Spaceman

An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe

By: Mike Massimino

Narrated by: Mike Massimino

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself strapped to a giant rocket that's about to go from zero to 17,500 miles per hour? Or to look back on Earth from outer space and see the surprisingly precise line between day and night? Or to stand in front of the Hubble Space Telescope, wondering if the emergency repair you're about to make will inadvertently ruin humankind's chance to unlock the universe's secrets? Mike Massimino has been there, and in Spaceman he puts you inside the suit, with all the zip and buoyancy of life in microgravity.

Massimino's childhood space dreams were born the day Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Growing up in a working-class Long Island family, he catapulted himself to Columbia and then MIT, only to flunk his first doctoral exam and be rejected three times by NASA before making it through the final round of astronaut selection. Taking us through the surreal wonder and beauty of his first spacewalk, the tragedy of losing friends in the Columbia shuttle accident, and the development of his enduring love for the Hubble Telescope - which he and his fellow astronauts were tasked with saving on his final mission - Massimino has written an ode to never giving up and the power of teamwork to make anything possible. Spaceman invites us into a rare, wonderful world where science meets the most thrilling adventure, revealing just what having "the right stuff" really means.

©2016 Michael J. Massimino (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Drive, determination, and desire are the enduring qualities that are reflected throughout this audiobook, narrated by its author, former astronaut Mike Massimino… His joy is contagious, and his accomplishments are incredible. Everyone, not just science geeks, will enjoy this production. " ( AudioFile)

Great book. Very easy listen which I enjoyed but..

Felt the back end of the book seemed quite rushed.

I am fascinated with space and wanted to hear more about what it was like being in space. I wanted to learn more about how and why things are done in space.

I totally get this was about Mike's journey from his dream to actually fulfilling it but I really wanted more than what felt like 2 chapters on being in space. Especially his 2nd mission. It seemed liked it was over so quickly. I wanted to hear how he lived, went to the bathroom, what he did in his spare time, how it felt on re-entry. Seemed like a lot of this stuff was rushed. I even went back and listened to all the chapters on space a 2nd time just so I could absorb every word again.

Regardless, great read (listen) overall. Mike's voice was great for an audio book. I would definitely recommend this book

Takes you on a journey

Well written and narrated makes you feel like you are there. Appreciates what it takes to be a astronaut

To Infinity and Beyond!

An average kid from an average family has big dreams- and his dreams come true! This is a great story about the value of dreaming and the hard work that goes into being successful. Narration by the author adds to the story

Incredible

Absolutely inspirational telling of an astronauts journey to space and beyond. Suitable for all ages!

An inspiring and we'll told story.

Inspiring story told by the author, astronaught Mike Massimino, who showed that through hard work and determination one can achieve one's goals. He revealed his innermost hopes , fears and thoughts while telling his story on all the steps he took to become an accomplished NASA astronaught while appearing very human in the process.

Excellent!

I'm picky about books, they have to keep my attention and interest quickly. This one did just that. It was fascinating and entertaining at the same time.

Great book. Well done!

This is a very inspiring book. Thank you so much for putting your experiences to words and share.

Captivating story with many life lessons

What did you like best about this story?

This book is such an inspiration, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in space-related adventures as well as to anyone who is interested to read an awesome biography. The book inspires anyone to overcome obstacles to go after their dream and never give up no matter how many challenges are on the way. When listening to this story you truly feel like you are right there next to Mike Massimino sharing his emotions and experiences. He offers great insight into space program and astronaut training, so you will definitely learn a lot along the way. Great book!

Didn't think I'd love it....BUT I DID!

Unexpectedly wonderful. Loved the insight of this more modern day astronaut. His journey into space was incredibly interesting. Narration wasn't always the best, but it was by the actual author and astronaut... so that is totally forgivable. The story was fascinating.

Mass is Awesome! I loved this book!!

The story of Mike Massimino as told by Mike Massimino. Fantastic!!

This hit home a little for me as I too was a kid from Long Island in the 70's that wanted to be an astronaut. However, the flame died in me never to be rekindled. Listening to Mike's journey is both fun and entertaining. Something my son needs to listen to. A great example of how a persons' shear determination can help them attain many a lofty goal.

As for Mike reading his own book, it wouldn't have been half as much fun to listen to had someone else read it. Mike lived this story, he is obviously a very entertaining person, so who better to tell it.

This is a must listen for anyone who even remotely has an interest in space or the space program.

Thanks, Mike, for allowing us to come along for the ride.