Mike Massimino

What makes someone aspire to be an astronaut? How does one train for a space mission? What's it like, if you're one of the fortunate few chosen to go up in space?

If you're seeking the answers to these questions, Mike Massimino's book "Spaceman" is a good place to start.

The story is told in an engaging manner, with the narrator coming through as a man who always remembers his humble beginnings. Through the accounts of the training and the missions themselves, Massimino shares enough of the show more sensory details that you get an image of what it was like. Massimino's account comes across as being honest and genuine -- he's not afraid to put himself in a less-than-flattering light.

The book also doesn't shy away from the dangers of space missions and training, sharing both the triumph and tragedy.

Just one warning -- it's easy to feel like a real slouch when you read what these men and women go through to get into the space program, and the intensity of the training they endure once there! show less

This book was recommended to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Would it be as interesting as it was made to seem? Would an astronaut be as good a narrator as some of my favorite authors and other narrators I've listened to on audiobook? I need not have worried. Massimino is a fantastic narrator, he's passionate about his work, and on top of that, the man can write!

I adored this book, because of it, my TBR has grown exponentially with books about space, books by astronauts, and my show more curiosity has definitely been piqued! I can't wait to delve into more books on this vast topic. show less

The best thing about this book? Mike Massimino is a regular guy. He's a guy you'd want to sit down and have a beer with, the guy who might be your kid's cub scout leader, or your neighbor who lets you borrow the edger. This book is about Mike's rise to superhero astronaut, and all the bumps, failures, and doubts along the way. He's a regular person (albeit a super-smart, courageous one), and look what he did!

Mike doesn't dwell too long on his childhood in New York, but does include some show more important aspects about his growing up that helped him along his path. The meat of the story is his quest (at times thought quixotic) to work for NASA and eventually become an astronaut. Unlike many memoirs, this book focuses only on the important parts of the story, and doesn't include every anecdote or biographical tangent. It's tight, entertaining, fascinating, and, most importantly, honest. It's not overwhelming with scientific explanations. This is a human interest story. At times, my palms were actually sweating while reading about Mike's first EVA on his flight to repair the Hubble.

And Mike didn't write this book to make himself look like a hero. He doesn't leave out the doubts, the fears, the downright terrors, he experienced, both during his studies and exams and also while in space. He even talks about having imposter syndrome, feeling that he wasn't good enough, smart enough, or prepared enough to go into space. But time and again, he was tested, and he was the right man for the job. That's a real struggle a lot of us mortals can identify with, which only makes this book more intriguing. I was amazed at the lengths he went to in order to overcome deficits, even to the point of not accepting that his vision wouldn't pass him into astronaut training. He was going to have 20/20 vision no matter what. For Mike, there is no door that is completely closed.

Spaceman gets five big ol' stars from me. This is a book for everybody. I'm passing this on to my middle-schooler, who wants to work for NASA as soon as humanly possible. Whether you're interested in space exploration or not (and if not, what's wrong with you?), this is a story that everyone can relate to. Mike Massimino is my new hero. Read Spaceman, and he'll be your hero too. I only hope that maybe if I write him a fan letter he'll send me an autographed photo. How about it, Mike?

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
My review is also posted on flyleafunfurled.com. show less

Until I read this book I only knew Mr. Massimino from is appearances on the The Big Bang Theory. It was great to learn more about him. What a life he has led! He takes us from his childhood where he first dreamed of being an astronaut to finally becoming one and going to out into space. We see him from the highest highs to the lowest lows as he tells his story with humor, honesty, and a true joy for what he does. Give this to anyone who has ever looked up at the stars with wonder and had a show more dream. show less