An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781447259947
Publisher: Pan (Pan Macmillan)

Overview
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth is Chris Hadfield's bestselling memoir, drawing on his career as one of the most experienced astronauts in the world. Blending thrilling first-hand space stories with clear, practical wisdom, this brand new paperback distils lessons on preparation, calm under pressure and finding joy in the everyday. It's an ideal read for curious adults, aspiring scientists, leaders and anyone who loves a gripping true story with genuine substance behind it.

About the Book
Colonel Chris Hadfield has logged nearly 4,000 hours in space across three missions, including a stint as Commander of the International Space Station. In this memoir he takes readers behind the scenes of astronaut training and life in orbit, recounting extraordinary moments such as breaking into a Space Station with a Swiss army knife, dealing with a live snake mid-flight, and being temporarily blinded while spacewalking outside an orbiting spacecraft. He also reflects on the making of his celebrated zero-gravity performance of David Bowie's "Space Oddity", which introduced him to a worldwide audience. Threaded through these stories is Hadfield's central philosophy, learned through decades of rigorous NASA training: prepare relentlessly for the worst, while still savouring every moment. Rather than reading as a straightforward adventure story, the book uses these episodes as a framework for thinking differently about risk, ambition and everyday setbacks. Hadfield explains how astronauts train to "sweat the small stuff", turning anxiety into methodical preparation, and how that same mindset can help ordinary readers face job interviews, exams, health scares or family challenges. The result is a memoir that works equally well as inspirational storytelling and as a practical, down-to-earth guide to resilience, teamwork and leadership — grounded in one of the most extraordinary careers of our time.

• Gripping, first-hand astronaut stories you won't find anywhere else
• Practical, transferable lessons on preparation, risk and resilience
• Written by a genuine, globally recognised space explorer and communicator
• Great for book clubs, gifting, and fans of memoir or popular science
• Brand new paperback copy, ready to read or gift immediately

About the Author
Chris Hadfield is one of the most accomplished astronauts in the world. Top graduate of the U.S. Air Force test pilot school and a former U.S. Navy test pilot of the year, he served as CAPCOM for twenty-five Space Shuttle missions and later as Commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield gained global recognition for his photographs and videos explaining life in space, and his zero-gravity cover of "Space Oddity" became an internet sensation. He is also the bestselling author of several other books, including titles for younger readers.

Why You'll Love This Memoir
Equal parts thrilling adventure and practical wisdom, this book turns a career spent in orbit into lessons anyone can use on Earth — perfect for readers who want inspiration with real substance behind it.

Please Note: Cover may vary slightly from the image shown; this is the current UK paperback edition with UK ISBN 9781447259947.