Book review: An astronaut's guide to life on earth - Chris Hadfield
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Chris Hadfield's book 'An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth' chronicles his journey from a child inspired by Neil Armstrong to becoming a successful astronaut. The book combines personal narrative with insights on space missions, emphasizing hard work, teamwork, and coping with setbacks. Hadfield's humility and authenticity set this memoir apart from typical success guides, making it a valuable read for both adults and children.
Book review: An astronaut's guide to life on earth - Chris Hadfield
- 1. Book review "An astronaut's guide to life on earth" by Chris Hadfield (Or, gravity, as explained by a man who has been there and done that) Chris Hadfield, as you probably know, is a Canadian astronaut who came into prominence recently for the brilliant photos and videos he shot while orbiting the earth in the International Space Station (ISS). He is also a competent guitarist/singer, whose 'weightless' rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" became a runaway hit on YouTube. Having retired from active duty, Hadfield has just launched a book titled "An astronaut's guide to life on earth" (Macmillan). Divided neatly and logically into 3 parts ("Pre-launch", "Liftoff" and "Coming down to earth"), the book is a looping narrative of how a 9-year old kid gets inspired by Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon, decides to become an astronaut, and actually achieves that goal through dogged determination. Now, all of us have had childhood dreams - I wanted to be an engine driver, for instance - but what sets Chris apart is his clarity of purpose. In his own words, he wasn't destined to be an astronaut; he had to turn himself into one. This book takes us through his life journey in a very interesting way. In the process, Chris also does a great job of explaining the technology that goes into a successful space mission, the ever-present risk of accidents and death, and how sheer hard work, preparation and attention to detail become essential traits for survival in the unforgiving emptiness of space. (Okay, I got a bit carried away there.) What differentiates this book from the usual preachy "Look at me, I'm the hero, here is my formula for success" variety is Hadfield's humility. "Square astronaut, round hole. It's the story of my life", he says. And goes about acquiring more knowledge and skills, so that he gets the confidence and ability to succeed in a highly competitive field where he is surrounded by experts who seem to know exactly what to do. The book is also peppered with common-sense wisdom on leadership, teamwork, and coping with life's many disappointments - all based on real events, and described with refreshing candor. Just when you begin to think, "Hey, this guy is sounding too good to be true", he talks about some setback, and how he struggles to come to terms with it and move on. This is one astronaut with both feet planted firmly on the ground. In a crisis, you want Chris Hadfield by your side. Not Clooney, not Bullock. (Okay, that was a cheap shot, Your Honor. Withdrawn.) A whole lot of management gurus have written a whole lot of books on how to be a "professional" and how to be successful. This book by Chris has the ring of authenticity - he's been there, and done that. Read it, and then gift it to your children. Achal Raghavan December 14, 2013