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Defying Limits: Lessons from the Edge of the Universe
An inspirational, uplifting, and life-affirming memoir about passion, resilience, and living life to the fullest, from Dr. Dave Williams, one of Canada’s most accomplished astronauts.
I had dreamt about becoming an astronaut from the time I watched Alan Shepard launch on the first American sub-orbital flight on May 5, 1961. Eleven days before my seventh birthday, I committed to a new one day, I would fly in outer space.
Dr. Dave has led the sort of life that most people only dream of. He has set records for spacewalking. He has lived undersea for weeks at a time. He has saved lives as an emergency doctor, launched into the stratosphere twice, and performed surgery in zero gravity.
But if you ask him how he became so accomplished, he’ll “I’m just a curious kid from Saskatchewan.” Curious indeed.
Dr. Dave never lost his desire to explore nor his fascination with the world. Whether he was exploring the woods behind his childhood home or floating in space at the end of the Canadarm, Dave tried to see every moment of his life as filled with beauty and meaning. He learned to scuba dive at only twelve years old, became a doctor despite academic struggles as an undergraduate, and overcame stiff odds and fierce competition to join the ranks of the astronauts he had idolized as a child.
There were setbacks and challenges along the way—the loss of friends in the Columbia disaster, a cancer diagnosis that nearly prevented him from returning to space—but through it all, Dave never lost sight of his goal. And when he finally had the chance to fly among the stars, he came to realize that although the destination can be spectacular, it’s the journey that truly matters.
In Defying Limits, Dave shares the events that have defined his life, showing us that whether we’re gravity-defying astronauts or earth-bound terrestrials, we can all live an infinite, fulfilled life by relishing the value and importance of each moment. The greatest fear that we all face is not the fear of dying, but the fear of never having lived. Each of us is greater than we believe. And, together, we can exceed our limits to soar farther and higher than we ever imagined.
I had dreamt about becoming an astronaut from the time I watched Alan Shepard launch on the first American sub-orbital flight on May 5, 1961. Eleven days before my seventh birthday, I committed to a new one day, I would fly in outer space.
Dr. Dave has led the sort of life that most people only dream of. He has set records for spacewalking. He has lived undersea for weeks at a time. He has saved lives as an emergency doctor, launched into the stratosphere twice, and performed surgery in zero gravity.
But if you ask him how he became so accomplished, he’ll “I’m just a curious kid from Saskatchewan.” Curious indeed.
Dr. Dave never lost his desire to explore nor his fascination with the world. Whether he was exploring the woods behind his childhood home or floating in space at the end of the Canadarm, Dave tried to see every moment of his life as filled with beauty and meaning. He learned to scuba dive at only twelve years old, became a doctor despite academic struggles as an undergraduate, and overcame stiff odds and fierce competition to join the ranks of the astronauts he had idolized as a child.
There were setbacks and challenges along the way—the loss of friends in the Columbia disaster, a cancer diagnosis that nearly prevented him from returning to space—but through it all, Dave never lost sight of his goal. And when he finally had the chance to fly among the stars, he came to realize that although the destination can be spectacular, it’s the journey that truly matters.
In Defying Limits, Dave shares the events that have defined his life, showing us that whether we’re gravity-defying astronauts or earth-bound terrestrials, we can all live an infinite, fulfilled life by relishing the value and importance of each moment. The greatest fear that we all face is not the fear of dying, but the fear of never having lived. Each of us is greater than we believe. And, together, we can exceed our limits to soar farther and higher than we ever imagined.
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First published January 1, 2019
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About the author
Dave Williams
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Dr. Dave Williams was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Beaconsfield, Quebec on the West Island of Montreal at an early age.
As a child, his favorite book was Tom Sawyer; his younger years were spent fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. He dreamt of becoming an astronaut when he was 7 years old after watching Alan Shepard become the first American to travel in space. His passion for exploration took him underwater when he started scuba diving at age 12. His childhood heroes included Canada’s famous diving physician Dr. Joe MacInnis, Jacques Cousteau, and the astronauts of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
After graduating from Beaconsfield High School, he attended McGill University, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in neurobiology, a master of science degree in neurophysiology, followed by a doctorate of medicine and a master of surgery degree from the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University.
He completed a residency in family practice in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, followed by a fellowship in emergency medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, after finishing a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
He worked at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto as well as Grand River Hospital in Kitchener-Waterloo prior to joining the Canadian Space Agency in the second astronaut selection.
In April 1998, Dave Williams participated in his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. During the 16-day flight, called Neurolab, the seven-person crew served as both experiment subjects and operators for 26 individual life science experiments. These experiments, dedicated to the advancement of neuroscience research, focused on the effects of microgravity on the brain and the nervous system.
After the Neurolab mission, Dave Williams held the position of Director of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. With this appointment, he became the first non-American to hold a senior management position within NASA. He concurrently held a position as the first deputy associate administrator for crew health and safety in the Office of Space Flight at NASA Headquarters.
In October 2001, he became an aquanaut through his participation in the joint NASA-NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) undersea research mission, held in Aquarius, the world's only underwater research laboratory. During this seven-day NEEMO-1 mission, Williams became the first Canadian to have lived and worked in space and in the ocean.
In 2006, Dave Williams was assigned as the crew commander of the NEEMO-9 undersea research mission dedicated to assess new ways to deliver medical care to a remote location, as would be done in a long space flight. A year later, he flew on his second spaceflight STS-118 on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During the mission, the crew successfully added a truss segment, a new gyroscope, and an external stowage platform to the station. The mission successfully activated a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. Dr. Williams took part in three of the four spacewalks, the highest number of spacewalks performed by a Canadian in a single mission. He spent 17 hours and 47 minutes outside the shuttle, a Canadian record.
After retiring from the space program in 2008, Dr. Williams returned to healthcare. He is currently President and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. Recipient of 4 honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, he is passionate about sharing his experiences through his speaking activities and is very excited about inspiring the next generation to pursue their drea
Dr. Dave Williams was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Beaconsfield, Quebec on the West Island of Montreal at an early age.
As a child, his favorite book was Tom Sawyer; his younger years were spent fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. He dreamt of becoming an astronaut when he was 7 years old after watching Alan Shepard become the first American to travel in space. His passion for exploration took him underwater when he started scuba diving at age 12. His childhood heroes included Canada’s famous diving physician Dr. Joe MacInnis, Jacques Cousteau, and the astronauts of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
After graduating from Beaconsfield High School, he attended McGill University, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in neurobiology, a master of science degree in neurophysiology, followed by a doctorate of medicine and a master of surgery degree from the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University.
He completed a residency in family practice in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, followed by a fellowship in emergency medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, after finishing a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
He worked at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto as well as Grand River Hospital in Kitchener-Waterloo prior to joining the Canadian Space Agency in the second astronaut selection.
In April 1998, Dave Williams participated in his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. During the 16-day flight, called Neurolab, the seven-person crew served as both experiment subjects and operators for 26 individual life science experiments. These experiments, dedicated to the advancement of neuroscience research, focused on the effects of microgravity on the brain and the nervous system.
After the Neurolab mission, Dave Williams held the position of Director of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. With this appointment, he became the first non-American to hold a senior management position within NASA. He concurrently held a position as the first deputy associate administrator for crew health and safety in the Office of Space Flight at NASA Headquarters.
In October 2001, he became an aquanaut through his participation in the joint NASA-NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) undersea research mission, held in Aquarius, the world's only underwater research laboratory. During this seven-day NEEMO-1 mission, Williams became the first Canadian to have lived and worked in space and in the ocean.
In 2006, Dave Williams was assigned as the crew commander of the NEEMO-9 undersea research mission dedicated to assess new ways to deliver medical care to a remote location, as would be done in a long space flight. A year later, he flew on his second spaceflight STS-118 on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During the mission, the crew successfully added a truss segment, a new gyroscope, and an external stowage platform to the station. The mission successfully activated a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. Dr. Williams took part in three of the four spacewalks, the highest number of spacewalks performed by a Canadian in a single mission. He spent 17 hours and 47 minutes outside the shuttle, a Canadian record.
After retiring from the space program in 2008, Dr. Williams returned to healthcare. He is currently President and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. Recipient of 4 honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, he is passionate about sharing his experiences through his speaking activities and is very excited about inspiring the next generation to pursue their drea
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 5, 2021
I absolutely agree with the tag line on this, it's really is a inspirational, uplift and life affirming book. It's so interesting learning about his life from the age of 7 when he decided to become and astronaut and he's long journey since then, from highlights to hardship. Highly recommend this book!
October 28, 2018
5 amazing shining stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
A special thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE by Dr. Dave Williams.
I had the pleasure of listening on CBC to Dr. Dave Williams being interviewed about his book DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE which will be released on Tuesday, October 30th. This interview was exceptionally interesting. 😀
DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE is an inspirational, uplifting, and life-affirming memoir about passion, resilience and living life to the fullest, from Dr. Dave Williams, one of Canada's most accomplished astronauts.
On May 5, 1961, eleven days before his seventh birthday, Dave Williams watched Alan Shepard walk on the moon on a grainy black-and-white television and decided he wanted to be an astronaut. At that time Canada did not have an astronaut program. His parents nurtured his curiosity and sense of discovery and encouraged him to go for his goals. And he did. Dave committed himself to work really hard to accomplish his dreams. He became a doctor and a neuroscientist.
In 1992 Dave Williams was chosen from over 5330 people to take the astronaut training. The other three chosen to be astronauts for the Canadian Space Agency and to help build the International Space Station were Chris Hadfield, Julie Payette and Rob Stewart. Rob withdrew his candidacy to return to his work at the University of Calgary, and Mike McKay became the fourth member of the second class of Canadian astronauts.
In 1994 Dave Williams became manager of the newly minted CSA operational space medicine program.
Dr. Dave Williams wanted to be successful and the best he could be. He wanted to be a successful astronaut, a successful husband and a successful father.
Shortly after finishing his ASCAN training Dave was selected as a mission specialist for STS-90 and would be flying on COLUMBIA with six other astronauts on a sixteen-day shuttle mission.
He had a massive controlled explosion happen under him during lift-off when he was in the rocket shooting into space.
Many animals were on board this flight with the astronauts. There were rats, mice, crickets, oyster toadfish and swordtail fish, which were key to the Neurolab experiments. The rats made the complete trip and quickly adapted and had fun playing in the weightless rocket ship. The Columbia travelled continuously at twenty-five times the speed of sound for sixteen days.
Dr. Williams second mission was almost 10 years later.
While doing his third space walk - floating alone, anchored only by a tether to robotic Canadarm2, Canadian astronaut Dave Williams looked at the dot which was earth, a beautiful blue oasis in the black expanse of outer space and realized that he was just a speck in a huge galaxy. That is when he decided that instead of leaving a legacy, he would LIVE a legacy.
In February 2008 Dr. Dave Williams announced his retirement from the space program. At the age of fifty-three, he had made three Space walks. He wanted to spend more time at home with his wife, Cathy (she is an airline pilot), and their two children, Evan and Olivia, and nephew, Theo.
Some quotes by Dr. Dave Williams:-
"The greatest accomplishments often have the most humble origins."
"For me, every day that I'm healthy and alive and able to contribute is a great day."
"It's up to us to make the most of every moment."
Every day is a great day to be alive!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this informative, inspirational, interesting, easy to read memoir and couldn't put it down until I was finished! I highly recommend this feel-good book!
5⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
A special thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE by Dr. Dave Williams.
I had the pleasure of listening on CBC to Dr. Dave Williams being interviewed about his book DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE which will be released on Tuesday, October 30th. This interview was exceptionally interesting. 😀
DEFYING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE is an inspirational, uplifting, and life-affirming memoir about passion, resilience and living life to the fullest, from Dr. Dave Williams, one of Canada's most accomplished astronauts.
On May 5, 1961, eleven days before his seventh birthday, Dave Williams watched Alan Shepard walk on the moon on a grainy black-and-white television and decided he wanted to be an astronaut. At that time Canada did not have an astronaut program. His parents nurtured his curiosity and sense of discovery and encouraged him to go for his goals. And he did. Dave committed himself to work really hard to accomplish his dreams. He became a doctor and a neuroscientist.
In 1992 Dave Williams was chosen from over 5330 people to take the astronaut training. The other three chosen to be astronauts for the Canadian Space Agency and to help build the International Space Station were Chris Hadfield, Julie Payette and Rob Stewart. Rob withdrew his candidacy to return to his work at the University of Calgary, and Mike McKay became the fourth member of the second class of Canadian astronauts.
In 1994 Dave Williams became manager of the newly minted CSA operational space medicine program.
Dr. Dave Williams wanted to be successful and the best he could be. He wanted to be a successful astronaut, a successful husband and a successful father.
Shortly after finishing his ASCAN training Dave was selected as a mission specialist for STS-90 and would be flying on COLUMBIA with six other astronauts on a sixteen-day shuttle mission.
He had a massive controlled explosion happen under him during lift-off when he was in the rocket shooting into space.
Many animals were on board this flight with the astronauts. There were rats, mice, crickets, oyster toadfish and swordtail fish, which were key to the Neurolab experiments. The rats made the complete trip and quickly adapted and had fun playing in the weightless rocket ship. The Columbia travelled continuously at twenty-five times the speed of sound for sixteen days.
Dr. Williams second mission was almost 10 years later.
While doing his third space walk - floating alone, anchored only by a tether to robotic Canadarm2, Canadian astronaut Dave Williams looked at the dot which was earth, a beautiful blue oasis in the black expanse of outer space and realized that he was just a speck in a huge galaxy. That is when he decided that instead of leaving a legacy, he would LIVE a legacy.
In February 2008 Dr. Dave Williams announced his retirement from the space program. At the age of fifty-three, he had made three Space walks. He wanted to spend more time at home with his wife, Cathy (she is an airline pilot), and their two children, Evan and Olivia, and nephew, Theo.
Some quotes by Dr. Dave Williams:-
"The greatest accomplishments often have the most humble origins."
"For me, every day that I'm healthy and alive and able to contribute is a great day."
"It's up to us to make the most of every moment."
Every day is a great day to be alive!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this informative, inspirational, interesting, easy to read memoir and couldn't put it down until I was finished! I highly recommend this feel-good book!
5⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
January 11, 2019
Quick and easy read about a quiet, humble, family-man Canadian astronaut. If he’s as great as he sounds in the book, the world needs more people like him.
August 16, 2018
Dr. Dafydd (David) Willams has written an inspirational book where he encourages everyone to set life goals and to live each minute of their everyday life at its fullest. He is a man to be much admired and his optimistic spirit emulated. Dr. Williams has led a remarkable life; a man of many talents, resources and honours. I will not list all his remarkable achievements, but would urge people to check out his biography on Wikipedia for a full description of his life’s work.
David decided at age 7 to become an astronaut at a time when there were no Canadians exploring space. His childhood interests helped to build towards this goal and prepared him for other careers as well. His parents encouraged him to explore forests and streams near home, diving lessons at a young age, kits which encouraged scientific, mechanical, chemical discovery/learning and construction, instructions in dissection botanical specimens, and assembling model planes. He attributed any success to having a curious mind and regarded failure as a learning process and to go back and figure an alternate means to succeed.
In later years he did experience some drawbacks. He was a mediocre undergraduate student, lost friends in the Challenger explosion, and had an interruption in his career due to cancer. He achieved great success as an emergency room doctor, a teaching medical lecturer, worked in scientific research in neurophysiology,Director of Heart and Stroke Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Completed training as an astronaut in 1993.spent a total of 381 hours in space including two space walks. He was the first non -American to hold a senior management position with NASA. His early interest in diving lead to twice working as an Aquanaut in an underwater laboratory where scientific experiments were conducted. He also qualified as a pilot during his early years.
His determination and many interests all cumulated in his selection as an astronaut working at the space station. He also seems to have maintained a happy and supportive family life. His wife of many years is one of the first female pilots for Air Canada.
Although the focus of the book is on science it is an easy read and much can be easily envisioned by the reader. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this book and a chance to learn about this extraordinary man.
David decided at age 7 to become an astronaut at a time when there were no Canadians exploring space. His childhood interests helped to build towards this goal and prepared him for other careers as well. His parents encouraged him to explore forests and streams near home, diving lessons at a young age, kits which encouraged scientific, mechanical, chemical discovery/learning and construction, instructions in dissection botanical specimens, and assembling model planes. He attributed any success to having a curious mind and regarded failure as a learning process and to go back and figure an alternate means to succeed.
In later years he did experience some drawbacks. He was a mediocre undergraduate student, lost friends in the Challenger explosion, and had an interruption in his career due to cancer. He achieved great success as an emergency room doctor, a teaching medical lecturer, worked in scientific research in neurophysiology,Director of Heart and Stroke Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Completed training as an astronaut in 1993.spent a total of 381 hours in space including two space walks. He was the first non -American to hold a senior management position with NASA. His early interest in diving lead to twice working as an Aquanaut in an underwater laboratory where scientific experiments were conducted. He also qualified as a pilot during his early years.
His determination and many interests all cumulated in his selection as an astronaut working at the space station. He also seems to have maintained a happy and supportive family life. His wife of many years is one of the first female pilots for Air Canada.
Although the focus of the book is on science it is an easy read and much can be easily envisioned by the reader. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this book and a chance to learn about this extraordinary man.
January 24, 2019
3.0 Stars
As both Canadian and space enthusiast, I was very interested in reading this memoir. I have previously read Chris Hadfield’s memoir and, unfortunately, found this one disappointing in comparison. This book was way too short to be short to be satisfying and only provided a very surface level understanding of his experience in the Canadian Space program.
As both Canadian and space enthusiast, I was very interested in reading this memoir. I have previously read Chris Hadfield’s memoir and, unfortunately, found this one disappointing in comparison. This book was way too short to be short to be satisfying and only provided a very surface level understanding of his experience in the Canadian Space program.
August 29, 2018
Defying Limits is an inspirational, uplifting, and life-affirming memoir. Dave dream of being an astronaut as a child, years before Canada began a space program. This memoir displays his lifelong passion, resilience and living life to the fullest. Dave becomes a doctor, a husband, a father, and of course a successful astronaut.
A fantastic read, and highly recommended for all!
*I received an advances readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
A fantastic read, and highly recommended for all!
*I received an advances readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 18, 2025
4.25⭐
"But moments can last forever, if we remember to pay attention to them." - Dr. Dave Williams
Defying Limits was a quick but inspiring read. I found it very interesting. I noticed similarities between this and other astronaut biographies. There's a common catalyst that ignited their passion for space travel and fueled their desire to become an astronaut. The Apollo 11 moon landing seems to have inspired every astronaut I've read about and with good reason! It was an extraordinary human achievement and a turning point in how we view the world. There's the common theme of making the most of every skill learned throughout their lives and the epiphanous realization that there are no borders between countries when the earth is viewed from space. That we are all one in our common humanity.
I liked the amount of photos in Dr. Williams' book. There were black and white ones peppered throughout it and a section of colour photos in the centre.
I appreciated the insight Dr. Williams had on living life to the fullest. That seemed to be the main message of his writing. That we can live an eternity in a moment. It was obvious he was proud of his many achievements but he also expressed a deep sense of pride in his family's accomplishments.
I found the chronology in the first few chapters to be a bit disjointed but it doesn't detract from the core of the writing. I did enjoy reading other astronaut biographies a little bit more but that is solely due to the writing style and not the actual content of the book.
If you liked Dr. Williams' biography you'll love other Canadian astronaut biographies like Chris Hadfield's "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth" and Marc Garneau's "A Most Extraordinary Ride".
"But moments can last forever, if we remember to pay attention to them." - Dr. Dave Williams
Defying Limits was a quick but inspiring read. I found it very interesting. I noticed similarities between this and other astronaut biographies. There's a common catalyst that ignited their passion for space travel and fueled their desire to become an astronaut. The Apollo 11 moon landing seems to have inspired every astronaut I've read about and with good reason! It was an extraordinary human achievement and a turning point in how we view the world. There's the common theme of making the most of every skill learned throughout their lives and the epiphanous realization that there are no borders between countries when the earth is viewed from space. That we are all one in our common humanity.
I liked the amount of photos in Dr. Williams' book. There were black and white ones peppered throughout it and a section of colour photos in the centre.
I appreciated the insight Dr. Williams had on living life to the fullest. That seemed to be the main message of his writing. That we can live an eternity in a moment. It was obvious he was proud of his many achievements but he also expressed a deep sense of pride in his family's accomplishments.
I found the chronology in the first few chapters to be a bit disjointed but it doesn't detract from the core of the writing. I did enjoy reading other astronaut biographies a little bit more but that is solely due to the writing style and not the actual content of the book.
If you liked Dr. Williams' biography you'll love other Canadian astronaut biographies like Chris Hadfield's "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth" and Marc Garneau's "A Most Extraordinary Ride".
November 22, 2018
I’m fascinated with people traveling into space. I’ve been to NASA at Cape Canaveral a few times and was fortunate enough to see one of the last launches of the space shuttle so I was excited to receive this book from Simon and Schuster Canada. I’ve read a few books written by astronauts and I have to say this is one of the best. Dave Williams began his life as a regular Canadian kid. Through perseverance, optimism, and hard work he has accomplished so much in his lifetime so far. Dave has performed so many different roles in the space program as well as many other related and unrelated accomplishments in his life. I found this book so interesting to read as Dave has many great things to write about. A very uplifting read about a remarkable individual.
October 10, 2018
Dave Williams has written an amazing and wonderful memoir! This is the sort of book you do not want to put down and you find yourself just in awe of what Williams has done. I have always been fascinated by space and space exploration and this book gave me a glimpse into that life. The book was well written in an easy to understand manner but still discussed some complex situations. I loved learning about the life and experiences of an astronaut. I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. This book is a daintiest 5 stars out of 5!
December 1, 2018
I never thought I had a particular interest in space or astronauts yet here I am, reading yet another memoir written by an astronaut.
Like the other two astronaut biographies that I’ve read recently (Chris Hadfield and Mike Massimino), this one by Dr. Dave Williams was well-written, easy to understand, and gave great insight into not only what it’s like to be an astronaut, but the personality traits that it takes to reach that goal. All three emphasize that the determination, perseverance and optimism that they value so much in their lives are applicable to anyone, not just those few who are literally shooting for the stars. Like everyone else, Williams has faced adversity in his life yet managed to pursue the dream that began when he was seven years old (and Canadian, which at the time meant he likely would never have the chance to travel into space). And all three men seem to be such nice, genuine guys! It makes me want to invite the three of them for dinner!
The one thing that really stands out to me from all three biographies (and was something that I also read recently in a magazine article about astronauts, I think maybe in National Geographic) is their reaction to looking down on the planet earth from outer space. It is such a live-changing event for all of them, and they all wish that everyone could have that experience because it made them realize what a beautiful planet we live on. It strongly brings into perspective that it’s as if we’re all just a little grain of sand in a huge desert: we’re here for such a short little blip of time. Life is short. Enjoy the moment. Williams sums it up so well in the introduction, when he’s describing the view from his spacewalk:
“It was spectacular—life altering. I will never forget the amazing epiphany of looking down and seeing our 4.5 billion-year-old planet, a beautiful oasis, cast against the endless black expanse of outer space. There it was: my home; home to us all. The entire history of humanity had taken place on the planet beneath me. Minus my crewmates, everyone I cared about was down there. Everything that had ever happened to me had taken place there. From my distant vantage point, there were no boundaries evident, no divisions between countries, only majestic continents surrounded by deep-blue oceans. It was then that I finally understood what it means to live a lifetime in a moment, to appreciate every second you’ve lived and still have to live… It’s a lesson for all of us to live our lives to the fullest while we can, to embrace the richness of our experiences, to stop wondering what our legacy will be and instead live it right now.”
What a shame that only a small handful of people will ever get to experience such a profound and life-altering event. The rest of us won’t experience it first-hand, but reading about it through wonderful people like Williams is the next best thing.
Hmmm… looking back on this review, I think perhaps I’m more of a space geek than I’d thought, LOL!
Like the other two astronaut biographies that I’ve read recently (Chris Hadfield and Mike Massimino), this one by Dr. Dave Williams was well-written, easy to understand, and gave great insight into not only what it’s like to be an astronaut, but the personality traits that it takes to reach that goal. All three emphasize that the determination, perseverance and optimism that they value so much in their lives are applicable to anyone, not just those few who are literally shooting for the stars. Like everyone else, Williams has faced adversity in his life yet managed to pursue the dream that began when he was seven years old (and Canadian, which at the time meant he likely would never have the chance to travel into space). And all three men seem to be such nice, genuine guys! It makes me want to invite the three of them for dinner!
The one thing that really stands out to me from all three biographies (and was something that I also read recently in a magazine article about astronauts, I think maybe in National Geographic) is their reaction to looking down on the planet earth from outer space. It is such a live-changing event for all of them, and they all wish that everyone could have that experience because it made them realize what a beautiful planet we live on. It strongly brings into perspective that it’s as if we’re all just a little grain of sand in a huge desert: we’re here for such a short little blip of time. Life is short. Enjoy the moment. Williams sums it up so well in the introduction, when he’s describing the view from his spacewalk:
“It was spectacular—life altering. I will never forget the amazing epiphany of looking down and seeing our 4.5 billion-year-old planet, a beautiful oasis, cast against the endless black expanse of outer space. There it was: my home; home to us all. The entire history of humanity had taken place on the planet beneath me. Minus my crewmates, everyone I cared about was down there. Everything that had ever happened to me had taken place there. From my distant vantage point, there were no boundaries evident, no divisions between countries, only majestic continents surrounded by deep-blue oceans. It was then that I finally understood what it means to live a lifetime in a moment, to appreciate every second you’ve lived and still have to live… It’s a lesson for all of us to live our lives to the fullest while we can, to embrace the richness of our experiences, to stop wondering what our legacy will be and instead live it right now.”
What a shame that only a small handful of people will ever get to experience such a profound and life-altering event. The rest of us won’t experience it first-hand, but reading about it through wonderful people like Williams is the next best thing.
Hmmm… looking back on this review, I think perhaps I’m more of a space geek than I’d thought, LOL!
August 22, 2018
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and #Netgalley for the privilege of reading this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In Canada we are proud of our astronauts. As a Girl Guide leader I am familiar with the history of Roberta Bondar who took Girl Guide cookies with her into space. As a resident of Sarnia-Lambton I am very familiar with the adventures of Chris Hadfield (though I have yet to read his books). I also have a slight connection to Dave Williams. For a short period of time when he was in university, my husband's sister dated him. I remember meeting him briefly once. All of this made his book to be of great interest to me.
How does one become an astronaut - especially as a Canadian? From reading Dave William's book it would appear it has to start at an early age, and Dave was fortunate to have parents who allowed him to be curious and explore his passions be they science experiments or learning how to dive at an age much earlier than most.
This book takes us from his childhood through to present day including his college years and study to become a physician, his training as an astronaut and as an aquanaut as well as his two trips to space and times he spent living underwater at the ocean floor. The detail is fascinating, sometimes humerous and certainly inspirational.
The title of the book speaks to defying limits. All of us come up against limits at different times in our lives - places where we lack control over what happens and simply have to choose how we are going to react. In this book the author uses his life experiences with NASA and with life in general to inspire his readers as we too face life challenges. To quote the author from his acknowledgements, " Life presents us with innumerable moments, some we want to remember forever, others we prefer to forget. It is what we choose to do with those moments that determines our happiness, brings contentment, and provides us with meaning in our lives."
Dave Williams has done things that I will never be able to do. I enjoyed reading his story and living vicariously in the experiences he had underwater and in space. However, I appreciated even more his love of his family and the down to earth philosophy he has - to enjoy each moment in life for the inherent beauty that it possesses. I encourage you to read this book. You won't regret it.
In Canada we are proud of our astronauts. As a Girl Guide leader I am familiar with the history of Roberta Bondar who took Girl Guide cookies with her into space. As a resident of Sarnia-Lambton I am very familiar with the adventures of Chris Hadfield (though I have yet to read his books). I also have a slight connection to Dave Williams. For a short period of time when he was in university, my husband's sister dated him. I remember meeting him briefly once. All of this made his book to be of great interest to me.
How does one become an astronaut - especially as a Canadian? From reading Dave William's book it would appear it has to start at an early age, and Dave was fortunate to have parents who allowed him to be curious and explore his passions be they science experiments or learning how to dive at an age much earlier than most.
This book takes us from his childhood through to present day including his college years and study to become a physician, his training as an astronaut and as an aquanaut as well as his two trips to space and times he spent living underwater at the ocean floor. The detail is fascinating, sometimes humerous and certainly inspirational.
The title of the book speaks to defying limits. All of us come up against limits at different times in our lives - places where we lack control over what happens and simply have to choose how we are going to react. In this book the author uses his life experiences with NASA and with life in general to inspire his readers as we too face life challenges. To quote the author from his acknowledgements, " Life presents us with innumerable moments, some we want to remember forever, others we prefer to forget. It is what we choose to do with those moments that determines our happiness, brings contentment, and provides us with meaning in our lives."
Dave Williams has done things that I will never be able to do. I enjoyed reading his story and living vicariously in the experiences he had underwater and in space. However, I appreciated even more his love of his family and the down to earth philosophy he has - to enjoy each moment in life for the inherent beauty that it possesses. I encourage you to read this book. You won't regret it.
September 3, 2018
Dr. Dave Williams memoir describes his ideas of living the life to the fullest at every minute of life and what led him to became an accomplished medical professional and one of the first Canadian astronauts.
The life of the boy born in Canadian prairies is truly remarkable and inspirational for younger generations. Dr. Williams shares with his readers how his dream from the young age (he wanted to be an astronaut from the age of 7), became a reality through a medical education, sports ( his love of diving and aviation).
He writes warmly about people around him who helped him through his life journey ( his parents, his wife who is an accomplished airline pilot, his friends) .
This is an honest book about the life journey with all the struggles of real life and very many obstacles ( difficult relations with parents, child with medical problems, battle with cancer for Dr. Williams himself).
The book is relatively easy to read despite the heavy use of the scientific terms in the second half of the book and might be well recommended for school libraries and inspirational reading for the teenagers.
I strongly believe that the book would have benefited from more illustrative materials, as the photographs are very few and far between. The actual illustrations for the space stations and space vehicles that are readily available on the internet might help to make this book more popular among the young generations who we are trying to motivate and inspire.
I would like to thank the publishes of the book ( Simon & Schuster) for the free advance reading copy of the book.
The life of the boy born in Canadian prairies is truly remarkable and inspirational for younger generations. Dr. Williams shares with his readers how his dream from the young age (he wanted to be an astronaut from the age of 7), became a reality through a medical education, sports ( his love of diving and aviation).
He writes warmly about people around him who helped him through his life journey ( his parents, his wife who is an accomplished airline pilot, his friends) .
This is an honest book about the life journey with all the struggles of real life and very many obstacles ( difficult relations with parents, child with medical problems, battle with cancer for Dr. Williams himself).
The book is relatively easy to read despite the heavy use of the scientific terms in the second half of the book and might be well recommended for school libraries and inspirational reading for the teenagers.
I strongly believe that the book would have benefited from more illustrative materials, as the photographs are very few and far between. The actual illustrations for the space stations and space vehicles that are readily available on the internet might help to make this book more popular among the young generations who we are trying to motivate and inspire.
I would like to thank the publishes of the book ( Simon & Schuster) for the free advance reading copy of the book.
April 15, 2021
Dave Williams has had an undeniably extraordinary life. He's a kid from rural Saskatchewan who trained as a diver as a youth, then as a pilot, drove a motorcycle, became an emergency room physician, an astronaut (!!) the parent of two kids (one with Down's Syndrome), and a cancer survivor. So you gotta hand it to this guy for being objectively cool.
But was his book great? Well, not really, to this reader, anyway. For someone who had such an adventurous life, his book was, well, kind of boring. Doc/Astro Williams is so, so wholesome. So much so it was hard to relate to him. Maybe there's just not enough emotion in this book. There are moments - his love and pride for his children shine through when he writes about them. Some of his fear of death comes through in his cancer diagnosis. I felt his sense of awe as he does his first space walk and looks town on the earth. I even teared up when he relayed in the epilogue the story of the elderly woman who wanted Dave to keep her alive until she could say goodbye to her husband. But overall, I didn't get a deep sense of Dave Williams as an emotionally complex person. His unrelenting optimism and positivity made me gag.
Astronauts are exciting cause they get to do something incredible that hardly anyone else will ever do. But they're also chosen partly on the basis of their health and stability. Maybe people who are a little less stable are just more interesting. Or maybe Dr. Williams isn't an exceptional writer. Or maybe this wasn't quite my thing. I kinda like unstable people, particularly on the page.
It was a quick read. It was ok. But meh.
But was his book great? Well, not really, to this reader, anyway. For someone who had such an adventurous life, his book was, well, kind of boring. Doc/Astro Williams is so, so wholesome. So much so it was hard to relate to him. Maybe there's just not enough emotion in this book. There are moments - his love and pride for his children shine through when he writes about them. Some of his fear of death comes through in his cancer diagnosis. I felt his sense of awe as he does his first space walk and looks town on the earth. I even teared up when he relayed in the epilogue the story of the elderly woman who wanted Dave to keep her alive until she could say goodbye to her husband. But overall, I didn't get a deep sense of Dave Williams as an emotionally complex person. His unrelenting optimism and positivity made me gag.
Astronauts are exciting cause they get to do something incredible that hardly anyone else will ever do. But they're also chosen partly on the basis of their health and stability. Maybe people who are a little less stable are just more interesting. Or maybe Dr. Williams isn't an exceptional writer. Or maybe this wasn't quite my thing. I kinda like unstable people, particularly on the page.
It was a quick read. It was ok. But meh.
January 21, 2019
Full of wisdom and inspiration, Dr. Dave Williams is the kind of person we should all aspire to be. This was a wonderful, interesting and uplifting read of his life journey, focusing primarily on his work life with tidbits of professed love for his wife and children. I thoroughly enjoyed ever minute of it.
January 6, 2019
A very inspirational book. Dr. Dave Williams has accomplished a number of great things in his life and yet still remains very humble about it all. Great read.
October 14, 2020
Dr. Dave Williams is an inspiration. His outlook on squeezing the maximum joy and adventure out of every experience is contagious. He has had his fair share of struggles and challenges, but has risen to each one with positivity and courage. This book is a must-read for adventurers and space enthusiasts.
October 21, 2018
Doctor, dad, astronaut, proud Canadian ... Dave Williams can now add author to his list of titles with this heartwarming and inspiring book that chronicles his amazing life. As a Canadian and child of the 1950s, this book was, for me, a walk through my life. Like most kids my age, I have vivid memories of watching the early space launches and wondering what it would be like to be an astronaut. Williams marks watching Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 flight at home with his parents as a pivotal moment in his life, but most of us have variations on that memory, whether it was watching on an old, grainy black and white TV at home or being herded into the gymnasium at school to watch those launches in breathless anticipation with our friends and classmates.
From that pivotal moment in 1961 through playing in the creek out back, successes and failures at school, doctoring in Toronto, winning one of those few, coveted positions in the Canadian astronaut competition through training and his various missions, both above the earth and below the sea, Williams takes us through his life with a candor and a warmth that makes us feel like we're along for the ride. He explains what happened and what he did in plain,, simple terms, avoiding the tendency so many specialists have to descend into techno-speak that leaves all but the most knowledgeable struggling to keep up.
Defying Limits is an amazing book. If you're looking for a gift for Canadian or a space geek or a child of the 1950s, this is a book I can almost guarantee they will love ... and while you're picking up that book copy, buy an extra one for yourself because Dave Williams story is one everybody should know.
From that pivotal moment in 1961 through playing in the creek out back, successes and failures at school, doctoring in Toronto, winning one of those few, coveted positions in the Canadian astronaut competition through training and his various missions, both above the earth and below the sea, Williams takes us through his life with a candor and a warmth that makes us feel like we're along for the ride. He explains what happened and what he did in plain,, simple terms, avoiding the tendency so many specialists have to descend into techno-speak that leaves all but the most knowledgeable struggling to keep up.
Defying Limits is an amazing book. If you're looking for a gift for Canadian or a space geek or a child of the 1950s, this is a book I can almost guarantee they will love ... and while you're picking up that book copy, buy an extra one for yourself because Dave Williams story is one everybody should know.
June 6, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC*
Defying Limits is a new memoir written by Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. Filled with stories about, not just his career in space, but his whole life, Williams uses the events and his positive outlook to inspire readers. Dave Williams has lead a fascinating life. He started his career as an emergency physician, but always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. He worked on a number of projects with NASA, including working in the world’s only undersea research laboratory and completing three space walks. Although the memoir is fairly short, Williams packs a ton of detail into his stories. It is easy to visual the places he is describing and what he is feeling. He has an amazing sense of wonder that is contagious, especially when he is describing his emotions while in space. You can’t help but get caught up in his passion for space travel, but also life itself. Despite having some set backs he has remained remarkably upbeat and positive and it has served him incredibly well. He talks about how he tries to live each day to its fullest and to appreciate the small moments in life. It is a unique book in that it is not a typical memoir. Williams teaches us lessons about life that he has learned through his vast and incredible experiences. If you are looking for a detailed account of his life, that is not what you will find in this book, but if you are looking for an inspirational and life-affirming read written by one of Canada’s heroes, this the perfect book for you.
Defying Limits is a new memoir written by Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. Filled with stories about, not just his career in space, but his whole life, Williams uses the events and his positive outlook to inspire readers. Dave Williams has lead a fascinating life. He started his career as an emergency physician, but always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. He worked on a number of projects with NASA, including working in the world’s only undersea research laboratory and completing three space walks. Although the memoir is fairly short, Williams packs a ton of detail into his stories. It is easy to visual the places he is describing and what he is feeling. He has an amazing sense of wonder that is contagious, especially when he is describing his emotions while in space. You can’t help but get caught up in his passion for space travel, but also life itself. Despite having some set backs he has remained remarkably upbeat and positive and it has served him incredibly well. He talks about how he tries to live each day to its fullest and to appreciate the small moments in life. It is a unique book in that it is not a typical memoir. Williams teaches us lessons about life that he has learned through his vast and incredible experiences. If you are looking for a detailed account of his life, that is not what you will find in this book, but if you are looking for an inspirational and life-affirming read written by one of Canada’s heroes, this the perfect book for you.
August 23, 2018
Dr. Dave Williams is one of Canada's unsung heroes. He spent most of his career as a Canadain astronaut. He flew in the ISS twice and worked on lots of exciting projects at NASA, especially in the field of life sciences and the affects of micro-gravity on the human body. In his book, Defying Limits Williams describes in detail how he got to live the dream and philosophizes about what is really important in life.
This reviewer is fairly knowledgeable about the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Canada's astronaut program and our cooperative projects with NASA but found William's narrative clearly written so that the uninitiated would have no trouble understanding Canada's role in the space program, and specifically the important part Williams played within it. His description of breaking free from Earth's gravity is amazing, you can feel the G forces pressing down on your chest as you turn the pages. Williams truly embraces the wonder and awe that must be felt by all astronauts, especially as they view planet Earth while tethered to the ISS while on a space walk.
Whether you are already completely knowledgeable about CSA's work with NASA or are just starting to take an interest in it you will find this book completely accessible. I recommend it for a wide range of reading level, from novice to expert.
I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This reviewer is fairly knowledgeable about the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Canada's astronaut program and our cooperative projects with NASA but found William's narrative clearly written so that the uninitiated would have no trouble understanding Canada's role in the space program, and specifically the important part Williams played within it. His description of breaking free from Earth's gravity is amazing, you can feel the G forces pressing down on your chest as you turn the pages. Williams truly embraces the wonder and awe that must be felt by all astronauts, especially as they view planet Earth while tethered to the ISS while on a space walk.
Whether you are already completely knowledgeable about CSA's work with NASA or are just starting to take an interest in it you will find this book completely accessible. I recommend it for a wide range of reading level, from novice to expert.
I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2021
This is a book which reads like it has either been ghost written or heavily edited. It's sterile. It reads like someone making sense of iterview notes, storifying answers rather than someone delivering a passionate, insightful account of the extraordinary.
It's a very disappointing book - but, in part, that's down to me. I bought it because I'm writing a science fiction story about space travel, so wanted to read something about the realities of space flight as we currently understand them. The physiological demands, the psychological impact, the social mix. I was looking for ideas, themes, background ... for confirmation of what I already know, for stimulus to think outside the capsule.
And what we get is essentially a very average biography - the author's childhood and upbringing, what he's done since he's been in space, etc. Most of the book was of no interest. It's opportunist vanity publishing - I mean no offence to the author ... this is a publisher looking for a product to appeal to a Canadian audience excited about having an astronaut of their own.
It contributed nothing to my knowledge - I'd mistaken a blurb on the Internet which suggested it explored the psychology and physiology of space flight in far more detail. In fact, it's coverage is superficial ... hence the feeling that these are reported notes edited into shape.
Unless (or even if) you're Canadian and obsessed with the history of Canada in space, this is not a book which will enrich your life.
It's a very disappointing book - but, in part, that's down to me. I bought it because I'm writing a science fiction story about space travel, so wanted to read something about the realities of space flight as we currently understand them. The physiological demands, the psychological impact, the social mix. I was looking for ideas, themes, background ... for confirmation of what I already know, for stimulus to think outside the capsule.
And what we get is essentially a very average biography - the author's childhood and upbringing, what he's done since he's been in space, etc. Most of the book was of no interest. It's opportunist vanity publishing - I mean no offence to the author ... this is a publisher looking for a product to appeal to a Canadian audience excited about having an astronaut of their own.
It contributed nothing to my knowledge - I'd mistaken a blurb on the Internet which suggested it explored the psychology and physiology of space flight in far more detail. In fact, it's coverage is superficial ... hence the feeling that these are reported notes edited into shape.
Unless (or even if) you're Canadian and obsessed with the history of Canada in space, this is not a book which will enrich your life.
December 1, 2019
It is always difficult to write a review about a book written by someone you have met. Dave Williams attended the same high school as I did, and he faithfully attends our high school reunions. His slide show on his trips to space are fantastic. And he is one of the nicest people you can ever hope to meet. All these qualities are found in his book. From watching Alan Shepard blast off in 1961, when Williams was seven years old, the dream of becoming an astronaut was was born. And it is a story of beating very long odds to get there. As is the case with most astronauts, what overachievers! Dave Williams becomes a medical doctor, gets a Master’s degree in neuroscience, earns a pilot licence, learns to speak French all before applying for Canada’s space program. From hundreds of applicants, he makes the “ final four” and goes on two space mission, goes on three spacewalks, and survives the gruelling training that all astronauts receive. He even managed to overcome rides on the Vomit Comet! In addition, he becomes an aquanaut and does two stints in an underwater facility off the Florida coast.
I also enjoyed the glimpses at his personal life. I could easily relate to his description of growing up in a Beaconsfield in the 1960s, and his years as a student at McGill University. But we also learn about his battle against prostate cancer, recovering completely so he could go on his second space mission. And we learn of the challenges he and his wife faced managing two busy careers (she is a commercial airline pilot) and raising two children, including a son with special needs. Quite a life story indeed.
I also enjoyed the glimpses at his personal life. I could easily relate to his description of growing up in a Beaconsfield in the 1960s, and his years as a student at McGill University. But we also learn about his battle against prostate cancer, recovering completely so he could go on his second space mission. And we learn of the challenges he and his wife faced managing two busy careers (she is a commercial airline pilot) and raising two children, including a son with special needs. Quite a life story indeed.
March 28, 2020
I discovered Dr Williams' biography whilst trying to burn 7 hours between flights at Toronto airport (on one of the last flights home as Canada shut its borders due to Coronavirus). He may be famous in Canada, but I'd not heard of Dr Williams; he is perhaps overshadowed by his more well known fellow astronaut and countrymen, Chris Hadfield (they were recruited to the CSA in the same year). However, I think I enjoyed Dr Williams' biography more than Chris'. He tells his story, drawing attention to the lessons he's learnt along the way whilst sharing some fascinating stories. As much as I loved the space stories, I was actually most moved by some of his stories from his time as a doctor, particularly at the end of the book. Dr Williams seems like a wonderful, compassionate, thoughtful man. Like most astronauts, I think he'd be a super interesting person to chat to. Recommended.
July 22, 2020
this book is a pleasant & quick read. as an incoming canadian medical student who has always loved astronomy, i was very intrigued by dave's story on a personal level.
unfortunately, i inevitably found myself comparing this memoir to chris hadfield's as i read, which is maybe why i didn't come to a higher star rating at the end. defying limits was more biographical & prosaic, and less engaging, than CH's memoir.
nevertheless, i think dave williams is a remarkable person and i enjoyed hearing about his story & perspectives. the book contains some great reflections on life - i liked the idea that you can make any moment feel infinite by living in the present.
unfortunately, i inevitably found myself comparing this memoir to chris hadfield's as i read, which is maybe why i didn't come to a higher star rating at the end. defying limits was more biographical & prosaic, and less engaging, than CH's memoir.
nevertheless, i think dave williams is a remarkable person and i enjoyed hearing about his story & perspectives. the book contains some great reflections on life - i liked the idea that you can make any moment feel infinite by living in the present.
October 31, 2018
“Defying Limits” by Dr. Dave Williams is an inspiring story with so many good quotes. It’s something you should live by, not just a book you should read. It follows the life of Dr. Dave as he goes from a small town Canadian boy, who dreams of flying into space, to an emergency room doctor, to a full blown astronaut throughout his life.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
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April 11, 2019
This was an easy, interesting read. Dr. Dave takes readers along his journey to achieving his dreams, and realizations has has along the way. Although the recurring "live life to the fullest" theme is nothing new, it was very interesting to hear his realizations from the perspective of an ER doc and astronaut floating in space. This book satisfied my inner space nerd, and led me to contemplate about my life.
May 16, 2021
This book was totally fascinating. It's about Dr. Dave Williams' experiences as an astronaut. The book is written in language fairly simple for the average person to understand. The tone throughout the book is optimistic, regardless of the challenges he faced. Aside from telling the story of being an astronaut, Dr. Williams teaches us life lessons about perseverance, working hard to achieve your goals, and to never give up.
July 17, 2023
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Dr Dave Williams story is both remarkable yet ordinary. He is extraordinarily accomplished and his life and training as an astronaut is astounding. Yet his life also has ups and downs - just as all of our do. Its the manner in which he deals with all aspects of his life that is so fascinating and inspirational. And it is just beautifully written.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
February 16, 2019
"Defying The Limits", is about a guy who never stopped believing in his dreams and did everything to achieve them. But to me it was more.
He lived my dream life. A physician who became an astronaut. A life full of adventure! However tbh, after reading on what it goes to being an astronaut, I'm not really sure if I ever want it anymore! Nevertheless this book was amazing and very inspiring!
He lived my dream life. A physician who became an astronaut. A life full of adventure! However tbh, after reading on what it goes to being an astronaut, I'm not really sure if I ever want it anymore! Nevertheless this book was amazing and very inspiring!
March 21, 2019
While not as well spoken (and well loved) as Chris Hadfield, Dave Williams is still a Canadian astronaut who experienced some incredible things so far in his life, and in a unique position to impart those experiences to us. His memoir of his space flights, space walks, family life, his medical career and then career as an astronaut was fascinating to listen to.
June 9, 2019
I love reading biography of astronauts, as they are as close to superhuman as you can get. This one is more on the "life is amazing" side of things, but it's still very interesting and informative. Williams is a special person who sees life the righy way. The book is a must read for space enthusiasts, but also for people who simply love to read about life.
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