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Look Up: Our story with the stars
Most of us have never been to space. To date, of the more than 100 billion humans that have ever existed, fewer than 600 humans have ever left Earth. But the exploration of space is the most significant thing we will ever do as a species.
Sarah Cruddas has been looking to the skies her entire life. Her childhood was spent staring at the Moon and hearing stories of the space race, and she worked in a fruit factory to fund her love of the subject. Her subsequent career studying astrophysics, and becoming a television host and space journalist has seen her report on space exploration and chase launches across the world. In Look Up Sarah explains why she has always been a passionate advocate for why space should matter – to everyone.
From our ancestors who first painted patterns of the stars in caves, to the US and Soviet pioneers who first forged a path beyond our planet, Sarah Cruddas explores the stories and sacrifices that humankind has made to understand more about our place in the universe. And even today, when Moon walking and people in space suits seem less relevant to us than climate change and conflicts here on Earth, she shows how everything from medicine to mobile phones is affected by space technology, and how a new generation of entrepreneurs have kick-started a new story with the stars.
This is an inspirational and enlightening introduction to the importance of space to everyone, and why we should all learn to Look Up.
Sarah Cruddas has been looking to the skies her entire life. Her childhood was spent staring at the Moon and hearing stories of the space race, and she worked in a fruit factory to fund her love of the subject. Her subsequent career studying astrophysics, and becoming a television host and space journalist has seen her report on space exploration and chase launches across the world. In Look Up Sarah explains why she has always been a passionate advocate for why space should matter – to everyone.
From our ancestors who first painted patterns of the stars in caves, to the US and Soviet pioneers who first forged a path beyond our planet, Sarah Cruddas explores the stories and sacrifices that humankind has made to understand more about our place in the universe. And even today, when Moon walking and people in space suits seem less relevant to us than climate change and conflicts here on Earth, she shows how everything from medicine to mobile phones is affected by space technology, and how a new generation of entrepreneurs have kick-started a new story with the stars.
This is an inspirational and enlightening introduction to the importance of space to everyone, and why we should all learn to Look Up.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2020
26 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 11, 2020
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was fairly short for the format – it was kind of like listening to a long podcast episode.
It was... it was ok. The foreword from Michael Collins was really beautiful, however everything after that was just fine. It worked well as a 101 introduction to the history of space travel, however I was a bit disappointed to finish the book and realise that I don't think I learnt a single new thing from it.
Probably a good gift for a space-inclined teenager, and definitely interesting if you know little of the history. But if you already know the basics, you probably won't get much out of this one, unfortunately.
2.5 stars, rounded up.
It was... it was ok. The foreword from Michael Collins was really beautiful, however everything after that was just fine. It worked well as a 101 introduction to the history of space travel, however I was a bit disappointed to finish the book and realise that I don't think I learnt a single new thing from it.
Probably a good gift for a space-inclined teenager, and definitely interesting if you know little of the history. But if you already know the basics, you probably won't get much out of this one, unfortunately.
2.5 stars, rounded up.
October 1, 2020
Please, please read this book. It’s the most interesting, perspective-shifting book about humanity that I’ve ever read. It’s just so convincingly inspiring. I really hope you read it.
So many of us will never get the chance to go into space. In fact, it’s statistically very unlikely we’ll even know anybody who will ever go to space. And yet, after reading this book, I feel like I’ve had the rare and eye-opening experience of what it’s like to see our vulnerable planet from that kind of outsider’s perspective.
This book is so much more than a story-telling device. Let me tell you. It also acts as a mirror and a (somewhat terrifying) window into our future. Once you devour all of the interesting facts and fascinating stories told by Cruddas, you then feel left with the deep-rooted emotions felt by Astronauts that have been safely returned to Earth. There’s a reason Astronauts come back from space as changed people (the ‘overview effect’) and you really must read this book to understand why.
This book quickly became compulsive reading for me. I didn’t realise just how much we have achieved in such a short space of time, it turns out I knew so little about the incredible history and sacrifices that came with (and led to) the entire space race movement.
But here are a few highlights I’d never considered before: how much space exploration has helped us understand our own planet, such as the movement of our animals, the health of our crops and the best way to handle our natural (or man made) disasters. Then there’s the humans that I’d never heard of! Cruddas remembers and names the lesser-known heroes, those that gave their lives, and those that battled relentless sexism and racism to follow their passion and help humanity progress in multiple ways.
Cruddas really draws you in with her educated yet simple writing style. She writes matter-of-factly, keeping your attention while also keeping her stories moving at a fast pace. Somehow she leaves you wanting more while also divulging thoughts that you’d never have considered yourself. I never once felt like I was being lectured to, yet felt incredibly well-informed! I’m hitting that subscribe button. Hard.
Favourite quote:
If the world leaders could have looked out of the window of the International Space Station for themselves and seen that thin blue line which protects us from the inhospitable void of space, what might the overview effect have done for the agreements made in Paris that December?
Look Up is out now! (Released on 17th September) so please grab yourself a copy.
So many of us will never get the chance to go into space. In fact, it’s statistically very unlikely we’ll even know anybody who will ever go to space. And yet, after reading this book, I feel like I’ve had the rare and eye-opening experience of what it’s like to see our vulnerable planet from that kind of outsider’s perspective.
This book is so much more than a story-telling device. Let me tell you. It also acts as a mirror and a (somewhat terrifying) window into our future. Once you devour all of the interesting facts and fascinating stories told by Cruddas, you then feel left with the deep-rooted emotions felt by Astronauts that have been safely returned to Earth. There’s a reason Astronauts come back from space as changed people (the ‘overview effect’) and you really must read this book to understand why.
This book quickly became compulsive reading for me. I didn’t realise just how much we have achieved in such a short space of time, it turns out I knew so little about the incredible history and sacrifices that came with (and led to) the entire space race movement.
But here are a few highlights I’d never considered before: how much space exploration has helped us understand our own planet, such as the movement of our animals, the health of our crops and the best way to handle our natural (or man made) disasters. Then there’s the humans that I’d never heard of! Cruddas remembers and names the lesser-known heroes, those that gave their lives, and those that battled relentless sexism and racism to follow their passion and help humanity progress in multiple ways.
Cruddas really draws you in with her educated yet simple writing style. She writes matter-of-factly, keeping your attention while also keeping her stories moving at a fast pace. Somehow she leaves you wanting more while also divulging thoughts that you’d never have considered yourself. I never once felt like I was being lectured to, yet felt incredibly well-informed! I’m hitting that subscribe button. Hard.
Favourite quote:
If the world leaders could have looked out of the window of the International Space Station for themselves and seen that thin blue line which protects us from the inhospitable void of space, what might the overview effect have done for the agreements made in Paris that December?
Look Up is out now! (Released on 17th September) so please grab yourself a copy.
February 14, 2021
Three stars is probably a bit too harsh but this is a tough one for me because I really wanted (and expected) to love this. We started off strong with crying at the foreword, but I was surprised to find that most of the book didn't make me feel all that much. For me this felt kind of like a collection of articles or essays, which really messed with the flow and led to Cruddas repeating herself a lot. It was difficult to remain interested when I felt like we were just going over the same topics over and over. There were some really interesting conversations but also a lot that didn't feel at all new or exciting.
Also I get that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are doing a lot for commercial space travel but I really did not enjoy reading about how great they were. Maybe Bezos could sell another $100 million of his Amazon shares each year to help make sure everybody has access to clean water and food.
Also I get that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are doing a lot for commercial space travel but I really did not enjoy reading about how great they were. Maybe Bezos could sell another $100 million of his Amazon shares each year to help make sure everybody has access to clean water and food.
February 19, 2023
this was really good & interesting! i loved reading more about the space race & imputas from different countries! i loved the preface! just thought it could have gone into more details & would have been so much better if it included pics/ diagrams/ interview transcripts etc..
February 10, 2021
Interesting book which covers the space race.
December 3, 2020
This book is fact-packed. Sarah Cruddas is clearly respected in the world of space travel as the foreword by American astronaut, Michael Collins, illustrates. She begins by outlining how she became so interested in space and space travel and the rather unusual route she took to end up working in this field. She takes the reader through a timeline of space travel as well as considering many different aspects of this risky business. I found it fascinating to hear how difficult it was for women to get involved and also the stresses and strains the lifestyle had on the families and how these were kept well hidden from the public. Another aspect that was briefly touched on, was how many of the people who have had the privilege to see earth from space changed their perspective on life forever. Listening to this as an audio book, narrated by the author herself, it felt like listening to a long lecture. While it was full of detailed information, and well researched, I found it quite dry. Thank you to Sarah Cruddas, Net Galley and HQ publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2021
Overall, a good introductory book for those who want to learn more. But for those familiar with our history of space exploration, it's more of a refresher.
As a space enthusiast, I don’t think I’ve learned anything more compared to what I've read elsewhere previously. It's fairly fast-paced and tries to cover a lot although slightly repetitive at times. Perhaps it would have been nice to have some notes and references for further reading.
The author is clearly passionate about space, and it shows in her introductory chapter. Also, what a wonderful thing to have Michael Collins write the foreword. The book is inspired and inspirational in a sense that it reminds us of how we are almost significantly insignificant within the universe... and also how important it is for us to embrace the significance of our Earth, our first and only spaceship.
As a space enthusiast, I don’t think I’ve learned anything more compared to what I've read elsewhere previously. It's fairly fast-paced and tries to cover a lot although slightly repetitive at times. Perhaps it would have been nice to have some notes and references for further reading.
The author is clearly passionate about space, and it shows in her introductory chapter. Also, what a wonderful thing to have Michael Collins write the foreword. The book is inspired and inspirational in a sense that it reminds us of how we are almost significantly insignificant within the universe... and also how important it is for us to embrace the significance of our Earth, our first and only spaceship.
July 30, 2021
This is a brilliant and enthusiastic book about space exploration and why it still matters. I enjoyed it very much. Not only is Sarah Cruddas skilled at writing in an inspirational way about space, she avoids scientific explanations so that the book can be understood by any reader.
We begin with a foreword by Michael Collins, which should be taken as an endorsement for the content of the book. This is followed by an introduction in which Sarah gives some background to her career and why she’s writing the book. The majority of what follows is a history of the space race, with its achievements and disasters, which if you already know about this, doesn’t tread any new ground. However, it’s so well-written that it’s a pleasure to read anyhow. The last third of the book is about how space technology affects our lives and what the next steps are. There’s a lot of attention paid to satellites, without which our society today would be very different. Some of the content in this book overlaps with a book about the moon I recently read, but in a better style and without insulting anyone. I appreciated the focus on the role of women in space exploration, such as astronauts, the wives of astronauts and as engineers at NASA.
There are no images but none are required, as the most famous photographs referred to are in the public consciousness and you can always look them up online. My only dislike about the book was the frequency of typos.
Recommended especially for readers who are not technically minded but who want to understand why space exploration is so important to everyone on Earth.
We begin with a foreword by Michael Collins, which should be taken as an endorsement for the content of the book. This is followed by an introduction in which Sarah gives some background to her career and why she’s writing the book. The majority of what follows is a history of the space race, with its achievements and disasters, which if you already know about this, doesn’t tread any new ground. However, it’s so well-written that it’s a pleasure to read anyhow. The last third of the book is about how space technology affects our lives and what the next steps are. There’s a lot of attention paid to satellites, without which our society today would be very different. Some of the content in this book overlaps with a book about the moon I recently read, but in a better style and without insulting anyone. I appreciated the focus on the role of women in space exploration, such as astronauts, the wives of astronauts and as engineers at NASA.
There are no images but none are required, as the most famous photographs referred to are in the public consciousness and you can always look them up online. My only dislike about the book was the frequency of typos.
Recommended especially for readers who are not technically minded but who want to understand why space exploration is so important to everyone on Earth.
December 7, 2020
Look Up is an amazing and inspirational book and a must read for anyone who is interested in space exploration and its impact on humanity. The author takes you through the past, present and future of space exploration. Growing up during the Apollo era the book spoke to the memories I have of that time and also provided additional information that I never knew about the space program, the astronauts and their families.
With today’s exploration of space moving towards a more commercial rather than a fully funded government program we are seeing the opportunity for it become something that more people will have access to today and in the future. The author has done a wonderful job of telling this story and the impact that going to space has had on those who have the opportunity to go there.
Throughout the book the author has also conveyed how important all of this is to humanity. Space exploration has contributed and continues to contribute scientific and practical applications to our everyday lives.
Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
With today’s exploration of space moving towards a more commercial rather than a fully funded government program we are seeing the opportunity for it become something that more people will have access to today and in the future. The author has done a wonderful job of telling this story and the impact that going to space has had on those who have the opportunity to go there.
Throughout the book the author has also conveyed how important all of this is to humanity. Space exploration has contributed and continues to contribute scientific and practical applications to our everyday lives.
Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
September 15, 2020
**listened via audiobook**
This book is not what I expected. I thought it would be more based on the stars, and possibly astrology. Yet the book focussed primarily on the moon landings. It is something that I am intrigued and interested by, but I didn't think I would enjoy an entire book about it. I was wrong!
Immediately I loved the fact that the author narrated the audiobook - I always like that!!
I learnt a lot!!! I didn't realise how many fatalities there were in some of the landings. I didn't realise about all of the 'fails' - and it was incredibly emotional and really quite shocking. I feel that it is something that really isn't spoken about. (and i really think it should be - due to the fatalities, and the 'mistakes' we have learnt so much about everything!!)
That is definitely the thing I will take away most about the book.
This book is not what I expected. I thought it would be more based on the stars, and possibly astrology. Yet the book focussed primarily on the moon landings. It is something that I am intrigued and interested by, but I didn't think I would enjoy an entire book about it. I was wrong!
Immediately I loved the fact that the author narrated the audiobook - I always like that!!
I learnt a lot!!! I didn't realise how many fatalities there were in some of the landings. I didn't realise about all of the 'fails' - and it was incredibly emotional and really quite shocking. I feel that it is something that really isn't spoken about. (and i really think it should be - due to the fatalities, and the 'mistakes' we have learnt so much about everything!!)
That is definitely the thing I will take away most about the book.
September 9, 2020
This book seems to make a lot of assumptions... that we all have smart phones... that we all have sight... that we (the reader) haven't been to space (I really hope Tim Peake picks up a copy and dips in). The first assumption came quite early on in the book, and left me feeling pretty detached from the rest of it. It also feels like an outline of our story with the stars. Some parts do take you quite deeply into them, but it's selective. I think this would have been better if Sarah Cruddas has written her story with the stars...
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
September 19, 2020
This was enthralling as Cruddas portrays the magnitude better of space and just how small we humans on Earth really are. The blurb had me waiting to hear all about the stars and satellites above us, and the journey of how we travelled to explore them, but it focussed mainly on our journey to space.
Cruddas spends a lot of time telling you about the key people involved in getting humans into space; right from the controversy of using Wernher von Braun’s expertise first nurtured by the Nazis, to Neil Armstrong’s famous words “....one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. So it was a great history lesson, leading you into the new space race; space tourism.
Cruddas spends a lot of time telling you about the key people involved in getting humans into space; right from the controversy of using Wernher von Braun’s expertise first nurtured by the Nazis, to Neil Armstrong’s famous words “....one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. So it was a great history lesson, leading you into the new space race; space tourism.
September 26, 2020
This book is not what I expected. I was expecting more about astronomy, but instead got a lesson in space exploration and the race to the moon. I really enjoyed learning about something I hadn’t really researched or spent time thinking about. There was a balance between the facts and evoking empathy for the people who gave their lives for space exploration. I always enjoy when the author is the narrator.
Many Thanks to #netgalley for gifting me the audiobook of #lookupourstorywiththestars in exchange for an honest review.
Many Thanks to #netgalley for gifting me the audiobook of #lookupourstorywiththestars in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2021
A really interesting book on the history and achievements of NASA. It doesn't shy away from the questionable decisions (Nazi scientists...), the heartbreaking failures and life after space travel.
It highlights the valuable learning the world gains from this technology, the achievements and now, the shared learning.
It highlights the valuable learning the world gains from this technology, the achievements and now, the shared learning.
August 31, 2021
An excellent introduction to the history of space exploration. Would highly recommend it for young adults and teens interested in space. Some great motivational and inspirational passages to encourage career path towards the space industry.
As someone who has read a lot on this topic previously there's nothing new here. A lovely foreword by Michael Collins.
As someone who has read a lot on this topic previously there's nothing new here. A lovely foreword by Michael Collins.
April 30, 2023
I agree with Polly’s review from Sept 11th,2020. Didn’t learn anything new and felt very introductory to the subject. Had to really force myself to completion due to lack of interest. However, I do appreciate Cruddas’ passion for space and her effort to spread engagement. Honest rating of 2.5 rounded up to 3.
July 25, 2025
definitely not what i expected, it’s more of the story of USA in space, not really about actual sky stars, since its was something i didn’t initially wanted to read, for me it was quite boring, talking about USA’s expedition in space, it’s more of an introductory book.
January 4, 2021
Thought provoking book. An enjoyable read.
Read
September 21, 2021Look Up
A fantastic, informative and truly captivating book! Once started, I couldn't put it down!
Definitely a must read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
A fantastic, informative and truly captivating book! Once started, I couldn't put it down!
Definitely a must read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 17, 2024
It was a very inspiring yet informative read.
December 28, 2020
This was only a relatively short audiobook, but I was really quite looking forward to it - and it didn't disappoint! I have difficulty finding non-fiction texts that really interest me, but space is something I've been fascinated by since I was young. I mean, who doesn't love the stars? Who isn't intrigued by the prospect of an infinity of universes, countless planets, possibly even other lifeforms? It's such an endlessly miraculous thing, and we will probably never truly uncover all of the secrets that space has to hold.
This book contained information on the history of space, as well as nautical travel and aviation. Cruddas describes various elements of the so-called 'space race', and includes details of the dozens of lives lost in the conquest of space travel. She also goes on to talk about the current progress being made, and the possibilities of the future. However, she acknowledges that many of us may never really see much of space in our lifetimes; any advancements made now may not benefit this generation, or even the next, but may lay the path for future astronauts, astronomers, and even the general population.
It is safe to say that listening to this audiobook rekindled my old love of space. I found it so inspiring; even though we are so small, insignificant, even, the thought of what lies beyond the stars is just incredible. Cruddas described it wonderfully, with plenty of information included. And who knew the story of space was so emotional? I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it!
This book contained information on the history of space, as well as nautical travel and aviation. Cruddas describes various elements of the so-called 'space race', and includes details of the dozens of lives lost in the conquest of space travel. She also goes on to talk about the current progress being made, and the possibilities of the future. However, she acknowledges that many of us may never really see much of space in our lifetimes; any advancements made now may not benefit this generation, or even the next, but may lay the path for future astronauts, astronomers, and even the general population.
It is safe to say that listening to this audiobook rekindled my old love of space. I found it so inspiring; even though we are so small, insignificant, even, the thought of what lies beyond the stars is just incredible. Cruddas described it wonderfully, with plenty of information included. And who knew the story of space was so emotional? I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it!
February 1, 2025
It was wonderful and impressive to have the foreword by Michael Collins!
The book started off quite inspirational, learning about how motivated the author was to learn about astronomy and inspiring me to do my own learning. However after the foreword, intro and prologue, it's quite a while before you get to the actual book. Then it was quite factual and I found the book very dry to read.
I really tried but I couldn't finish this book. The style will probably appeal to some people but it was too dry and flat for me.
The book started off quite inspirational, learning about how motivated the author was to learn about astronomy and inspiring me to do my own learning. However after the foreword, intro and prologue, it's quite a while before you get to the actual book. Then it was quite factual and I found the book very dry to read.
I really tried but I couldn't finish this book. The style will probably appeal to some people but it was too dry and flat for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews