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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 (881 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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  • Jay
  • 2014-02-27

Good, but not without flaws.

The writing is a bit choppy. It definitely might have benefited from better editing. Perhaps a rushed release?

I appreciate his outlook on life. He's a highly impressive individual with a very long laundry list of accomplishments and qualifications. Even though I get the feeling that he's a genuinely humble person, the writing style gives a certain aura of self-indulgence. I'm sure this wasn't desired or intentional, but perhaps better editing may have been able to correct a lot of these issues.

Some of the stories are very inspiring and motivational. Others are quite obviously filler.

The narration isn't terrible, but again, a bit choppy. He is able to inject a ton of personality and enthusiasm into the reading, but it also lacks a professional polish.

The inside look at how NASA operates was extremely interesting though. I really enjoyed that.

Overall, it was good! 4 stars. Or perhaps 3.5. It was a good listen!

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  • Luke
  • 2013-11-30

Fascinating book by a fascinating man

Read by the man himself, this audiobook takes what is a slightly choppy book and makes it into a personal series of stories told directly to you.

I may be slightly starstruck by this, and it may be affecting my judgment but I really enjoyed this tale of space and humanity. The book version is very much written in the style of speech, that is to say it writes like you would speak, not as a formal writer. It is a stylistic choice that grammarians decry, but coupled with this audiobook it works beautifully.

The recording begins slightly choppy, as if there were a few stumbles before Mr Hadfield got into the rhythm of recording this book. As I read along, I noticed a few times words or the order of sentences did not match up to the printed version, so I assume he used one of the final proofs or these small issues were deemed not worthy of editing the tape, which I understand. The room or mike seems to have an airy feeling to it, like there was a hollow space around the mike, but again, that's a little problem.

The story is not linear but follows the theme of the book, that of learning to learn or to be a better and more useful person.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2020-02-24

SO AMAZING!!!

This is a great book. I love how Chris Hadfield reads it, and it is in 1st person so it just sounds like he is telling you a story! He is such an amazing narrator and author. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves space!

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  • Melissa
  • 2019-10-04

An Incredible Book From A Canadian Legend

Ugh, I am truly struggling to write a review for this because I simply loved it too much. I have written and rewritten my thoughts at least half a dozen times. So, please bear with me while I try to articulate my exact feelings.

First off, as I've already stated, I love this book! I'm always amazed at how the wisdom Chris has learned is applicable to my life. In fact, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth has become one of my ‘go-to’ reads when my anxiety has got me in a funk; it always seems to pick me up and help me focus my perspective once again.

What I really loved about this memoir (other than the parts about life in space) was that Hadfield focused a lot on the steps he took in order to be able to go to space; continuing on a theme of ‘always being prepared just in case.’

Furthermore, what added to the audio experience was that it was narrated entirely by Hadfield, himself, which was incredible. I find his voice calming to listen to, and it was marvellous to be able to hear his story in his own voice.

Overall, I truly hope that I was able to do An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth justice; I fear that it may not be my best review. However, I am and will always continue to be inspired by Chris Hadfield, and I highly recommend this book to other space junkies like myself.

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  • Darren Stamos
  • 2019-05-31

Col. Chris Hadfield Nailed it

I loved this book, the intelligence, the ingenuity, the values, accomplishments coupled with Col. Hadfield's humor and humility really made this book a treat. Hard-won wisdom is a rare commodity, and this book is brimming with it. Thank you Chris!

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  • Kris
  • 2018-10-31

Fantastically narrated, emotional journey

Chris provides an insightful look into the space industry and shares a great deal about his personal journey. loved the book, Chris thanks for everything.

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  • SLANG7940
  • 2018-02-27

A truly excellent read

As a Canadian, I take great pride in being able to recomend such a great book by an even greater person. I can say from my own experience that If you ever get the chance to read this book or meet him in person you will not be disappointed. I am even more proud to recommend this book to anyone as it from a person whom I personally look up to as well as the fact that it comes from someone who grew up in the same home town as I did.

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  • Andre Prevost
  • 2017-09-22

Humbling and Inspiring

I love Chris Hadfield. I’ve even met Chris Hadfield. And now, having Chris Hadfield read to me, is just the icing on the cake! Chris has a wonderfully inspiring sorry to share and as a Canadian, it’s great to hear how accomplished he feels. I felt pride in this book when he mentions Canadian firsts, I felt inspired when he shared a personal achievement for us but mostly I felt humbled by his reminder to all the sometimes, the people in the background are more of a hero than the protagonists we believe to be.

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  • Victor
  • 2017-07-30

Excellent mix of space and life advice

He speaks of almost all aspects of the life of an astronaut on earth and in space. Excellent read for someone who is curious about the ins and outs of space travel!

Additionally, almost all stories are accompanied by what he learnt about himself and how to better perceive the world to make life the best it can be were very interesting!

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  • Hugh
  • 2017-02-07

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

Chis Hadfield is an awe inspiring person, who is a testament to his drive to succeed. In this book he displays humility in achieving what most look up to the stars and dream of, and offers a unrestricted view into his life achievements. The fact that Chris took the time to narrate his story gives the words great import, and validates what an incredible service he has done for the human race. For me, he will always be a +1 in mankind's mission to understand more about ourselves, and the planet we call home.

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