In alternating chapters, Scott Kelly discusses his year at the International Space Station and his life leading up to the mission. In the chapters about his mission, he describes the space station, adapting to weightlessness, maintaining equipment, going on spacewalks, the hardships of being away from his family, and the friendships with the other astronauts on the station. It was interesting to hear about what life is like on the station and some of the issues they had to deal with that we here on Earth take for granted. After reading this, I found a virtual tour of the space station. In the other chapters, Scott Kelly tells of his childhood, his education, becoming an engineer, military pilot, test pilot, and finally being accepted into the NASA program. He struggled in school and it wasn't until he read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff before he discovered what he wanted to do. He goes into the training he went through before becoming a pilot and then for each space mission. He even goes into his personal life: marriage, becoming a father to two daughters, his divorce, relationship with his parents and twin brother, and being up in space when his sister-in-law, Representative Gabby Giffords was shot in Tucson, Arizona. I listen to this memoir and it was read by Scott Kelly. I enjoyed hearing his voice and tone throughout. It was neat to hear about all of the friendships he developed with astronauts and cosmonauts from all over the world. Those who are interested in the space program will find this a fascinating read.
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Cosmologist Stephen Hawking provides his answers to big questions about the existence of God, how the universe began, if there's intelligent life other than on Earth, what's inside of a black hole, is time travel possible, and more. This was a fascinating read. I must admit there were a few parts that somewhat went over my head, but I think Hawking really tried to write this as simple as possible. I did enjoy reading about the beginnings of the universe, if there's another intelligent life in the universe, and about black holes, but then again space has always been an interest of mine. What was also interesting was getting glimpses of Hawking's life. He started the book discussing his life a bit. At the end of the book are: an afterward by his daughter, Lucy Hawking, and transcripts of the eulogies given at his funeral. I recommend this book to those who have an interest in science. |
AuthorMr. Andrusyk is a school librarian at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, Illinois. Past Book RecommendationsClick here to view a listing of Mr. Andrusyk's list of favorite authors, series, fiction, and nonfiction. Archives
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