Review by Booklist Review
We all knew who was the first man to walk on the moon, but how about the second man? That would be, of course, Buzz Aldrin. Now a very busy 86 years young, Aldrin (Mission to Mars, 2013) here presents a baker's dozen rules to live by. Among them are keep your mind open to possibilities, choose your heroes wisely, write your own epitaph, maintain your spirit of adventure, practice respect for all people, and do what you believe is right even when others disagree. Some lessons reveal Aldrin's sense of humor (second comes right after first, he reminds us). We learn that his mother's maiden name was Moon and that he enjoys movies about space. He writes about what it was like to walk on the moon and comments on the future of the space program. Although there is nothing terribly surprising here, fans of the Apollo space program, readers who admire Aldrin, and those who are just learning about him will all enjoy and benefit from this modest book.--Sawyers, June Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Famed astronaut Aldrin (coauthor, with Leonard David, of Mission to Mars) combines leadership lessons with behind-the-scenes stories from his Apollo 11 moonwalk (including the speech President Nixon prepared should the mission have been unsuccessful) in this engaging cross between biography and self-help. Aldrin clearly lays out his principles and mottoes, such as "second comes right after first" (which he has used to get over being known as the second man on the moon) and "maintain your spirit of adventure" (now in his 80s, Aldrin still scuba dives, and he recently caught a ride on the back of a whale shark in the Galapagos Islands). Next, he offers concrete strategies for living up to each principle, candidly admitting where he's made missteps. His advice is universal: "If you are afraid to fail, you will probably not accomplish much in life," and everyone, whether a student or a seasoned CEO, will find something to take away from this inspiring work. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Iconic astronaut Aldrin (Mission to Mars) collaborates with best-selling author -Abraham (More Than Rivals) to deliver an inspirational account of his life. Aldrin uses lessons he learned during his long career in aviation and space exploration to detail the principles that have enabled his personal growth and professional achievements. Anecdotes about brushes with death as a fighter pilot or the ability to remain calm during technical glitches experienced in flight convey why Aldrin is regarded as an American hero. Also described are the many trials Aldrin has faced, including career missteps and struggles with depression and alcoholism. In a candid and no-nonsense style, the author urges readers not to settle for what is easiest but to strive for what seems impossible. His memoir follows the likes of Andrew -Chaikin's A Man on the Moon in writing about the lunar space program. VERDICT -Aldrin's journey will engage space exploration enthusiasts, and his motivational advice will connect especially well with young adults.-Mary Jennings, Camano Island Lib., WA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
