A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream

by Marc Garneau

A captivating and inspiring memoir by Canada's first man in space.

On October 5th, 1984, Marc Garneau made history. Blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle and reaching a speed of 28,000 km/hour, he became the first Canadian to fly to outer space. That monumental achievement, now etched in Canadian history as one of our country’s proudest moments, inspired a nation and ushered in a new era of space exploration for Canada. Twenty-four years later, Garneau made history yet again, becoming the first astronaut to be elected as a Member of Parliament.

In between those two milestones in Garneau’s unprecedented career, he was the first Canadian, and the first non-American, to serve as CAPCOM, the voice of Mission Control for the astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle. In the years that followed his historic first voyage to space, Garneau returned to space two more times, becoming the first Canadian to log three trips into orbit, and led the Canadian Space Agency through its most dynamic years.

In the House of Commons, Garneau would ultimately serve in two cabinet posts as Minister of Transport and Minister of Foreign Affairs during some of the biggest events of the past the onset of one of the worst pandemics in modern times; the arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor by China; the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban; and the death of 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents aboard Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752, shot down by Iran.

It was no surprise, then, that when Marc Garneau announced his retirement after fourteen years in government, many Canadians lamented the loss of an upstanding parliamentarian who was not afraid to speak up for causes he believed in, even if that meant bucking his own party and its leader. 

In A Most Extraordinary Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream, Garneau chronicles his once-improbable ascent from a mischievous teenager and rebellious naval midshipman to a decorated astronaut and statesman who represented Canada on the world stage – both on and off the planet. With candour and humour, Garneau describes the highs and lows of his life and career, including the awe he experienced first seeing the earth from space, the tragic loss of his first wife to mental illness and suicide, sailing across the Atlantic and back in a sailboat called "the Pickle," and witnessing the tragedy of the doomed shuttle Challenger.

Honest and illuminating, A Most Extraordinary Ride is a rare journey into the early years of Canada’s space program and an inside account of the joys and challenges of governing from one of Canada’s most distinguished citizens.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, Politics

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Joseph Jean-Pierre Marc Garneau was a Canadian Armed Forces officer, astronaut, and politician. Garneau served as a naval officer before being selected as an astronaut as part of the 1983 NRC Group. He became the first Canadian in space on October 5, 1984, and flew on three Space Shuttle missions. From 2001 to 2005, Garneau was president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Garneau entered politics and was elected to the House of Commons in 2008, serving as a Montreal-area member of Parliament (MP) until 2023. A member of the Liberal Party, Garneau served as minister of foreign affairs from January to October in 2021 and as minister of transport from 2015 to 2021.

Reviews

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gavve me the insight that I was looking for.

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography that reveals much about a man and country.

[Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bust.

As the author himself claims, he is not charismatic - well neither is his writing. While immensely readable, it is neither fun, exciting, nor filled with character and personality. I would argue any memoir written by an astronaut would find this hard to accomplish.

Garneau factually and dryly records his life here but I am not sure what he brings to the table beyond that - especially if you are not interested in his later political career.

[Moira Mackinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected to find the chapters on his career as an astronaut the most interesting. Surprisingly, as interesting as those were, I found the descriptions of his career in politics the most fascinating.

[Wendelle]

Marc Garneau's life story reads like a most extraordinary ride indeed. He is a Canadian astronaut, first serving as a payload specialist up in space for 8 days, then as a mission specialist for more extended missions and with official career of astronaut. His biography reads like the origins of a Star Trek cadet: scion of a naval military family, went to the country's top military college to study engineering, bottomlessly curious about how inventions and natural phenomena work, fond of outdoor adventures and camping and kayaking, holds a PhD in radar systems from London's Imperial College at age of 24, extensive experience as a science and engineering instructor, developer of sensor systems. His approach (and writing style) is always precise, concise, analytical, focused on what's logical and rational. He grew up with principles focusing on discipline, fair play, and hard work. He is candid about the twists and turns of his life, about how he has been granted second chances from early youth mistakes (skipping duties in the navy, or being party to someone's petty theft), how he has appreciated family and community after setbacks and deaths in the family. Most importantly, I appreciated his thoughts about the awed, euphoric experience of launching in space and viewing our unique blue planet against the backdrop of distant stars. He mentions having his perspective changed and broadened to planetary concerns: climate change and global warming and existential survival, after witnessing firsthand the thinness of the atmosphere that keeps us all alive, the view of the Amazon blazing from space as forests convert to farmland, the runoff of red soil into the sea as tree cover turns into barren land. As an astronaut among the chosen few, he took his duties seriously and performed them conscientiously. I appreciated the details he put into his story about the experiences of astronaut training and selection, it may be interesting for other avid dreamers of aeronautics as well. (Skipped the 2nd half due to deadlines)

[Julia O'Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of Marc Garneau’s life, read by the author on Spotify audiobook.

[Laurie Dufresne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il avoue lui-même ne pas être un grand auteur, et effectivement, c'est parfois un peu trop factuel et drabe. Mais QUELLE VIE! Certaines personnes auraient écrit un livre seulement après avoir vécu le centième de sa vie.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1984, Marc Garneau became the first Canadian to fly to outer space. He made history then and again in 2008 when he became the first astronaut to be elected to the Canadian Parliament. This is a book about his life. He shares how he became an astronaut, his family life, the time leading up to his monumental flight and two more trips to space after that, what he did after that time in space, then how he became involved in politics. We learned about what serving in the House of Commons was like, what his goals were, his disappointments and successes. Finally his retirement. As the blurb says: Garneau chronicles his once-improbable ascent from a mischievous teenager and rebellious naval midshipman to a decorated astronaut and statesman who represented Canada on the world stage–both on and off the planet. With candour and humour, Garneau describes the highs and lows of his life and career, including the awe he experienced first seeing the earth from space, the tragic loss of his first wife to mental illness and suicide, sailing across the Atlantic and back in a sailboat called "the Pickle," and witnessing the tragedy of the doomed shuttle Challenger.

I saw this book at my library and wanted to read about Marc Garneau. I remember that time when he became the first Canadian in space, making us all proud and setting Canada on a path to develop their own space program. Unfortunately, he passed away in June of 2025, a couple of months before I discovered his book. I enjoyed most of this book and enjoyed learning more about Garneau as a person. He told his story candidly and with humour. I respected him as a member of parliament and he shared a lot of things he was involved with that I hadn't realized. He served Canada proudly as a diplomat. The one part I didn't enjoy was his political preaching. There were times that I felt his views were presented a bit too strongly and I felt that he was campaigning or lecturing. Overall, I am glad I read this book about a person who I had always heard of and knew a bit about, but learned so much more. This book can be motivating to those who aspire to any career that they might not think they could possibly do, but with hard work, never giving up, supportive family and friends, as well as a can do attitude, they can achieve. Marc Garneau narrated this book, so it was like sitting down with him and listening to him share his life. I'm glad I listened to this one.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extra long drive last night and snow blowing had me finish this one quicker than I expected.
I will say that I definitely enjoyed this and if the vast majority of it was about space I might be pushing this one more.
The first 7 hours detailing his career was outstanding. I also wanted to be an astronaut when as a young lad a certain Marc Garneau came to my class after recently returning from space. He didn’t just come and talk to the whole school, he visited each class separately spending the entire day at our school.
I thought the way he described being selected, training and more specific space terminology was easy to read and interesting.
He then moves into his political career and I thought, oh no. I actually didn’t mind that section, but it wasn’t as strong as his space section, even though I enjoyed hearing about the important issues he was a part of. I would remiss if I didn’t mention that he was candid about his involvement in some key Liberal misses, something Trudeau is not capable of owning. Two key examples being the issue of the two Michael’s and the huge miss with the Afghanistan affair. What I heard was a politician who knows they make mistakes and he made some but his genuine hopes for a better country and a better world. Forgive my digression, but it seems like Garneau was another scapegoat for Trudeau. Further in this section, I appreciate that he did not back down from his opinions, regardless of whether it’s controversial. Whether talking about the war in Israel, Canadian military funding or assisted suicide he made his opinion clear. I appreciate that he is willing to honestly state his position on issues, not always easy to do with politicians.
An important Canadian, everyone should read.

[Julia Chernushevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Canadian astronaut book? Count me in!

This book was one part astronaut experience and one part politician's. I didn't expect to enjoy the latter as much as I did, learning more about how Canadian politics works than I did from Civics class. It's actually made me see a [distant] future where I pivot into politics.

So, how was it? It was clear that Marc took that person's feedback (from the publicity event) and wrote both about what he experienced and how he felt at the time. I felt present with him through his journey and even cried over a few emotional experiences.

I was hoping that he could go into more detail about certain events. There was a lot of glossing over of things, "this happened, and then this, and then this". I wouldn't have minded a longer book with more detailed, intricate stories - how Marie Yovanovitch or Jane Ferguson wrote theirs. Ultimately, what was missing for me, to get to 5 stars, is that Michelle Obama pizzazz, the overflowing passion and storytelling.

Don't get me wrong, I was super engaged. I hadn't realised he was the first Canadian to space and therefore didn't know he helped select Chris Hadfield, Dave Williams (both of which have great books), and Julie Payette. I loved hearing how Marc's experience overlaps other astronauts I've read about.

I was also really interested in hearing about Marc's experience working with Justin Trudeau. I came in skeptical of the man's integrity and now feel justified and armed with some facts, haha. A PM that doesn't have 1:1s with his ministers? Yikes! Marc was very politely in his commentary, which I commend.

What else? I came in knowing nothing about his experience. I was hoping that he, like Chris Hadfield, had experienced launches from Russia and would comment about them at length. Alas, his experience was different and there was only a short mention of Star City. Sidenote: I was just a kid when I visited, but I didn't think it was thaaaat poorly upkept, haha.

Good book, I'd recommend it to fellow Canadians! Thanks for putting it to paper, Marc.

[Mike Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was young, in the 1970s, I wanted to grow up to become an astronaut. I had read enough about the space program to know that almost all astronauts came from the military. So I applied to the Canadian Forces and studied engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada (known now as RMCC but then as RMC). My decision was vindicated when RMC engineering graduate Marc Garneau was Canada’s first astronaut to fly to space in 1984. This is his story.

In more or less chronological order, Garneau writes of his childhood and his jobs as naval officer, astronaut, head of the Canadian Space Agency, and, finally, federal politician and cabinet minister. Along the way, he married, had children, suffered the death of his first wife, married again, and had more children and grandchildren. Garneau also lost a sibling and his parents.

Garneau hits all the expected career highlights from the ‘70s to the 2020s. He writes very matter-of-factly. Although he talks about how he felt, I get the sense that he’s not skilled at discussing emotions. It comes across as a bit dry at times. Garneau is refreshingly honest about his nearly non-existent relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who almost never sought Garneau’s counsel. He takes credit for his successes but acknowledges those who assisted him, and he also admits to his mistakes.

Garneau worked with global leaders, but seems to have retained some humility. I respect that. Although this autobiography may not be as engaging as it could be, it should still appeal to Canadians who dreamed of being astronauts or who wonder about the fortunes of the Liberal party over the past 20 years.

[Kristall · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.25 ⭐)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it intensely interesting and enlightening and I really appreciated Marc Garneau's frankness and self reflection. I initially picked it up because of his career as an astronaut but found the chapters on his political life equally as interesting.

Having read a few other books about astronauts and prominent Canadians it was cool to see how interconnected a lot of influential Canadians are. For instance, I deeply admire Gen. Roméo Dallaire and Chris Hadfield among others Garneau has talked about in his book so it was fun to read about them in the context of his life (even if these were just a few short sentences).

I appreciated the diplomatic way he was critical of Prime Minister Trudeau and other people he dealt with that held incompatible values. I also loved that he included the introduction to his address to the UN.

The writing is excellent, clear and concise without being too dry or dull. The only part I was disappointed in was the limited amount of photos! I would have loved to have seen more photos included of his time in space and all the fascinating influential people he met through his astronaut and politicial careers. I also would have liked to have read more about his time as capcom at NASA.

Overall, if you're into interesting people that have lived extraordinary lives, you'll enjoy this book.

[Catherine Racine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Extraordinary Ride is a compelling memoir from a remarkable Canadian - Marc Garneau.

This is more than the story of Canada's first astronaut—it is a reflection on leadership, service, and what it means to live with purpose. Marc Garneau recounts moments of triumph and challenge with the same grace and dignity that marked his career. His reflections on his space missions, political journey, and personal evolution are both insightful and thought-provoking.

Marc Garneau was a class act throughout his career—a strong leader who led with intelligence, kindness, and unwavering integrity. His story is both touching and inspiring, a reminder that greatness is often found in how we treat others, not just in what we achieve.

[Siobhan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I didn't know much about Marc Garneau before reading this, other than that he was the first Canadian in space and eventually became our transport minister. Everything before, after and in between those events was totally new to me. Garneau tells his story well and I learned a lot. I wish that his time at NASA and in space had felt a bit less rushed, especially the training leading up to the missions, but I also get that he had a lot to cover in a short book. I liked his accounts of his time in ministerial roles, that was interesting insight that I didn't know a ton about. Overall a solid read, very Canadian.

[Brandon Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice account of a fascinating and inspiring life dedicated to advancing humanity through public service in the navy and politics, and space. I am grateful that I had the chance to attend a book launch event in Ottawa just a few months before Mr. Garneau passed away. He kindly answered my young nephew's question about space travel and signed my book. By all accounts he was an exemplary Canadian, a dedicated and kind man. We can all learn from him in many different ways, which is why books like these are so important, and which is why as he signed my copy I thanked him for having taken the time and effort to write it.

[James Ronholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comfortable read about a man that writes like he led a "regular" life - but when you stand back and think about the things he wrote about it really was extraordinary. This is not an action story - but consider crossing the Atlantic twice by sailboat, going to space three times (including as Canada's first astronaut), being elected to parliament and two different ministerial positions (J Trudeau does not come out well in this story), etc. and it is all tempered by the attitudes of someone that really cared for our planet and ALL the humans that live there.

[Justin M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always nice to learn about another Canadian out there living their life. As someone with a passing knowledge of our space history, this was fun to learn more about. He was very diplomatic when it came to the political side of the book talking about his time as an MP. Nothing too big, but some good insight into MAiD legislation and way forward.

[John J. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific life story, told in a clear voice. As the author mentions while thanking people at the end, at least one person told Garneau not to describe just what he did but why he did certain things. As such, there is a good deal of rationale for his decisions, a rather good way to tell a story. There is also good insight into the leadership style of PM Justin Trudeau as well.

[Enid Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, he’s a lovely man. Yes, I admired him for his gentlemanly deportment as a politician. Yes, it’s totally cool that he was an astronaut - the first Canadian astronaut.

I enjoyed reading this but it really needed some additional editorial control to realise its full potential.

[Kaamini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of an average entitled white boomer man failing upwards - I hate read it compulsively. It earned 3 stars for the sheer choke hold it had on me while reading how he not only survived, but thrived, failure after failure.

[Amanda Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

An autobiography by a Canadian astronaut and politician about his life.

I always like reading about space, it's so cool. The politics part wasn't as exciting for me.

A generally enjoyable book.

Read as an audiobook.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, the story of Marc Garneau's career in the Canadian navy, in space and in politics. The book was well written and interesting, especially the space parts. My preference is for lots of human interest detail, and this book did not disappoint.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book. I believe Marc was an example of a great Canadian who explored the different frontiers from space, sea and land. He served in government committees and performed outreach to those in his communities. May he rest in peace.

[Warren Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Marc Garneau for the first time about six months before he passed away, even though he inspired my entire career. This was a very intriguing book that showed me how little I knew about him, especially his early life. I was surprised to enjoy the parts about him as a politician more than the earlier sections as an astronaut. The astronaut section is more detail-oriented, less emotional, describing the events as science, but fortunately adding interesting stories to go along with it. Although that’s the part I bought the book for, I was a little disappointed by its presentation. The transition from astronaut to politician, though, gained momentum as he describes his travels, decisions and opinions about transport to foreign affairs. Maybe it’s because it was fresh in his memory, or that he was paying more attention to the emotions or just because he was older, but his writing is more engaging in the second half. In all, though, it was a very interesting read.

[Marisa (Mirroredpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook

[Spen Cer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although writing almost as 2 books, about really 2 different parts of his life, I found this to be an enjoyable trip through a brilliant Canadian’s life. His commitment to public life is inspiring.

[Mehran Reza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating a book

From navy life to astronaut life to politician to minister to how the PMO works under Trudeau

[Colin Hilding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great balance of Marc's career as an astronaut and a politician. For someone who frequently writes how he has no charisma he more than makes up for it as a storyteller.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent read. Marc Garneau is a true great Canadian.
He will be missed . His service to Canada was outstanding.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this reminded me what I saw in this man when I wanted him to become PM. RIP.