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Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
In this revelatory and moving memoir, a former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, examining the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.
Leland Melvin is the only person in human history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space. Though his path to the heavens was riddled with setbacks and injury, Leland persevered to reach the stars.
While training with NASA, Melvin suffered a severe injury that left him deaf. Leland was relegated to earthbound assignments, but chose to remain and support his astronaut family. His loyalty paid off. Recovering partial hearing, he earned his eligibility for space travel. He served as mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station.
In this uplifting memoir, the former NASA astronaut and professional athlete offers an examination of the intersecting role of community, determination, and grace that align to shape our opportunities and outcomes. Chasing Space is not the story of one man, but the story of many men, women, scientists, and mentors who helped him defy the odds and live out an uncommon destiny.
As a chemist, athlete, engineer and space traveler, Leland’s life story is a study in the science of achievement. His personal insights illuminate how grit and grace, are the keys to overcoming adversity and rising to success.
Leland Melvin is the only person in human history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space. Though his path to the heavens was riddled with setbacks and injury, Leland persevered to reach the stars.
While training with NASA, Melvin suffered a severe injury that left him deaf. Leland was relegated to earthbound assignments, but chose to remain and support his astronaut family. His loyalty paid off. Recovering partial hearing, he earned his eligibility for space travel. He served as mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station.
In this uplifting memoir, the former NASA astronaut and professional athlete offers an examination of the intersecting role of community, determination, and grace that align to shape our opportunities and outcomes. Chasing Space is not the story of one man, but the story of many men, women, scientists, and mentors who helped him defy the odds and live out an uncommon destiny.
As a chemist, athlete, engineer and space traveler, Leland’s life story is a study in the science of achievement. His personal insights illuminate how grit and grace, are the keys to overcoming adversity and rising to success.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 7, 2020
"I remember this quote, and it said the two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day you figure out why..." - Leland Melvin
I've seen a lot of critical reviews for this memoir. Personally, I enjoyed it and found it very inspiring. Books come into your life when you need them sometimes and this book met me at the right time.
Leland does not spend the entire book talking about space. The title of the book is "Chasing Space" and that is exactly the narrative told by Leland. He tells of the challenges he faced and the life he lived to get to space. It's important to note how incredible his story is. He came from a humble upbringing in Virginia and became an accomplished athlete, engineer AND astronaut. Despite the discrimination he faced for his race, his family and faith helped him persevere to accomplish his goals.
All astronauts have to have a drive to succeed and a whole lot of grit. Leland definitely has both. I was so encouraged by his failures. He did not have an easy path in life and so many things did not work out as he planned, yet he continued to always push forward.
I am also inspired by his work to drive interest in STEM fields with children. After his mission in space and retirement from NASA, he continues to be a public servant and encourage others.
If you want to be challenged to get back up and keep on trying definitely pick this one up!
I've seen a lot of critical reviews for this memoir. Personally, I enjoyed it and found it very inspiring. Books come into your life when you need them sometimes and this book met me at the right time.
Leland does not spend the entire book talking about space. The title of the book is "Chasing Space" and that is exactly the narrative told by Leland. He tells of the challenges he faced and the life he lived to get to space. It's important to note how incredible his story is. He came from a humble upbringing in Virginia and became an accomplished athlete, engineer AND astronaut. Despite the discrimination he faced for his race, his family and faith helped him persevere to accomplish his goals.
All astronauts have to have a drive to succeed and a whole lot of grit. Leland definitely has both. I was so encouraged by his failures. He did not have an easy path in life and so many things did not work out as he planned, yet he continued to always push forward.
I am also inspired by his work to drive interest in STEM fields with children. After his mission in space and retirement from NASA, he continues to be a public servant and encourage others.
If you want to be challenged to get back up and keep on trying definitely pick this one up!
June 5, 2017
"Taking extravagant pleasure in being alive." Melvin wrote that in his journal at one point along his NASA journey, and it encapsulated for me his approach to life. I appreciated his discussion of the obstacles he faced and how he worked to overcome them. His is an inspiring story.
January 30, 2021
An interesting look on Leland Melvin life through football and space. However I was more interested in the space stuff but it was a good book either way
June 30, 2020
This was a good, easy read. Melvin mentions being a motivational speaker following his astronaut career, and that style is evident in how he framed his story in such a concise, narrative way. Hearing the perspective of an astronaut, especially one of America's early Black astronauts, is always thrilling. Melvin describes how a series of fortuitous circumstances from his parents' strong work ethic, to his supportive neighborhood and not needing to be bussed away during school integration, to his football career, to an academic punishment that was a blessing in disguise, among other factors, led to his unexpected, decorated, and decades-long career as a NASA astronaut. It was a sweet story to see how much love and strength Melvin found in his various communities. Although I knew that astronauts need to be rigorously academically, mentally, and physically tested, I had no idea how rigorous those physical aspects were until Melvin discussed the athletic training and competencies he needed to undergo as part of astronaut training.
The only critiques I have here are that while Melvin has had a long and dedicated career to STEAM education and advocacy, he doesn't talk about the systemic barriers that exist which are propagated by current government and business powerhouses. For example, he mentions how tragic 9/11 was (which I am not contesting), but doesn't talk about it critically at all - the attack had a lot more to do with the history of the US military rather than a simple good vs evil narrative. Or he mentions the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on NOLA without acknowledging that the poor, Black folks who bore the brunt of that tragedy did so with government sign-off, with the knowledge that these folks were at risk due to the aged and over-strained levee system but took no significant preventative measures. He even mentions being at a talk with former president Bill Clinton honoring underrepresented minority youth in the STEM fields without any acknowledgement of how the Clinton administration directly attacked welfare programs and played a big part in empowering the school-to-prison pipeline.
Lastly, he mentions going to Israel on behalf of his fallen astronaut comrade Ilan Ramon (of the space shuttle Columbia tragedy) to do outreach and education work there, describing the diversity of the kids there in terms of racial background, national origin, and economic class, and only mentions Gaza once, in the context of how it had attacked some of the neighborhoods these kids were from. While I'm sure that that's true and it's important to note that his mission was a diplomatic one and that children are children wherever you go, largely removed from the world of politics and at the behest of the adults around them to educate them about the "good" and the "bad" guys in the world, he mentions absolutely nothing about Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, and how he was essentially going into a nation that is enacting genocide much to global condemnation. I understand that he needed to be diplomatic and this is a memoir so he can say whatever he wants but not mentioning actual genocide and in fact painting Israel as the sole victims here when the United Nations has been formally condemning their violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms around Palestine since the late 1960s also just feels... weirdly exclusionary.
Not mentioning any of this stuff made me wonder if he just didn't know these perspectives or if he couldn't mention them because he didn't want to be too critical here given his former status as a federal employee. I understand that this was a memoir but that he chooses to mention a rich tapestry of Black Americans who came before him and paved the way to his success, and that he identifies himself as wanting to be counted among them, these were strange exclusions for me that made me wonder if he was ignorant about world affairs (which seems unlikely because he's a literal astronaut) or if he just didn't identify with any of these struggles (even though his entire book is about him overcoming life's struggles).
Anyways, those points aside, I liked this book and astronauts are cool.
The only critiques I have here are that while Melvin has had a long and dedicated career to STEAM education and advocacy, he doesn't talk about the systemic barriers that exist which are propagated by current government and business powerhouses. For example, he mentions how tragic 9/11 was (which I am not contesting), but doesn't talk about it critically at all - the attack had a lot more to do with the history of the US military rather than a simple good vs evil narrative. Or he mentions the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on NOLA without acknowledging that the poor, Black folks who bore the brunt of that tragedy did so with government sign-off, with the knowledge that these folks were at risk due to the aged and over-strained levee system but took no significant preventative measures. He even mentions being at a talk with former president Bill Clinton honoring underrepresented minority youth in the STEM fields without any acknowledgement of how the Clinton administration directly attacked welfare programs and played a big part in empowering the school-to-prison pipeline.
Lastly, he mentions going to Israel on behalf of his fallen astronaut comrade Ilan Ramon (of the space shuttle Columbia tragedy) to do outreach and education work there, describing the diversity of the kids there in terms of racial background, national origin, and economic class, and only mentions Gaza once, in the context of how it had attacked some of the neighborhoods these kids were from. While I'm sure that that's true and it's important to note that his mission was a diplomatic one and that children are children wherever you go, largely removed from the world of politics and at the behest of the adults around them to educate them about the "good" and the "bad" guys in the world, he mentions absolutely nothing about Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, and how he was essentially going into a nation that is enacting genocide much to global condemnation. I understand that he needed to be diplomatic and this is a memoir so he can say whatever he wants but not mentioning actual genocide and in fact painting Israel as the sole victims here when the United Nations has been formally condemning their violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms around Palestine since the late 1960s also just feels... weirdly exclusionary.
Not mentioning any of this stuff made me wonder if he just didn't know these perspectives or if he couldn't mention them because he didn't want to be too critical here given his former status as a federal employee. I understand that this was a memoir but that he chooses to mention a rich tapestry of Black Americans who came before him and paved the way to his success, and that he identifies himself as wanting to be counted among them, these were strange exclusions for me that made me wonder if he was ignorant about world affairs (which seems unlikely because he's a literal astronaut) or if he just didn't identify with any of these struggles (even though his entire book is about him overcoming life's struggles).
Anyways, those points aside, I liked this book and astronauts are cool.
May 3, 2019
I have read several biographies of Astronauts and this one is okay, but not great. The astronaut wrote it himself and I felt that he did not want to get "too personal" in his account. This book would have been improved with a co-writer or maybe a different author all together. For instance, there are very few dates in the first half of the book. Many of the events of his childhood, I vaguely remembered, so I thought that the author was about my age, but I was not sure. You don't find out for sure his age until the afterward in the back of the book (he was 53 when he wrote the book that was published in 2017.) Why weren't dates more forthcoming?
It was a good read to find out more about what astronauts felt during the shuttle era, where not as many books have been written. The best book I have read so far from the shuttle era was Sally Ride by Lynn Shurr. However, in this book, Leland is able to give a first hand account of what it feels like to be in the space shuttle and International Space station because he wrote it himself. Lynn Shurr is unable to provide this in the Sally Ride account.
But if you want to read in detail about the personal sacrifices and dedication of an astronaut, this is not the book. We can infer that Leland has made a lot of sacrifices, but he does not discuss them in detail. (Did anyone else wonder how he cared for his dogs while he was travelling the world doing public relations for NASA? I did. Finally, he does briefly mention that his neighbor helped him care for his dogs.) Also, I never felt we really understood the status of his hearing loss now. He talks about first being diagnosed, but glosses over the later years.
It was almost like reading a "young readers" edition of this book, not too long, not too personal. But yet, there is another young readers edition out there.
Because of his delays in going to space, he was in the active astronaut group a long time. I would have loved to hear more about how the shuttle program evolved during this time. He barely touches this subject at all.
It was a good read to find out more about what astronauts felt during the shuttle era, where not as many books have been written. The best book I have read so far from the shuttle era was Sally Ride by Lynn Shurr. However, in this book, Leland is able to give a first hand account of what it feels like to be in the space shuttle and International Space station because he wrote it himself. Lynn Shurr is unable to provide this in the Sally Ride account.
But if you want to read in detail about the personal sacrifices and dedication of an astronaut, this is not the book. We can infer that Leland has made a lot of sacrifices, but he does not discuss them in detail. (Did anyone else wonder how he cared for his dogs while he was travelling the world doing public relations for NASA? I did. Finally, he does briefly mention that his neighbor helped him care for his dogs.) Also, I never felt we really understood the status of his hearing loss now. He talks about first being diagnosed, but glosses over the later years.
It was almost like reading a "young readers" edition of this book, not too long, not too personal. But yet, there is another young readers edition out there.
Because of his delays in going to space, he was in the active astronaut group a long time. I would have loved to hear more about how the shuttle program evolved during this time. He barely touches this subject at all.
April 21, 2022
I enjoyed listening to Melvin's story of his journey to becoming an astronaut, who lived on the ISS for a period of time. Having listened to Kelly's book of his time aboard, the ISS, I would have liked more stories from Melvin's point of view. The strength of this book is that Melvin explores moments in his life where the decisions he or others made could have changed the course of his life. One example is how he was accused of cheating on a test in college; he was suspended for a semester and put on probation. Another is when he injured himself when trying out for various NFL teams. The title of the book sums up how Melvin approached and overcame the obstacles life put in his way. He shows himself as a man of integrity and determination. A very good book for anyone who may be feeling discouraged, or limited.
January 30, 2025
Wow!... I first heard of Leland because a substitute teacher in my building mentioned playing football with him in college. I did not expect to hear of a man who was drafted into the NFL while simultaneously working on a grad school degree for materials science. Then someone who went on to work for NASA, become an astronaut, fly in the space shuttle and work on the ISS, become an amazing advocate for STEM, Education, and minorities. Oh, and he also bumped shoulders with Pharrell, Will.I.Am, The Obamas, Serena Williams, and countless others along the way. And he hosted and starred in a wide array of TV shows. What a career!
July 1, 2020
Leland Melvin's journey is insightful and provides a unique perspective when compared to most astronaut autobiographies. It has stories from his time in football and the NFL to NASA to even some brief stints on game shows such as Battlebots. I enjoyed this autobiography, and I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2019
I was really hoping he would talk about sneaking his dogs into his official NASA portrait, since it’s on the cover and all, but it’s not in the book!
January 20, 2022
Tennis, outer space, jets, astronauts, dogs, STEAM education, NASA, and football all rolled into one easily digestible package.
I enjoyed this one! I think it would be really well suited to younger readers as a good motivational and inspirational read. Leland overcame a number of challenges to get to where he is today, and I think he touched on a lot of the bigger topics. I personally wish we had gotten a more in depth view into how her personally responded to some of his struggles, but I think it makes for a perfect conversation started for middle grade readers, especially those with an interest in space or looking for representation of themselves in STEAM.
I enjoyed this one! I think it would be really well suited to younger readers as a good motivational and inspirational read. Leland overcame a number of challenges to get to where he is today, and I think he touched on a lot of the bigger topics. I personally wish we had gotten a more in depth view into how her personally responded to some of his struggles, but I think it makes for a perfect conversation started for middle grade readers, especially those with an interest in space or looking for representation of themselves in STEAM.
January 3, 2018
The narrative was not the most cohesive but still an enjoyable read. I wish his experiences in actual space travel were more detailed. Unfortunately that part of the book was relatively short, and his struggles with the physiological changes of zero gravity were some of the most interesting parts for me. I like the emphasis on his various missteps and failures, and I especially appreciate his continued dedication to outreach and education.
February 22, 2020
Leland’s experiences are varied and interesting. He has a brimming optimism and a belief that every person can and should follow their dreams. This book was an easy and entertaining read. He describes the entire NASA astronaut experience, not just the space flight parts, while also providing memoirs and insights into the life events that led him to becoming an astronaut.
April 18, 2023
After hearing Leland Melvin speak recently, I had to read his book. What a fascinating journey his life has been. Could the dogs be any more adorable? As a Virginian, he spoke about pursuing your dreams, not giving up, and the importance of education.
I do wonder if there’s been any systematic barriers that were skirted over like 9/11.
I do wonder if there’s been any systematic barriers that were skirted over like 9/11.
March 6, 2018
This is a pretty good story of one man's life. Leland Melvin is the only man to have played in the NFL and flown in space. You can definitely be inspired by his determination. He never let a setback define his life. He always regrouped and pushed forward.
I only gave this book three stars though because at some point it just became tedious and there was less of how he got through things and more of a name-dropping this is what I did.
Nonetheless, I am proud of who he is and what he has done. I even learned some interesting tidbits of black history, which is always a plus.
I only gave this book three stars though because at some point it just became tedious and there was less of how he got through things and more of a name-dropping this is what I did.
Nonetheless, I am proud of who he is and what he has done. I even learned some interesting tidbits of black history, which is always a plus.
May 11, 2019
I wish this had been better organized. His story is certainly interesting, but the book feels really scattered. Some sections went on much too long and there are other sections I'd love to have heard more about.
November 14, 2019
A little all over the place resulting in randomly hitting you with the depressing bits. overall, still entertaining.
January 6, 2020
I loved everything about Leland's determination and his faith. Fantastic read.
June 9, 2020
“Why do some people reach their potential despite the obstacles in their path, while others, just as talented, do not?”
June 10, 2020
Written from the heart, in his own voice, and for everyone. What a lovely journey.
April 8, 2021
This wasn't as 'space heavy' as I predicted but it was an enjoyable memoir to read (well, listen to).
I particularly loved Leland's passion for STEM education and inspiring future generations. His determination to see life setbacks as mere stepping stones to his next path was very inspiring.
Predicting many more space memoirs in my future.
I particularly loved Leland's passion for STEM education and inspiring future generations. His determination to see life setbacks as mere stepping stones to his next path was very inspiring.
Predicting many more space memoirs in my future.
September 10, 2022
I enjoyed this memoir from Leland Melvin who I always remember as the astronaut with the dogs. I hadn’t realized that he grew up in Lynchburg, attended the University of Richmond, and started out trying to join the NFL. I went to U of R as well and had Dr. Myers as a professor and as a scholarship advisor. I absolutely loved the story of how Dr. Myers gave Melvin one of his second chances. Melvin describes the hurdles he overcame to become an astronaut and gives fun tidbits about space travel and training. If you’re looking for an uplifting story from someone who loves science, this is a good one.
March 13, 2024
I am not a nonfiction gal...however, I listened to the audiobook of this and found it incredibly interesting. Leland Melvin is just a fascinating human.
February 20, 2025
Easy read, I love stories like this
September 5, 2025
What a good, inspirational book. Can't wait to meet the author in a week!
July 11, 2026
just wasn’t for me
September 23, 2018
I had the good fortune to attend college in Melvin’s hometown and have seen him speak, so I was familiar with the main trajectory of his career but this book really opens up about his life and experience and he doesn’t shy away from the tough times and challenges. He has an easy-going writing style and while the last few chapters read more like a travel log of NASA events, I enjoyed Melvin’s message, especially his emphasis of merging arts into the STEM discipline.
July 10, 2017
A feel good autobiography of Leland's life. There's nothing profound in what he's been through or what he says but it's an enjoyable read about what seems like a great guy who deserved everything he's earned. Would love to share a beer with him one day and hear his stories in person.
March 1, 2023
3.5 stars for my fellow UR Spider.
July 7, 2017
This is nice book about never giving up on your dreams! Even with the adversity of a dream gets sidelined and/ or crushed. Sometimes you get a 2nd chance and change the course of how you ultimately accomplish your goals after all! But this book dragged on forever! Would definitely not re-read this one!
July 2, 2017
If I'm being honest, I only wanted to read this book because of the cover. The author's NASA photo was taken with his dogs? As a dog lover, I'm sold!
I didn't know anything about the author, Leland Melvin, prior to reading this book. But I'm glad I know about him now because he has lived an amazing and inspiring life. I really enjoyed reading about his life growing up and his life in space. But I have to admit, I was a little bored with some parts between those. But this was still a really great book about someone who lived a very interesting life.
I didn't know anything about the author, Leland Melvin, prior to reading this book. But I'm glad I know about him now because he has lived an amazing and inspiring life. I really enjoyed reading about his life growing up and his life in space. But I have to admit, I was a little bored with some parts between those. But this was still a really great book about someone who lived a very interesting life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews