taking small steps towards your goals, shooting for a new objective, or simply dreaming those big dreams, hard work is what gets us there. Trusting in yourself and your own abilities will allow you to dig deep, put in the time, and get where you want to be. Everything is achievable with the right mindset.

What listeners say about An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

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Lessons from Space 100% applicable on Earth

Just as the title states, this is a guide for life on Earth. Chris Hadfield is an extraordinary person - my favourite fellow Canadian too - and he describes what it really means to have a dream and work for it, but most important, how to be resilient and bounce back from failed trials. His journey is inspiring and his motto of "always be ready" is a guideline for all of us, especially to teach our kids. It is a must read and a book to read again over time to remind us that with hard work, determination and preparation, we can achieve what we want and dream of. #Audible1

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Be a Zero. Get Five Stars!

This book was excellent. I was inspired to learn more about science, space, and our planet. I was equally inspired by the philosophy sprinkled throughout.

Excellent book from an amazing Canadian hero.

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  • cam
  • 2020-06-02

Impossible not to love Chris! :)

Great great book! Enjoyed everything!
Love the fact that's it's him reading the book too!

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Thanks Chris Hadfield

Your life journey has changed my own thinking in life for the better of course.
This is the first book I have purchased in a long time very good read/listen!
Thank you

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Was this recorded on the ISS?

Fun and intriguing story but the audio is a bit off putting. It’s echo-y and sounds a bit like it was recorded in a tin can.

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I’m a big fan, but...

I am really a big fan of Colonel Hatfield, so obviously I had to get this book when I saw he even did his own narration. It is great to hear about his youthful influences and all his training, but the book really needed better editing. Maybe some will want to hear every detail in exhaustive detail, but I honestly feel the book could have been reduced by 15-20%. Nevertheless, this will give you real insight into the man with the moustache and his “right stuff”

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A long haul

This was a long listen, some of the audio was snappy at times. The tone was monotone at times too so I kind of zoned out occasionally. Pacing was eh but it was a good listen.

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Less about earth and more about space

I really enjoy Chris Hadfield’s recounts of becoming an astronaut and what it is like to be one. But I chose this audiobook because I thought it would be more about lessons he’s learned and how we can apply those to everyday life. It references very little about that so for this reason I was not so enthralled with his book if you want to learn about space exploration and becoming an astronaut this is the book for you.

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inspiring

loved this book, anyone struggling with life's challenges needs to read this book. looking for the real meaning of life then you really need to read this

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Great stories and lessons for life

Extremely interesting and well delivered with a lot of good take aways. His story is told in such a way that you can live vicariously through his words and at points feel like you're on the launch pad waiting to blast off or in the ISS floating around. Thanks for sharing your experiences and lessons Chris.

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