takealoadoff's review against another edition
4.0
Immensely readable story about Scott Kelly, a U.S. astronaut who broke the record for the longest time spent in space (1 year) while at the International Space Station (ISS).
I learned a lot when reading this book. A few points below:
- Are you struggling to find things to be grateful for? Read this book. After reading, you'll realize that, at the very least - you don't have to chase down your cups or papers because they are constantly floating away from you. Seriously, I had no idea how annoying life in space could be. Also, if you're on planet Earth, you are at virtually no risk of space junk literally threatening to explode your house and blowing you up in the process, which is, I kid you not, an actual problem you have to deal with in space.
- Concerned about world peace? At least we can collaborate between all sorts of countries and political systems in the name of science! Seriously, reading this book about a former U.S. Navy pilot can go up to space with a former Russian pilot and not only peaceably work together but genuinely like each other. I have a little more hope for humanity after reading this book.
- Are you, or do you know, an adolescent boy constantly getting into trouble? Why not try entering him into a military academy? It worked for Scott Kelly! Obviously, I'm not advocating this works for everyone, but hearing about how poor of a student Scott Kelly was and how he constantly got into trouble - it's amazing he turned his life around the way he did - and it wasn't until he learned the discipline and purpose that he discovered in the structured environment of a military academy. I'm not saying it'll work for everyone, but I think it's a great reminder to not give up on anyone. After all, they could end up being an astronaut.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I'm only deducting one star because there could have been better editing at points, since I felt he went on a little too long about his girlfriend and other random thoughts that had no point that I thought were less than helpful.
Otherwise, I would totally recommend this book.
I learned a lot when reading this book. A few points below:
- Are you struggling to find things to be grateful for? Read this book. After reading, you'll realize that, at the very least - you don't have to chase down your cups or papers because they are constantly floating away from you. Seriously, I had no idea how annoying life in space could be. Also, if you're on planet Earth, you are at virtually no risk of space junk literally threatening to explode your house and blowing you up in the process, which is, I kid you not, an actual problem you have to deal with in space.
- Concerned about world peace? At least we can collaborate between all sorts of countries and political systems in the name of science! Seriously, reading this book about a former U.S. Navy pilot can go up to space with a former Russian pilot and not only peaceably work together but genuinely like each other. I have a little more hope for humanity after reading this book.
- Are you, or do you know, an adolescent boy constantly getting into trouble? Why not try entering him into a military academy? It worked for Scott Kelly! Obviously, I'm not advocating this works for everyone, but hearing about how poor of a student Scott Kelly was and how he constantly got into trouble - it's amazing he turned his life around the way he did - and it wasn't until he learned the discipline and purpose that he discovered in the structured environment of a military academy. I'm not saying it'll work for everyone, but I think it's a great reminder to not give up on anyone. After all, they could end up being an astronaut.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I'm only deducting one star because there could have been better editing at points, since I felt he went on a little too long about his girlfriend and other random thoughts that had no point that I thought were less than helpful.
Otherwise, I would totally recommend this book.
scottt's review against another edition
4.0
Reflecting on his career and year long mission in space, Scott Kelly goes into great detail describing his experiences. Kelly continuously refers to his stoic principles, principally from Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff". I found "Endurance" to detail Scott Kelly's life, share behind-the-scenes of an astronaut, and inspire others' own endurance.
kylieabbynormal's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
4.25
jstamper2022's review against another edition
5.0
Not preachy and repetitive like Chris Hadfield. Not as conventional of an astronaut story as Mike Massimino. Typical in the sense that his dream was sparked by watching the moon landing as a kid like all other astronauts after. Despite a rocky childhood and weak grades, he was still able to become an astronaut. Offers details into life in the Space Station, effects on his body compared to his twin brother, a look into the Russian space program that’s largely unchanged since the space race days. Tidbits about the science they’re working on in space that can have profound impacts on healthcare and agriculture here on Earth as well as preparing humans for Mars.
zosiablue's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic, no bullshit memoir. Eloquent, thoughtful, funny and just cool. Docked one star because it should’ve been shorter, but I still hung on every word.
acousticdefacto's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
lucy_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating insight into a world few will experience
From the first few sentences, you know this book will be unique. Space travel is still a rare thing, in over 50 years only 550 people have ever been into space, and very few of those have spent an extended time there. This is a powerful & fascinating memoir from a man who spent a year in space, experiencing things very few have or ever will. It opens with him struggling to adjust to life back on earth - the noise of everyday life that had been missing, the gravity taking its toll on a body that had not experienced it for 12 months.
The writing style is informal and the overall tone is chatty, as if he's sitting across the table having a chat as you reminisce through the photo album or over dinner. Within the first few pages of the book however, you also discover a man who has a rather different outlook on life: a risk-taker, a loner, somebody who didn't quite fit into the box of "normal life", in fact the ideal candidate for a scientific experiment on a human being. What the effect on the human body would be after a year in space was something no scientist knew the answer to ... and to find out would require a volunteer willing to take risks yet also be able to operate in a very disciplined manner as he pushed the boundaries not only of earthly science but of space itself.
It's candid and real - we are left in no doubts that we will be getting the "real" story, not the glossy sanitised snapshots. We see the mission through his eyes, the ever present risk of colliding with space junk or depressurisation, the emergency drills, the repairs, always knowing that if you couldn't fix it yourself, you couldn't just call an engineer to pop over & swap a cable!
In space, he lived in very close quarters with his crewmate, with little privacy or space to be alone, yet feelings of loneliness being so far away from home were always there and he missed some of the comforts of life on earth (his reaction to feeling a soft pillow & the weight of a blanket reminds us to be grateful for small luxuries). As he readjusted to life on earth, and learnt to walk again (gravity is something we take for granted - until it's not there!), his body reacted in unexpected ways - but this was exactly why he'd spent a year in space, to see what the effects on his body was!
Throughout, there is a real sense of humour, mixed with moments of poignancy and he is a natural storyteller.
Thoroughly recommend for anyone who envisages themselves as the next astronaut, or just loves a solid biography.
From the first few sentences, you know this book will be unique. Space travel is still a rare thing, in over 50 years only 550 people have ever been into space, and very few of those have spent an extended time there. This is a powerful & fascinating memoir from a man who spent a year in space, experiencing things very few have or ever will. It opens with him struggling to adjust to life back on earth - the noise of everyday life that had been missing, the gravity taking its toll on a body that had not experienced it for 12 months.
The writing style is informal and the overall tone is chatty, as if he's sitting across the table having a chat as you reminisce through the photo album or over dinner. Within the first few pages of the book however, you also discover a man who has a rather different outlook on life: a risk-taker, a loner, somebody who didn't quite fit into the box of "normal life", in fact the ideal candidate for a scientific experiment on a human being. What the effect on the human body would be after a year in space was something no scientist knew the answer to ... and to find out would require a volunteer willing to take risks yet also be able to operate in a very disciplined manner as he pushed the boundaries not only of earthly science but of space itself.
It's candid and real - we are left in no doubts that we will be getting the "real" story, not the glossy sanitised snapshots. We see the mission through his eyes, the ever present risk of colliding with space junk or depressurisation, the emergency drills, the repairs, always knowing that if you couldn't fix it yourself, you couldn't just call an engineer to pop over & swap a cable!
In space, he lived in very close quarters with his crewmate, with little privacy or space to be alone, yet feelings of loneliness being so far away from home were always there and he missed some of the comforts of life on earth (his reaction to feeling a soft pillow & the weight of a blanket reminds us to be grateful for small luxuries). As he readjusted to life on earth, and learnt to walk again (gravity is something we take for granted - until it's not there!), his body reacted in unexpected ways - but this was exactly why he'd spent a year in space, to see what the effects on his body was!
Throughout, there is a real sense of humour, mixed with moments of poignancy and he is a natural storyteller.
Thoroughly recommend for anyone who envisages themselves as the next astronaut, or just loves a solid biography.
lebanesebookwrom's review against another edition
5.0
Just amazing. It is a great book that just made me want to become an astronaut. I love how he tells his story, it's a wonderful book. IIf you need a book that will help you push yourself this it. This book helped me believe in myself and apply for #NCAS. A great book written by an amazing person.
auburnedge's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of one astronauts year long stay on the space station. Scott Kelly does an amazing recount, complete with stunning photographs, of his stay. That means the good and the bad. Especially transitioning back to living on Earth.
I normally don't read autobiography but I made an exception for this one. The hard work and dedication he has to the space program is truly inspiring. Add to that his family dedication and you have a role model.
This book would be perfect for anyone who loves space, strong role models, or just anyone who wants to know what it takes to be an astronaut. Kids will enjoy the pictures while parents are able to explain some of the parts.
Overall this is one of the best memoirs I have read.
I normally don't read autobiography but I made an exception for this one. The hard work and dedication he has to the space program is truly inspiring. Add to that his family dedication and you have a role model.
This book would be perfect for anyone who loves space, strong role models, or just anyone who wants to know what it takes to be an astronaut. Kids will enjoy the pictures while parents are able to explain some of the parts.
Overall this is one of the best memoirs I have read.
erinfrancis02's review against another edition
4.0
I have always been FASCINATED by astronauts and space life. Here is a perfect book to hear about Mr Kelly's lived experience. It was a great audiobook!