When I was a child, I was fascinated by outer space. The idea that some people could escape our atmosphere and experience a life many of us will never know always filled me with awe towards those space explorers. However, as I grew older (and perhaps a bit wiser), I realized that aspirations like becoming an astronaut or owning a spaceship were often viewed more as childish dreams or jokes rather than serious ambitions. This, among many other reasons, is why I gradually abandoned my dream of working in the space industry. Yet, this dream was reignited a few years ago when space exploration became accessible again, thanks largely to the efforts and colossal amounts of money invested by figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and also due to the brave individuals ready to venture into space once more. Among these brave souls is a man dear to many French people like myself: Thomas Pesquet! That's why I was thrilled to receive his book, “Ma vie sans gravité".

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In his memoir, Thomas Pesquet guides readers through the stories of his life, detailing the sacrifices and efforts required to become one of the most famous French astronauts. From his tranquil childhood to his career as a pilot, few could have predicted he would one day captain the International Space Station (ISS). This unexpected journey is what makes the book so captivating. Indeed, anyone can find parallels between his extraordinary life and their own. Thomas Pesquet was exceptional in many ways—playing multiple instruments, excelling in sports, attending a prestigious French school—but he was also flawed in some respects. The book, which at times reads more like an adventure novel than a memoir, emphasizes his humanity so profoundly that I finished it feeling as though I, too, could achieve my dreams if I truly desired. I am sure I'm not the only one who felt this way.

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From his days at Sup’Aéro to his time on the ISS, from the chilly Star City to the sunny Cape Canaveral, this book will take you on a journey through the making of an astronaut and will undoubtedly convince you that hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, whether you're a space enthusiast eager for fun facts about life on the ISS or simply in search of a motivational boost to pursue greatness. "Ma vie sans gravité" is a book for you.