Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change

by Cady Coleman

One of America’s few female astronauts reveals the wisdom that helped her overcome the barriers of others’ expectations—and learn to work on a team both in close quarters and remotely

In 2010, the day after her fiftieth birthday—and despite having faced feedback for years that she was not astronaut material—Cady Coleman boarded a rocket and blasted off into space for her third NASA mission, the only woman on her six-person crew. She may have been an “unexpected” astronaut, but her determination and her experiences give her a unique perspective on life here on Earth.

In Sharing Space , Cady shares counterintuitive insights integral to her success, such as how to leverage insecurities to beat expectations, how to know when to adapt and when to press for change, and how to be the glue that holds a disparate team together. Illustrated with stories from her life and training, from meteorite hunting in Antarctica to the two weeks she spent living in an underwater habitat to the magic of spending six months living and working in zero gravity, this book will inspire anyone eager to escape a box in which they have been (unfairly) placed or develop the confidence to succeed, even when they’re not an obvious “fit.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Science, Space, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Biography

272 pages, Hardcover

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharing Space by Cady Coleman is one of those memoirs that truly left me deeply, deeply inspired.

First off, Cady is an incredible storyteller. Weaving her experiences from MIT to Houston to on the ISS and eventually life back on Earth, she shares her life in such an intimate and charismatic fashion. Her work ethic, passion for learning, and willingness to collaborate, trust and be vulnerable with others is remarkable.

Despite many of her stories being out of this world (literally), I felt so seen in her experiences and lessons learned. As someone who studied planetary science and geophysics in university, I was overwhelmingly excited to read this. But as the book continued, I felt even more drawn to the human experience (truthfully, the female experience). Don’t get me wrong, her anecdotes and stories from space are so utterly fascinating, and written in such an accessible way that everyone will enjoy. However, her stories of working in a severely male dominated field, battling preconceived notions and having to prove her place, struck me to my core. Despite having supportive and kind male coworkers (you make me proud to be Canadian, Chris Hadfield!!!), she still had challenges to continually overcome. I see so much of myself in Cady, and I think every woman out there would, especially those of us in a male dominated field. I laughed at the ‘boy apology’ story, nearly cried at the misfitting space suit (how many times have I worn ill fitting PPE at work!), and read in awe as she navigated her work life balance. Her tenacity and ability to persevere against prejudice and under pressure is ultimately the most inspiring part of it all.

Accessible, engaging and fascinating - Sharing Space is a memoir for everyone. It’s about the importance of community and trust and chasing your dreams. It’s about collaboration and representation and not counting yourself out when others might.

And, at the end of the day, it was also FUN to read. I implore you to read it.

[CatReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine "Cady" Coleman (b. 1960) is a retired NASA astronaut and veteran of 3 space missions, including nearly 6-month stay on the International Space Station from December 2010 to May 2011. She was selected to join the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1992 at the age of 32, was the first in her selection group to be assigned to a mission, and retired in 2016. In Coleman's memoir Sharing Space, she writes about what inspired her to become an astronaut, navigating her 24-year career as female astronaut with mostly male colleagues and accomodations not designed for women (particularly space suits), and balancing her career with a long-term, long-distance marriage that grew more complicated when she and her husband had a child together. Like many astronaut memoirs I've read (i.e., Chris Hadfield's An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth and Mike Massimino's Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe), Coleman frames her memoir in terms of life lessons learned from her career that can be broadly generalized, which I think works really well here. As a fellow woman in STEM, I found a lot of her advice about working with male colleagues and perception management particularly helpful, such as this anecdote about Coleman having to adapt to way-too-big-for-her size medium space suit, after NASA eliminated size small space suits that accommodate many female astronauts (and mandated space suit competency for any astronaut going to the International Space Station):

Most of the time, I took the approach that if the suit didn’t fit, I would simply wear it anyway—and wear it well. Wear it better than anyone expected. This meant that I set a personal goal to be completely prepared for every EVA training event. I’d always worked hard to keep in top physical shape, but the bigger suit demanded even more strength. The gym became one of my top priorities. I made a point of learning how to do pull-ups (men, for some reason, have a thing for pull-ups), and would toss off a set of five or six nonchalantly when I noticed any of the experienced EVA folks at the astronaut gym. There was no such thing as too much foresight or practice. My strategy was to maximize the skills that I brought to the task, so that I could focus my energy on the skills that were harder for me. Before doing a pool run, I prerehearsed everything I might be doing underwater. I went to the tool shop the night before and practiced using all the intricately designed tools I knew I’d be using the next day. I made drawings of how I wanted to configure all the tools on the mini workstation attached to my spacesuit. I watched and rewatched footage of underwater spacewalkers doing the same tasks I would be doing. I identified situations where I might be vulnerable to making mistakes. The night before a pool run, I always tried to get a good night’s sleep. And even if I was at the end of my rope—my internal tether, so to speak—I stayed cheerful. Well, cheerful-ish. Being considered “easy to work with” was a key requirement for spacewalking. Then, when it was over, I always requested feedback from both the diving team and my instructors. What should I do differently? How can I do it better?

My advice to anyone who finds themselves in such a situation is to start by asking: Why am I not fitting in here? What’s really going on? Is it just a vibe, or am I justified? And can I push for change or do I need to make the best of the way things are? Some situations, like being a small-framed woman who finds herself inside a cavernous, medium-sized spacesuit, may appear to be intractable. You can’t really design your own spacesuit, at least not yet. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about the constraints of the situation, and you just have to adapt yourself. But other times, you may have more control than you realize. Sometimes you can make the world adapt to you (within reason), and not the other way around. Sometimes you can redesign the parameters of your environment to better accommodate the people who come after you. It’s up to you to determine when to try to change things, and when to let them go.

I also really enjoyed and found apt her story about "boy apologies" (which I won't spoil here -- go read the book!).

I've read many astronaut memoirs/biographies at this point, and Coleman's memoir stands out in that it's one of only two (the other being Mike Mullane's Riding Rockets) that gives more than a passing reference to the challenges of working at NASA. While Coleman's points of contention are very different from Mullane's, I really appreciated the vulnerability and authenticity required to share many of her stories.

Further reading: astronaut biographies and memoirs (roughly chronological order):

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journey by Michael Collins
The Way of the Explorer: An Apollo Astronaut's Journey Through the Material and Mystical Worlds by Edgar Mitchell
Sally Ride: America's First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr
Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention by Kathryn Sullivan
Riding Rockets by Mike Mullane
Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission by Eileen Collins
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe and Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible by Mike Massimino
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances by Leland Melvin

My statistics:
Book 239 for 2024
Book 1842 cumulatively

[avril ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m space obsessed now! I loved reading about her experiences. The way she described seeing Earth from space was truly beautiful. I can only imagine what it was must have been like to experience that firsthand. I also loved that she included how to spot the space station as it orbits Earth. I can’t wait to look for it in the summer.

[Sophia Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars- I just want to be friends with cady Coleman bc she sounds like the coolest lady ever. I loved the way she framed all of her experiences in space and made it a matter of inclusion and discovery. Especially loved how she pointed out the struggles in space for women and others who are disadvantaged. Was a solid listen and I enjoyed hearing her story

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming, easy to read and follow memoir about a female astronaut's career, including a stint at the International Space Station, and how the lessons she learned in her career can apply to how those of us who are not astronauts show up in the world.

[Carol Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Representation doesn't fix everything, but it changes, on a visceral level, the menu of options that you feel you can reach for."

.
It's a crying shame that this book isn't getting more attention (or reviews?! Someone at NASA PR is sleeping) because Coleman's sensory experience of space is a lot of fun. I want to know EVERYTHING about how it feels to free-float in a sleeping bag instead of hooking it up to a wall. If you get easily exhausted by chunky paragraphs, this adventure might not be for you, but otherwise, it's a good upbeat nonfiction for your TBR. That grin on the front cover? You can tell Coleman lives in that grin. As 1 of 47 women to visit the ISS (which boasts 244 visitors total), she is a leader in pursuing diversity in STEM and a whirlwind energy force. I wouldn't fear being her enemy, but I'd fear being a task in her way.

[Madison Chambliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could do half stars, I would make this 4.5!!!

I really enjoyed this book. I think something that helped me enjoy this book as much as I did is having read Mike Mullane’s ‘Riding Rockets’ prior to this one. Seeing the juxtaposition between Mike and Cady between just a few astronaut classes was truly mind-boggling, but I’m so grateful for people like Cady who make sure the door of opportunity did not close behind them.

Also loved the mentions of Scott and Mark Kelly 🥰🥰

[Erica Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version- Cady is easy to listen to and is quite good at making complicated things easy to understand (see appendixes for explanation of how to use the toilet in space or how to find the ISS). There are a few major themes that are applicable to all people whether they are working in a dynamic team or being a mom. It’s the type of book that helps you become a better version of yourself.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really nice memoir. I enjoyed learning about Coleman's career as an astronaut and she has a lot of good stories. This is also just a wholesome book in general and she seems like a very nice and fun person.

[Tiffany Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, loved reading stories about space and the journey to get there from a local author.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cady’s perspective, humor, and so many great examples of why diversity matters and how many obstacles there might be to that. A very easy read and I always love learning about space.

[Hannah Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN NASAS ARTEMIS TAKES THE FIRST WOMAN TO WALK ON THE MOON, SHE WILL DO SO IN A REDESIGNED SPACE SUIT. I HOPE IT FITS HER LIKE A GLOVE.


shut up i’m throwing up i hate space i so do not want to think about it so why do i want to be an astronaut what Is That ??

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and read this book. Today.

I love a good memoir, and this one is certainly in my top five. I devoured Cady Coleman's Sharing Space over a weekend, and this was in between busing my sons to hockey practice, my niece’s birthday, and getting school supplies for back to school! That’s how captivating this book is!
Cady’s story is more than just a memoir of an astronaut's experiences; it's a relatable guide to overcoming life's challenges painted across the darkly mysterious and intriguing canvas of space. Despite her extraordinary career, the struggles and triumphs she shares throughout the book are remarkably relatable to everyday people. Dare I even say, down to earth?

What I loved most about this book was the overarching theme of the power of purpose. As Cady herself demonstrates through her own experiences, purpose trumps adversity, complexity, and skepticism (of others and ourselves). Her unwavering dedication to her goals, her perseverance in the face of adversity, and her ability to find meaning in her work and family are inspiring examples for anyone seeking to make a difference in their lives.

Cady's experience of seeing Sally Ride speak at MIT is a perfect example of the power of representation to empower people. Witnessing a woman astronaut, someone who looked and felt like her, made it possible for Cady to imagine herself in that role. Her recounting of this experience serves as an undeniable reminder that seeing someone who looks like us achieve something seemingly impossible can inspire us to do the same. As she writes, "If you can see it, you can be it."

Another relatable aspect of Cady's story is her experience as a working, geographically single, mother. Balancing the demands of a demanding career with the joys and challenges of family life is a universal struggle. Cady's numerous anecdotes of balancing being a nurturing and present mother to her son Jamey and excelling in demanding professional environment is a testament to her strength and resilience that was certainly inspiring to this working mother of 3.

Throughout the book, Cady also shares valuable insights into the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience. Her recounting of her experiences on the International Space Station highlight the importance of working together towards a common goal, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. She also talks about her experiences working with others despite difficult interpersonal challenges. Who hasn’t worked with some they don’t click with, right? I loved two important messages related to this she shares: 1) you can’t control how other act but you can control how you show up and respond, and 2) the power of leading with vulnerability to create connection with others. Two incredibly powerful messages that resonated with me profoundly.

Sharing Space is more than just a memoir; it's a universal guide to finding purpose and overcoming challenges in everyday life. I highly recommend to anyone seeking inspiration, practical life examples of how to overcome obstacles, and an opportunity to experience a world unlike any most of humanity has ever know through the eyes of this compassionate, fiercely intelligent, woman: space.

[Ankit Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change, Cady Coleman invites readers on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos and the inner sanctum of human aspiration. Coleman, a seasoned astronaut with a wealth of experience in space exploration, offers a captivating blend of personal memoir, scientific insight, and inspirational reflection.

From the outset, Coleman’s narrative is not merely an account of life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) but an invitation to explore the profound intersections between space travel and human potential. Her prose is imbued with a palpable sense of wonder, drawing readers into the majesty of viewing Earth from orbit and the intimate details of daily life in microgravity.

One of the book's standout features is Coleman’s ability to translate the complexities of space science into accessible and engaging language. Her reflections on the technological and emotional challenges of living in space are both enlightening and relatable. She delves into the intricacies of scientific experiments conducted in orbit, the delicate balance of human relationships in confined spaces, and the philosophical musings inspired by the vastness of space.

Coleman's voice is both authoritative and empathetic, capturing the reader's imagination with vivid descriptions of her experiences while also offering a personal touch. Her anecdotes, whether recounting the thrill of a spacewalk or the simple joys of sharing a meal with her crew, are framed with a sense of purpose and discovery. Through these stories, Coleman emphasizes the profound impact that space exploration can have on our understanding of ourselves and our world.

Moreover, Sharing Space is more than a memoir; it is a call to action. Coleman passionately advocates for the transformative potential of space travel in addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration. Her reflections on the fragility of Earth and the necessity for collective stewardship resonate deeply, providing a compelling argument for the continued investment in space exploration as a means to inspire and effect positive change.

In terms of structure, the book is thoughtfully organized, with each chapter flowing seamlessly from one topic to the next. Coleman’s writing is both engaging and insightful, making complex scientific and philosophical concepts accessible to a broad audience. The book is enriched with personal photos and illustrations that bring her experiences to life, adding an extra layer of intimacy to her narrative.

Sharing Space is a remarkable contribution to the literature of space exploration and personal development. Cady Coleman’s eloquent prose and reflective insights offer readers not just a glimpse into the life of an astronaut, but also a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that lies within each of us. For anyone fascinated by space, science, or the human spirit, this book is a must-read—a stellar testament to the wonders of the universe and the indomitable nature of human curiosity.

[PONRAJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a fantastic job. Her narration made me walk in space or imagine myself fitting in the suit. She kept the tone of explaining the beauty and supremacy of being in space while still keeping her head up in her fight for women-hood and equality.

I am one of those few women who is born in the transition between male dominant society to a society where men and women are considered equal. We struggle with random stereotypes from few individuals (both men and women equally) who judge our ways and lifestyle and insist the ancient ideologies. You show us that we can now take it. It’s easier when we think it is their “stereotypical way of apologizing”. Let’s take it take it.

Very few men from my generation are less stereotypic towards their wife. Sure they are generous and broad to their children and female colleagues at work. But definitely not to their immediate family and still occasionally exhibit altruism and supremacy.

I love the way she used her space phrases like “slow is the fast” “make it before you break it” Being a scientist I do that often - like overnight culture, or what is the protocol (instead of recipe), etc.

My best part of the book is “Shitty mom” I am one of those few women who had to leave my 6 weeks old prematurely born child with my spouse to go to work. I am one of those few mom’s who had to leave my 1 year old for a 6 weeks of training (not in space definitely!!!). I missed so much so that I didn’t get to see my son’s first steps to walk. He was crawling when I left for my camp and a week later when I met him over the weekend he was walking. I didn’t get to experience the euphoric goose bumps of his first tiny steps. I am still haunted by the words they used to describe “me” for being such an inattentive-career oriented woman who doesn’t love her child.

My son is now 9 and loves me more and more for everything I am today. I am a scientist now because of those tiny sacrifices that me and my child did. The bond I have with my child and my husband is so strong that who cares where I was when he was 6 weeks old or when he was 1 year and just starting to walk.

Thank you lady for bringing the energy and self belief in me. I wasn’t even looking for a self help book when I started listening to this audiobook but it actually became one for me and I am glad it did.

It also helped me get tiny details to share with my child who is a space nerd. He is one of those kids who love cars in the shape of cybertruck and buildings in the form of hexagon. When I told him “his type of city is up on the international space station” he was beyond thrilled and we got converse over an hour all about spaces.

[siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

let me start by saying i think all of us can agree that last weeks grotesque display of performative feminism and celebrity elitism in the form of the blue origin space flight was equal parts depressing and dystopian 👽 this felt like a timely and important read and i’m grateful that i picked it up when i did.

if you want to be truly inspired by an astronaut and person in general then look no further than cady coleman, reading her memoir only further highlighted how deeply out of a touch a certain pop star is in referring to herself as an astronaut. i have been obsessed with space since my dad took me to see the imax movie space station 3D back in 2002 and it’s a love affair that has lasted a lifetime so i found myself tearing up at several points while reading this because of the sheer sense of awe and wonder she was able to convey about her time on the ISS, a feeling i’ve often felt any time i look up. incredibly inspiring and at times mind blowing how much adversity she faced for simply being a woman daring to do what men had always done, and often times doing it better. i couldn’t recommend this book enough, it’s an incredibly important and human read 🔭

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharing Space isn’t just a memoir—it’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and wonder. With honesty, warmth, and humor, Cady Coleman invites readers into a life lived at the edge of possibility—from launching billion-dollar telescopes, to living aboard the International Space Station, to learning how to lead with empathy in zero gravity.

Cady’s reflections are deeply human. She doesn’t shy away from challenges—from self-doubt to awkward spacesuits—but instead shows how vulnerability, curiosity, and connection can become sources of strength. Her stories remind us that astronauts aren’t superhuman; they’re deeply human, and that’s what makes her perspective so powerful.

Whether you dream of going to space or just want to lead a more meaningful life here on Earth, this book offers a roadmap. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t “fit in” but knew they were meant to make an impact anyway.

Cady doesn’t just share space—she shares hope, vision, and the belief that we all belong in the future we’re building. I’ll come back to this one again and again.

[Eve Sharpee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Structured as a self help meets memoir. Predictably I enjoyed the memoir leaning parts more- astronaut training, shuttle and station missions, logistics of space engineering, trips to antarctica for studies and Europe to meet dignitaries etc, there’s something satisfying (dare I use the word inspiring?) about reading the memoir of someone who has lived an incredible life. And as far as advice goes, though I typically don’t enjoy receiving it unasked (I guess picking up the book is asking for it)- I have to give it to Coleman, hers is pretty damn good. Refreshingly fair writing on gender inequality in the workforce, specifically for women in stem- Coleman’s philosophy puts just as much pressure on women as men, and on the self as the other. Condemning of those upholding outdated expectations of women surrounding family and work/capabilities of strength and intellect- and appreciative of true allies in the form of both men and women colleagues, leaders, and family.

[Melsene G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book about a female astronaut and how she got there and what she experienced. Cady Coleman's story is remarkable. There is so much to learn as you follow her in her journey as she makes her dreams come true. After hearing Sally Ride speak at MIT, she decides she wants to be an astronaut. She was in ROTC, served in the Air Force, is a chemist with a PhD and more. She gets a job at NASA and has a long career which includes 2 satellite missions and a six month stay in the International Space Station. None of this was easy for her being a woman. She is a mom and experienced so much discrimination in this field. Her leadership insights are noteworthy and make so much sense. We've come so far but we have a long way to go. Well done, Ms. Coleman. You are an inspiration to woman all over the world.

[AMJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her perspective and lifestyle were unique. Coleman is a headstrong, quirky, fun, dedicated, skilled, intelligent, and chatty astronaut. Her living arrangements, purposely living her life in a different geographic location than her husband, while their son goes back and forth was unusual. She talks about the value of community and representation as well as diversity. She was a logistical wiz with her family situation, but she was often late or disorganized with her work. She is an avid flute player and brought a fun and sparky spirit to the ISS when she lived her lifelong dream of living aboard the ISS on a long-term stay. She has a unique story and perspective and I also found it interesting after reading Scott Kelly’s book, Endurance, because they mention each other throughout their books. It was fun to see the stories from both sides.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was Cady's Lead Operations planner for Increment 26 so I am obviously biased, but I think this is well written and important read for multiple reasons. She does a great job of laying out the beauty of spaceflight but also the challenges. And I really appreciate the details she provides about gender discrimination around NASA...it's not just in the Astronaut office.

With the current cultural norm that mothers are either perfect at all times or failures, Cady really opens up and makes herself vulnerable by talking about her struggles and the doubts she sometimes felt about decisions she made. I hope many people, women especially, get the chance to learn from her.

[Mark Moloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a humbling read.

Courage is not the absence of fear - it’s acting in the face of fear.
- Really humanising passages in chapter 2 on how she can also get discouraged easily and yet has allowed the naysayers in her life, instead, to strengthen her resolve and determination.

- Start with facts and actions, not assumptions.

- In high stakes situations of evaluation, reminding myself that I am prepared, that I’ve practiced all that I can is the key to unlocking peak performance in those tasks.

- Gender inequities still are widespread even after Covid19

Keeping cheerful ish even when I felt at the end of my tether
- Being easy to work with was a key requirement for spacewalkers

[Caroline B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just an incredible read from start to finish. Not only does Cady tell you heaps of really cool space stories, she also tells them in a way that makes them relateable to us non-astronauts. The book also contains alot of really inspiring stories and advice about how to get through the various barriers faced by women and people of colour in society and workplaces. There is also an appendix at the end which explains how the space toilets work on the ISS (loved). Can't recommend this book enough.

[Kirsten Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those hard to rate books. Cady’s story focuses heavily on how we can/should get more women into careers related to space, about her skills as a people person and what doors that has opened for her. She’s also very open about weaknesses - she relies heavily on the NASA administrative staff to counter her lack of organizational skills, deadline management and the fact that her partner lives across the country, their young son bouncing around between them. She is both likeable and relatable. Almost boring - despite having a PHD, being an astronaut and an airforce veteran!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

Cady Coleman is an astronaut. She lived on the ISS and followed other trailblazing women to make space for women in space. She’s an inspiring woman. 
 
Hearing her speak of how she handled (sometimes challenging) interpersonal relationships, navigated her unique family life while working for NASA, and all the lessons she has learned has given me much to ponder and consider how to internalize those bits of wisdom in my own life. 

Content warnings: death, sexism

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir by astronaut Cady Coleman, and she brings such an approachable voice to her stories, sharing not only her journey from before she became an astronaut to the current day - but also the lessons she learned along the way. She touches on how to get along with people who are different from you, long-distance marriage and parenting, fighting against gender inequality, the wonders of being in space, and so much more. Plus, she narrates the audiobook. Such an enjoyable read/listen.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book looked like it was going to be good, but I quickly learned by Mrs. Clinton gave it such a glowing endorsement: It was filled with feminism and DEI agendas.

I liked that Mrs. Coleman cherished her family. It was enjoyable to see how she took her son’s stuffed animals with her on her space travels so he would feel more a part of her life. So fun!

Content: bars, talk of “inclusion,” premarital sex, expletives

[Leo W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astronaut, mother, Ph.D chemist, Air Force Colonel. We met briefly at BDL en route to MCO, while you were shuffling and re-shuffling books and clothing between your carry on and back pack. I found you charming and resolved to read your book, which I found inspirational (and also charming). Had to laugh reading that, despite launching satellites and catching incoming spacecraft, that you find dealing with luggage a challenge.

[Adrienne Maslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinarily interesting book! Cady Coleman really teaches us about NASA, the lives of astronauts, what it takes to become an astronaut, and what it’s like to live on the space station. I came away really jealous of those who get to do this type of work. Most of it was very well-written although some parts—only a few—were a bit tedious. Overall, a very good read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars if this were an option. Lessons in Chemistry meet Sharing Space! While one is fiction, based on the author's experiences, the other is true life with the same story...........pervasive prejudice against women.