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  • An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

  • By: Chris Hadfield
  • Narrated by: Chris Hadfield
  • Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (587 ratings)

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An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

By: Chris Hadfield
Narrated by: Chris Hadfield
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Editorial reviews

Deeply moving in its ability to engage, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth is written by NASA Astronaut and YouTube star Colonel Chris Hadfield with the complete and unabridged audiobook narrated by the author. Hadfield’s writing is exquisite, his stories exceedingly entertaining and wisdom unbounded. His lifelong determination to make his dreams come true is tremendously inspiring. This is one of those books that makes you look internally at yourself and your life and question if you’re living it the way you should. Available now from Audible.

Publisher's Summary

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth is an inspirational memoir of space exploration and hard-won wisdom, from an astronaut who has spent a lifetime making the impossible a reality. 

Colonel Chris Hadfield has spent decades training as an astronaut and has logged nearly 4,000 hours in space. During this time he has broken into a Space Station with a Swiss army knife, disposed of a live snake while piloting a plane, been temporarily blinded while clinging to the exterior of an orbiting spacecraft, and become a YouTube sensation with his performance of David Bowie's ‘Space Oddity' in space. The secret to Chris Hadfield's success - and survival - is an unconventional philosophy he learned at NASA: prepare for the worst - and enjoy every moment of it. 

In his book, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, Chris Hadfield takes listeners deep into his years of training and space exploration to show how to make the impossible possible. Through eye-opening, entertaining stories filled with the adrenaline of launch, the mesmerising wonder of spacewalks and the measured, calm responses mandated by crises, he explains how conventional wisdom can get in the way of achievement - and happiness. 

His own extraordinary education in space has taught him some counterintuitive lessons: don't visualize success, do care what others think, and always sweat the small stuff. You might never be able to build a robot, pilot a spacecraft, make a music video or perform basic surgery in zero gravity like Colonel Hadfield. But his vivid and refreshing insights in this book will teach you how to think like an astronaut, and will change, completely, the way you view life on Earth - especially your own.

©2013 Chris Hadfield (P)2013 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd

What listeners say about An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

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A spectacular and humble insight into one continuous lifetime of applied dedication

This audio book is a must for anyone wanting to support their journey towards their aspirations. Chris' pragmatic and humble explanation of his story and the lessons he has learnt is a captivating and thought provoking narrative that parallels everyday life, despite the awe-inspiring nature of his adventures. You won't regret listening to this!

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What a legend!

Mate - if there was ever a story of sheer determination and focus towards one's life goals, the story of Cmd Chris Hadfield's journey into space tops it!

I am not one to usually read biographies, but I remember the fantastic photography, and awesome 'in-school' Q+A sessions that Chris did whilst in space, and thought it would be an interesting character to read about.....I was not dissappointed. There was plenty of space related technical jargon to keep even the staunchest of space nerds (like me!) happy, but also a nice smattering of background story of the effect his single-minded drive had on his family and friends. He can do a pretty good job at narration too!

I heartily recommend this one to all.

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Very focussed man with a very understanding family

Before reading this book I already had a lot of respect for Chris and I still do. He comes across as an extremely focussed, dedicated and successful man so I was eager to hear how he managed his relationship with his family.

While Chris pays every respect to his wife and children for their countless contributions and sacrifices, I found myself a little disappointed that he found no elegant way to fulfil his family obligations while striving to be the best he could be in his professional career. Sure, he did the best he could and made sure his family knew they were important to him - whenever he had the time. He planned thoughtful gestures well in advance of away missions to try and make up for his absence. In a nutshell, he could have quit at any time but his career always came first. Anything less and he would never have become an astronaut.

I still can't decide whether that's right or not. It's a lot to think about.

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Not my usual choice

It wouldn't be a title I would normally download but I saw the book referenced in an emergency medical presentation and thought I wonder what that is all about? I am so glad I downloaded and listened to Chris's book it's brilliant. Not only did it teach me a bit about space exploration it also taught me about life and learning to look more deeply into the way I look at my achievements. It's a story that has many layers and it's only after pondering those layers did I find myself agreeing and smiling. It's worth the time it takes to listen..space fan or not!

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Non insightful, non emotional, not worth it.

I gave the book two hours and then gave up. The book is a narration of facts and events rather than giving insight into the emotional side and actual struggles of the author. Very unfortunate as I had high hopes for the book given that I expected a different perspective on how to handle life here on earth. I'd suggest the author to try to be less polished and focus on the things that a listener/reader asks himself. It just leaves so much unanswered.

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One Word: Wow!

I loved this book. Chris Hadfield's narration made it feel like I was actually having a conversation with him. I was gutted that it was over. Everyone should listen to this book. It is enjoyable, funny and inspiring.

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Brilliant book by a brilliant human

Could have happily gone on listening to Chris' life well after the book was over.

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Great book

I really enjoyed this book. I also like how you can use some of those learnings in life and corporate culture

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Great

Great mix of advice and story telling. Hadfield has a great narration voice. The stories are a mix of his space faring and his worldly experiences making a great listen.

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Be a zero!!!

This book was thoroughly enjoyable has great flow and thought through out. Without doubt my key take away which I have already discussed with my son is the importance of being a zero. It is a life lesson that is so important and can truly shape and mould your life. Thank you Chris Hadfield for sharing your seemingly impossible goal which through tenacity, personal fortitude and sacrifice you were able to live. Wonderful book and highly recommend!!!!

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