Limitless: The Autobiography: The bestselling story of Britain’s inspirational astronaut

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Only 628 people in human history have left Earth. In Space: The Human Story, astronaut Tim Peake traces the lives of these remarkable men and women who have forged the way, from Yuri Gagarin to Neil Armstrong, from Valentina Tereshkova to Peggy Whitson.

Hello, is this planet Earth? takes readers on a mesmerizing tour of Tim’s historic and inspirational six-month Principia mission. Based on over 150 of Tim’s stunning photographs that he took on board the international space station, many of which have not been seen before, this lavish collection showcases the beauty of earth from above, and is the perfect visual time capsule of Tim’s remarkable trip, which captured the imaginations of millions of children and adults across the world. This is a really fantastic autobiography. It always helps when you have done so many interesting things in your life like Tim has from starting as a youngster in the Chichester Combined Cadet Force (Army division) to joining the Army Air Corps and being an elite helicopter pilot and instructor. His army career is fascinating but you know it is all building up to the ultimate event in his life. It is worth the wait. The interview process for him just to become an astronaut is vigorous to say the least. Between December 2015 and June 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake worked on the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a space mission called Principia.He’s very down to Earth (pun?) in his writing, interjecting with his interesting thoughts on certain events and people. It all feels frank and real, and I feel his admiration for supporters and mentors – particularly his partner Rebecca who seemed to have endless patience during Tim’s tours. Peake delves into how he was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) from over 8,000 candidates and undertook six years of training to become an astronaut. He stresses that it wasn't an easy ride. He was tested physically, psychologically, emotionally and intellectually. He learned how to speak Russian in St Petersburg. He even spent days in caves in Sardinia to cope with darkness and claustrophobia – all experiences he would have to endure in outer space.

Being (perhaps unfairly) critical, I'd say it is not particularly insightful into 'who Tim Peake is, and what drives him'. The chapters don't deviate on format from one to another; sometimes, you end up a bit ancedoted out by the end of a chapter. How could I not give this 5 stars? Amazing. I did not know much about Tim's journey into space and all the hard work he put into his military career beforehand. I really learnt a lot but generally was amazed at Tim's attitude. He seems like the kind of person to really push himself, always striving for the next thing, the next opportunity and keeps going. I love how things appeared to happen by 'chance' such as him getting a BsC degree because why not and turns out that, that degree would help him become an Astronaut in the future. Then exploring the underground caves with his friends, how that helped him be less claustrophobic and get into the headspace of having a few calm moments to stop a panic.He tells readers that it was a very surreal experience, and despite having trained for years prior to the mission, "nothing can prepare you for that feeling, for the full realisation that you are no longer living on Earth". He describes how although he was staring into the darkness of space, feeling isolated from everyone, he felt a strange sense of belonging. This fascinating and personal account of his time in space reflects on the hard work and dedication he had put in prior to getting to that point.

In December 2015, Tim Peake became the first British ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut to visit the ISS. Have you ever wondered what life is like as an astronaut? And what it would be like to leave our planet behind and explore the wonders of space? Well, gang – here’s your chance to find out! Peake during his 4 hour 43 minute spacewalk to replace a failed power regulator and install cabling. But on the positive, it's a very well written book and gives you a behind the scenes take on day to day life as an army helicopter pilot. The vast majority of the anecdotes are interesting and fun. Ultimately, Tim's stroy communicates the fruits of determination, self-belief, and a supportive family network.

Space: The Human Story

I am not into space, sci-fi or anything like that but the frenzy in the UK around Tim Peake going up in space to the ISS also captivated me. The first Brit to go up into space was Helen Sharman who went up to the Mir space station in May 1991. You can see why it was such a big deal here. He was such an inspiration to kids. They seemed to be lapping up meeting him and watching him go into space. How could you not be hooked? The book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and comes with a personal commentary from Tim, full of his characteristic warmth and charm. The book includes breath-taking aerial photos of cities illuminated at night, the northern lights and unforgettable vistas of oceans, mountains and deserts. The title of the book is inspired by Tim’s famous ‘wrong number’ dialled from space, when he accidentally misdialled a woman from the space station and inquired, ‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’