An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

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!

2 people found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!