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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 (892 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
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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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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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Inspiring and motivating

It was a pleasure to listen to Chris Hadfield share stories about his life as an astronaut. He did a great job of sharing his experiences in a humble and relatable way that inspires and motivates others to pursue their own dreams. I would highly recommend it, even if you aren't particularly interested in Astronauts or Space.

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Inspiring and Humbling

Chris Hadfield has had an inspirational career and conveys his experiences and humility clearly in this book. I listened to this book during an especially challenging week and was thankful for its timely insight and wisdom. I even went out to buy a physical copy so I can highlight some of the key passages for future reference. The tone is conversational and I really enjoyed listening to him narrate his own story. I think this book can be recommended to literally everyone.

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most interesting!!

This book is amazing. It has tought me a lot about mindset, life and also very inyerestingly about an astronaut’s life!! Thanks Chris!

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Amazing

I could listen to this man speak about his life in and out of space all day every day. I LOVED this book.

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An amazing Canadian space Odyssey

One of my most favourite “space content“ books, I have a listen to.

Chris Hadfield is a remarkable professional Canadian who brings pride to every day Canadians by sharing, is astronaut career, and stories with us.

His descriptions of events gives you a picture perfect scene in your mind as you follow along.

Hymie recommended breed or anyone who is one Canadian, to have interest in space or three or just curious about what it takes to be an astronaut.

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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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Loved it!

I love how the book is written and narrated: very complex matters are intertwined with humour, personal stories and advice.
I especially enjoyed Mr. Hadfield’s insights into teamwork and team building. He was a part of the most high performing teams going through some of the most rigid tests and succeeded. He managed to earn respect and recognition through his work and attitude, not through his status or right. That’s the skill we all should aim to develop. From now on I too will aim “to be a zero” in hope “to become plus one”.

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