NATIONAL BEST SELLERA stunning, personal memoir from the astronaut and modern-day hero who spent a record-breaking year aboard the International Space Station—a message of hope for the future that will inspire for generations to come.The veteran of four spaceflights and the American record holder for consecutive days spent in space, Scott Kelly has experienced things very few have. Now, he takes … very few have. Now, he takes us inside a sphere utterly hostile to human life. He describes navigating the extreme challenge of long-term spaceflight, both life-threatening and mundane: the devastating effects on the body; the isolation from everyone he loves and the comforts of Earth; the catastrophic risks of colliding with space junk; and the still more haunting threat of being unable to help should tragedy strike at home–an agonizing situation Kelly faced when, on a previous mission, his twin brother’s wife, American Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, was shot while he still had two months in space.
Kelly’s humanity, compassion, humor, and determination resonate throughout, as he recalls his rough-and-tumble New Jersey childhood and the youthful inspiration that sparked his astounding career, and as he makes clear his belief that Mars will be the next, ultimately challenging, step in spaceflight.
In Endurance, we see the triumph of the human imagination, the strength of the human will, and the infinite wonder of the galaxy.
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Well written description of a year on the ISS. Plenty of context pre journey tp put the whole effort in better perspective.
A bit too technical re the space station and other astronaut related information, but his life story and personal relationships were very interesting. His motivation and willingness to endure extreme danger and grueling training and conditions were also worthwhile reading. The book also highlighted benefits to the space explorations that I hadn’t realized. A worthwhile read.
It’s wonderful to hear the back story behind this legend
It gives enlightening information about living in the space station. More importantly it give insight into Russian/American cooperation and friendships and their different approaches to science and exploration.
How is life in space and what it takes to get there? Read this book.
Fascinating insights into what it’s like to live in space. Plus an interesting personal story.
I liked the positivity Scott showed in this book. He is likeable and explained what he did in easy to understand way. Good story about his life journey and his time on the International space station. Showed that being there required international cooperation.
Simply phenomenal. Told in alternating chapters detailing his Year in Space and the rest of his life leading up to that mission, Kelly does an awesome job of telling his story in a way that makes it very nearly impossible to put down the book. I actually listened to the audiobook for most of this read, which was read by Kelly himself. Also fun was knowing I had followed him on social media during that year, so some of the things he talks about in the book, I actually saw when his team put them on his social media accounts as they happened. Overall an excellent book about the current realities of the International Space Station and at least one man’s tale of how he got there.
Very interesting book about what it’s like to be in space on the ISS and what it takes to get there (education, training, medical qualifications)
Wonderful account of adventures in NASA’s space program. Makes you feel you are living on the ISS, too. Couldn’t put it down.
From Page 1, I was hooked! “Endurance” is the true account and actual true story of Scott Kelly, the astronaut, who spent a year in space on the International Space Station. He discusses his journey from being a terrible student in school to being commander of the ISS along with his relationships with family and colleagues including the Russian cosmonauts. It was an amusing, interesting page turner for me and I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed learning about the astronaut program and about Scott Kelly’s personal experience. One had to keep reading to find out about relationships and what it was like to live in space.
Very interesting look into life as an astronaut who flew the space shuttle and spent a year in space on the space station.
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery is a memoir written by Scott Kelly. A former NASA astronaut, Scott Kelly is best known for spending nearly a year on the International Space Station (ISS) and (as of October 2015) for spending more time in space than any other American. He’s also a former military fighter pilot and test pilot, an engineer, a retired U.S. Navy captain, a twin to another NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, a father, a son, and an ex-husband. This book is not only about Scott and his year in space. It’s about all of the above. It’s about his upbringing, his inspiration past and present, the other career roles that have served as stepping stones, the sacrificing family that watched him leave the planet over and over for work, the toll outer space takes on the body, mind, and relationships, and it’s about Russia, science, perspective, and gratitude.
Overall, I found Endurance to be a well-rounded memoir that covered many more topics than I expected. Based on my personal reading experience, many sections felt dry which caused me to pause the audiobook (narrated by Scott himself) several times due to a lack of engagement; however, a few parts were surprisingly touching and made up for it. My favorite parts included the exploration of relationship factors suffered by Scott and his now ex-wife as a result of the sacrifices required by this career, the physical accommodations necessary when in space (things many of us surely take for granted), and the nightmarish reaction Scott’s body had upon his return to earth after almost a year of no gravity. Endurance is a perfect title for this book.
My favorite quote:
“I’ve learned that following the news from space can make Earth seem like a swirl of chaos and conflict, and that seeing the environmental degradation caused by humans is heartbreaking. I’ve also learned that our planet is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and that we’re lucky to have it.”