Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet and Our Mission to Protect It

Former NASA astronaut Stott debuts with a spirited if cursory look at what space flights taught her about life on Earth. Stott frames her work with an “Earthrise moment,” one which “wakes you up to the reality and significance of who we are and the fact that we all are together.” Her own moment came from her view of Earth from space, but, she argues, others can have similar realizations without leaving the planet. Each of her seven chapters is presented as a lesson she learned living on the International Space Station and which she believes is critical to protect Earth (“live like crew, not like a passenger”; “stay grounded”; “whatever you do, make life better”). Stott is at her best when she describes the training she underwent for space flight (both underwater in the Florida Keys and in Star City, Russia) and the emotions she felt traveling to and working in space. Unfortunately, her advice for protecting the planet is mundane: consume water responsibly, join a community garden, vote. Still, readers in search of a lighthearted look at space travel will find much to savor. Agent: Jenny Stephens, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Oct.)