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Dinner with an Astronaut: Serving Space Stories: Past, Present and Future – An Inspiring Biography on Space Travel and the Future of Space Exploration from a Trailblazing Asian American Astronaut
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26The inspiring memoir of Leroy Chiao, one of the first Asian American astronauts in history, elucidating his remarkable path into space as well as his experiences on Earth and beyond
Imagine if you could sit down and enjoy a meal with an astronaut. What questions would you ask? What could you learn after two drinks with an astronaut? Leroy Chiao answers that question and more in Dinner with an Astronaut, an insightful and witty deep dive into the world’s most unexplored the cosmos.
As a child, Leroy always dreamed of going to space. One of fewer than four hundred American astronauts in history, he completed rigorous training and was hand-selected to achieve his wildest dreams, becoming one of the first Asian-American astronauts in history.
Using his unique perspective breaking barriers in a largely white field, Leroy now aims to share the wonders of space with those of us on Earth, detailing his astronaut training and otherworldly space missions. Gorgeously luminary and deeply profound, Dinner with an Astronaut invites listeners to join Leroy Chiao at the table, for fans of Scott Kelly, Chris Hadfield, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
Imagine if you could sit down and enjoy a meal with an astronaut. What questions would you ask? What could you learn after two drinks with an astronaut? Leroy Chiao answers that question and more in Dinner with an Astronaut, an insightful and witty deep dive into the world’s most unexplored the cosmos.
As a child, Leroy always dreamed of going to space. One of fewer than four hundred American astronauts in history, he completed rigorous training and was hand-selected to achieve his wildest dreams, becoming one of the first Asian-American astronauts in history.
Using his unique perspective breaking barriers in a largely white field, Leroy now aims to share the wonders of space with those of us on Earth, detailing his astronaut training and otherworldly space missions. Gorgeously luminary and deeply profound, Dinner with an Astronaut invites listeners to join Leroy Chiao at the table, for fans of Scott Kelly, Chris Hadfield, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 2, 2026
I received Dinner With An Astronaut as an ARC reader from NetGalley. I love reading astronaut autobiographies and I have read many. This was the best topically organized book I have come across. This book is presented in Q and A format, which is convenient for the skimming-style reader and for those who want extra structure. Some other topically-organized books have been collections of answers I could find myself through a Google search, but this book hads greater depth. There is a great amount of historical and factual information about the space program, spanning from the history Chinese space exploration all the way until current times…and I mean current. Man, what a breath of fresh air to read an up-to-date book. It discusses the Butch and Sunni fiasco, SpaceX history and updates, Boeing, Blue Origin, etc. All these aspects make it a very digestible and fun way to learn a great deal about manned space flight throughout the decades.
Chiao also details his background, childhood, selection to become an astronaut, training, missions, and opinions. My favorite details he described were his reaction to his first EVA, the difference experiences launching in a Soyuz capsule vs the Space Shuttle, and even the time he actually saw an unidentified flying object! I’m not making that up - that’s actually in the book.
Sometimes he refers to his younger self, and I can’t help but think how thrilled young Xiang Zhong would be to read this book, playing spaceman in his parent’s garage, dreaming. He did the hard work and I’m sure he would be thrilled to read about his adult-self venturing into the vastness of space, walking in space, riding rockets, and experiencing his dreams come true. It was a really cool to catch a glimpse of the unique perspective of someone who has done what I cannot, for the betterment of science and for the world.
Chiao also details his background, childhood, selection to become an astronaut, training, missions, and opinions. My favorite details he described were his reaction to his first EVA, the difference experiences launching in a Soyuz capsule vs the Space Shuttle, and even the time he actually saw an unidentified flying object! I’m not making that up - that’s actually in the book.
Sometimes he refers to his younger self, and I can’t help but think how thrilled young Xiang Zhong would be to read this book, playing spaceman in his parent’s garage, dreaming. He did the hard work and I’m sure he would be thrilled to read about his adult-self venturing into the vastness of space, walking in space, riding rockets, and experiencing his dreams come true. It was a really cool to catch a glimpse of the unique perspective of someone who has done what I cannot, for the betterment of science and for the world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In a very relatable and amenable style, Leroy Chiao writes about his life as an astronaut, answering many questions that I never knew I had. I enjoyed this book enormously. Leroy (I should call him Dr. Chiao, but he sounds like such an approachable man, that I feel like I know him a little) starts by reminiscing about his childhood, when he first got interested in space. His Chinese immigrant parents taught him well and his determination to become an astronaut is inspiring and remarkable. Like many children, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up but, unlike most of us, he was bright and resourceful, and did everything in his power to achieve his dream. Once he was chosen as an astronaut, he went through the hardest training possible, and this book discusses what he learned during his training, his trips to space, his life in the ISS, his spacewalks, his relationship with cosmonauts; his friends and family and many other fascinating details. Leroy goes from the big picture to the small details; how the political environment affected him, how technology evolved and fascinating trivia about space. It’s really like having dinner with an astronaut. He finished writing this memoir just before Artemis II launched and returned from being farthest away from Earth as any human has ever been. I can’t recommend this enough to space geeks and anyone who has ever wondered what’s out there.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Hanover Square Press for the gifted copy!
My creds: none (lol). But I am a huge fan of space books and astronaut memoirs — I’ve probably read close to 50 over the last 10 years. I do think this could be a great entry point for readers just getting into their space era thanks to Artemis, Project Hail Mary, and Atmosphere. The Q&A format makes it super accessible, and it covers a lot of ground — the space program, science history, and how we got here. I also really appreciated the perspective of a Chinese-American astronaut and how his upbringing shaped his path, along with the history of China’s starts and stops in rocketry and space exploration.
HOWEVER. There were a few moments that really rubbed me the wrong way. I get that many astronauts have egos to some extent, but my favorite memoirs are the ones that strike a better balance between pride and humility, especially in how they talk about the people around them.
A couple things stood out. Referring to the women in his class as the the WAWAs — “women’s associations of whining astronauts” — and saying no one cared because it was the 90s. And the only mention of his ex-wife being negative and in the context of an unhappy marriage felt. No one gets to this level without support along the way, and acknowledging her only in this derogatory way is telling. Maybe I'm being too sensitive and reading into it, but this is his MEMOIR. Every line should be analyzed for how it makes him look. HONESTLY Mike Massimino and Leland Melvin would never.
Overall, it’s interesting and accessible, but I’m still not sure I’d recommend it.
My creds: none (lol). But I am a huge fan of space books and astronaut memoirs — I’ve probably read close to 50 over the last 10 years. I do think this could be a great entry point for readers just getting into their space era thanks to Artemis, Project Hail Mary, and Atmosphere. The Q&A format makes it super accessible, and it covers a lot of ground — the space program, science history, and how we got here. I also really appreciated the perspective of a Chinese-American astronaut and how his upbringing shaped his path, along with the history of China’s starts and stops in rocketry and space exploration.
HOWEVER. There were a few moments that really rubbed me the wrong way. I get that many astronauts have egos to some extent, but my favorite memoirs are the ones that strike a better balance between pride and humility, especially in how they talk about the people around them.
A couple things stood out. Referring to the women in his class as the the WAWAs — “women’s associations of whining astronauts” — and saying no one cared because it was the 90s. And the only mention of his ex-wife being negative and in the context of an unhappy marriage felt. No one gets to this level without support along the way, and acknowledging her only in this derogatory way is telling. Maybe I'm being too sensitive and reading into it, but this is his MEMOIR. Every line should be analyzed for how it makes him look. HONESTLY Mike Massimino and Leland Melvin would never.
Overall, it’s interesting and accessible, but I’m still not sure I’d recommend it.
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June 3, 2026Thank you, Harlequin Audio, HTP Books, and Hanover Square press for the #gifted ALC and ARC as well as a final copy to enjoy!
Space is having a MOMENT ok! Sue me for reading all things space related these days. OR join in on the fun! I really enjoyed this memoir, however, I recognize I am its target audience. This isn’t a memoir you pick up in a whim. This is one you seek out if you are interested in space and life as an astronaut.
I appreciated how this memoir was organized. Truthfully, a lot of memoirs can meander and come across as more of a stream of consciousness, but this one made sense. It moved from question to question as if you were sitting across the dinner table with a friend probing and getting to know one another. Additionally, it moved CHRONOLOGICALLY! The reader is treated to a pretty decent overview of the history of space program and how old Leroy was at the time as well. I really enjoyed hearing how each advancement affected him as a child and ultimately put him on his path to becoming an astronaut.
I think having a co-writer for this memoir was also a great choice - it was extremely well written. I listened to the audiobook mostly, because I enjoy when authors narrate their own memoirs, and on the whole I did, but I will say you could tell when a new day of recording began because there was a significant change of tone and voice a handful of times. If you are interested in this book, I would recommend the physical because there are so many good pictures included!
Space is having a MOMENT ok! Sue me for reading all things space related these days. OR join in on the fun! I really enjoyed this memoir, however, I recognize I am its target audience. This isn’t a memoir you pick up in a whim. This is one you seek out if you are interested in space and life as an astronaut.
I appreciated how this memoir was organized. Truthfully, a lot of memoirs can meander and come across as more of a stream of consciousness, but this one made sense. It moved from question to question as if you were sitting across the dinner table with a friend probing and getting to know one another. Additionally, it moved CHRONOLOGICALLY! The reader is treated to a pretty decent overview of the history of space program and how old Leroy was at the time as well. I really enjoyed hearing how each advancement affected him as a child and ultimately put him on his path to becoming an astronaut.
I think having a co-writer for this memoir was also a great choice - it was extremely well written. I listened to the audiobook mostly, because I enjoy when authors narrate their own memoirs, and on the whole I did, but I will say you could tell when a new day of recording began because there was a significant change of tone and voice a handful of times. If you are interested in this book, I would recommend the physical because there are so many good pictures included!
May 17, 2026
Like many folks in America at the moment, I too was captivated by the incredible teamwork witnessed over the course of the most recent ARTEMIS II mission and thus fell into the incredible rabbit hole that is NASA history. Admittedly I never really had a vested interest in space until now and I've been voracious in my need to catch up.
Enter Leroy Chiao's "Dinner with an Astronaut".
While there's a variety of books available ABOUT space, I found Chiao's part memoir, part oral history of space travel (both domestic and international) a very accessible read for those looking for more insight directly from someone who lived such an incredible experience. Chiao's perspective was down to earth (pun intended) and felt as though you were having a conversation rather than working through a memoir. My personal favorite bit was learning about how Chiao and his fellow colleague had to ration their food for 6-weeks before their next food delivery arrived to the ISS - crazy that organizations that hold such prestige as NASA still has clerical errors like typical 9 to 5s!
From a technical standpoint, having the chapters broken out into FAQ's was a fun touch and made for an interesting way of laying out your traditional memoir.
All in all, this was an accessible read that helped feed my growing obsession with Space and the stories of those brave enough to explore. 4 ⭐️
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advance reader copy in exchange for my review!
Enter Leroy Chiao's "Dinner with an Astronaut".
While there's a variety of books available ABOUT space, I found Chiao's part memoir, part oral history of space travel (both domestic and international) a very accessible read for those looking for more insight directly from someone who lived such an incredible experience. Chiao's perspective was down to earth (pun intended) and felt as though you were having a conversation rather than working through a memoir. My personal favorite bit was learning about how Chiao and his fellow colleague had to ration their food for 6-weeks before their next food delivery arrived to the ISS - crazy that organizations that hold such prestige as NASA still has clerical errors like typical 9 to 5s!
From a technical standpoint, having the chapters broken out into FAQ's was a fun touch and made for an interesting way of laying out your traditional memoir.
All in all, this was an accessible read that helped feed my growing obsession with Space and the stories of those brave enough to explore. 4 ⭐️
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advance reader copy in exchange for my review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sit down & chat with astronaut Leroy Chiao. Well, actually you listen to him talk through and answer 20 various questions broken up in to four parts:
Part 1= basic questions (when did you know you wanted to become an astronaut)
Part 2= history of space exploration related questions, a few relating to Soviets
Part 3= the "meat and potatoes" of the book according to the author
Part 4= life after (including some spacex)
A lot of the author's Chinese heritage leaked into this book as well, tieing together his first-generation Chinese-American upbringing with his traditional parents to becoming a super relatable, approachable and, dare I say, down to Earth chemical engineer. Highly recommend the audiobook which was read by the author/astronaut himself.
Target audience seems to be any age and anyone interested in space. If you were to tell me this guy was anything other than the kindest human I'd feel let down.
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins for the opportunity at an advanced copy!
Part 1= basic questions (when did you know you wanted to become an astronaut)
Part 2= history of space exploration related questions, a few relating to Soviets
Part 3= the "meat and potatoes" of the book according to the author
Part 4= life after (including some spacex)
A lot of the author's Chinese heritage leaked into this book as well, tieing together his first-generation Chinese-American upbringing with his traditional parents to becoming a super relatable, approachable and, dare I say, down to Earth chemical engineer. Highly recommend the audiobook which was read by the author/astronaut himself.
Target audience seems to be any age and anyone interested in space. If you were to tell me this guy was anything other than the kindest human I'd feel let down.
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins for the opportunity at an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 rounded up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the early copy and ALC for review - out June 16!
DINNER WITH AN ASTRONAUT by Leroy Chiao is releasing at the perfect time with the recent successes of both the Artemis II mission and the release of the Project Hail Mary film. The people yearn for hope and community and what better place to find it than from the eyes of an astronaut!
Chiao narrates the audiobook himself, which was fantastic and made me feel like I was really getting to know him. He shares anecdotes very specific to himself and how he grew up, while also sharing wider spread knowledge on what it takes to be an astronaut and the amount of work involved every step of the way.
I personally found myself most intrigued by his section on UAPs and the involvement of the FBI 👀 and may have to take a trip down my own rabbit holes to find out more there!
This is a great book for anyone interested in space and the people who are willing to risk it all for discovery!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the early copy and ALC for review - out June 16!
DINNER WITH AN ASTRONAUT by Leroy Chiao is releasing at the perfect time with the recent successes of both the Artemis II mission and the release of the Project Hail Mary film. The people yearn for hope and community and what better place to find it than from the eyes of an astronaut!
Chiao narrates the audiobook himself, which was fantastic and made me feel like I was really getting to know him. He shares anecdotes very specific to himself and how he grew up, while also sharing wider spread knowledge on what it takes to be an astronaut and the amount of work involved every step of the way.
I personally found myself most intrigued by his section on UAPs and the involvement of the FBI 👀 and may have to take a trip down my own rabbit holes to find out more there!
This is a great book for anyone interested in space and the people who are willing to risk it all for discovery!
May 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
Dinner with an Astronaut is an entertaining, informative memoir.
I quite enjoyed this one. Leroy Chiao’s anecdotes were fascinating and fun, and I loved the blend of both the history and future of space travel. Chiao answered many questions I would have wanted to ask, as well as some I wouldn’t have thought of. I had hoped for a more in-depth storytelling aspect that connected more closely to the “dinner” part of Dinner with an Astronaut, but overall, it was thought-provoking and engaging. The pacing was wonderfully snappy, although I longed to explore some of the sections more deeply on-page. Leroy Chiao and Victoria Bruce presented the story with approachable, witty prose. I absolutely recommend this memoir!
Leroy Chiao narrated the audiobook, and it was so delightful! His narration was thoughtful, funny, and friendly. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC and review copy!
Dinner with an Astronaut is an entertaining, informative memoir.
I quite enjoyed this one. Leroy Chiao’s anecdotes were fascinating and fun, and I loved the blend of both the history and future of space travel. Chiao answered many questions I would have wanted to ask, as well as some I wouldn’t have thought of. I had hoped for a more in-depth storytelling aspect that connected more closely to the “dinner” part of Dinner with an Astronaut, but overall, it was thought-provoking and engaging. The pacing was wonderfully snappy, although I longed to explore some of the sections more deeply on-page. Leroy Chiao and Victoria Bruce presented the story with approachable, witty prose. I absolutely recommend this memoir!
Leroy Chiao narrated the audiobook, and it was so delightful! His narration was thoughtful, funny, and friendly. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC and review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of my favorite space/astronaut themed books I've ever read (and I love space books!). Chiao takes readers through his childhood and into his training and career as an astronaut at NASA while interspersing history, culture, and science/engineering throughout. I greatly enjoyed the balance this book struck between explaining his personal experience of space exploration and the relaying the historical context in which US space excellence came to be. He really excelled at making it feel like sitting down and having a dinner table conversation with a really cool person - I was eating up every little detail he shared!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews