Released: October 2013
Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography, Space
Chris Hadfield is easily the most decorated Canadian astronaut, having reached many great milestones in his service from the 1990s through to the early 2010s. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth charts his course to the cosmos, the challenges he faced and all the poignant moments in-between. He pulls the reader in immediately through witnessing the Moon Landings as a child; it’s a great way to capture the wonder of space exploration within the opening chapter.
From his time in the Air Force all the way to commanding the International Space Station, Chris delivers a complete look back at his upbringing and ultimate career. There were many moments where competition was fierce and the possibility of being discharged or disqualified from his role was a regular presence. In these moments, Hadfield breaks down his memories in a conversational manner with his close connections with family and friends being the most engaging pieces on the way to the main expeditions. When we do follow the author into space, the technical details are put front and centre; this does deliver a lot of intrigue, but it also means that Chris’s personal side is pushed away for some chapters.
Much like other books such as Scott Kelly’s Endurance, Hadfield’s work is defined by its sincerity. His hard-working attitude, eagerness to learn and approach to teamwork and problem-solving are all commendable skills that we can all learn from. It represents the attitude needed to join the ranks of space explorers; for example, being a zero rather than a plus 1 or minus one. This means being ready and willing to learn without needing to impress when you take on a new challenge or activity.
Recommended?
YES: Hadfield’s autobiography is very humble and level-headed, delivering a great mix of personal journeys and lessons learned. He imparts his experiences in a highly personable and reflective manner while also breaking down the concepts of life in space. The book is accessible and intriguing, though in the latter half the balance does tip towards the author’s final journey to space. The inner thoughts are placed on the backburner as a result.
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