This was a wonderfully easy read that gives you a lot of insight into flying helicopters and the process of becoming an astronaut. You know what though? And whisper this, you could even say it was a little dull in places. I mean, no scandals here, Tim Peake is just a really polite, focused and normal kind of guy who loves his job! He just loves being hands-on and being propelled by flying things A ground-breaking human history of space by beloved British astronaut and bestselling author Tim Peake. Hello, is this planet Earth? takes readers on a mesmerizing tour of Tim’s historic and inspirational six-month Principia mission. Based on over 150 of Tim’s stunning photographs that he took on board the international space station, many of which have not been seen before, this lavish collection showcases the beauty of earth from above, and is the perfect visual time capsule of Tim’s remarkable trip, which captured the imaginations of millions of children and adults across the world. In fascinating and personal detail, and based on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sacrifice that astronauts make in being apart from their families, the sights, the smells, the fear, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view from space. Limitless is a book about the power of following our dreams – however unlikely they may seem – and of striving to reach our potential, even when we might not believe in it ourselves.

During his six-month stay on the International Space Station, he ran the London marathon strapped to a treadmill! In fascinating and personal detail, and based on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sacrifice that astronauts make in being apart from their families, the sights, the smells, the fear, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view from space. Limitless is a book about the power of following our dreams – however unlikely they may seem – and of striving to reach our potential, even when we might not believe in it ourselves. What I really hated was how much money and politics came into the ESA's decisions for missions. It makes sense but seems crazy at the same time. Whichever country is putting the most money and funding into space travel and science that person tends to get the long mission. It must be nice knowing he is set to go into space at least once more and also nice seeing his friends and crew mates get the missions they deserve. He’s very down to Earth (pun?) in his writing, interjecting with his interesting thoughts on certain events and people. It all feels frank and real, and I feel his admiration for supporters and mentors – particularly his partner Rebecca who seemed to have endless patience during Tim’s tours.Making aircraft models and being a part of cadets shows he had a passion for flight in his youth, even if he had no plans to venture into space at the time. But if it weren't for what followed after his time in school, he wouldn't have got to where he is now. In 1992, he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an officer in the British Army Air Corps. He then went on to become an Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and a test pilot who served around the world.

He tells readers that it was a very surreal experience, and despite having trained for years prior to the mission, "nothing can prepare you for that feeling, for the full realisation that you are no longer living on Earth". He describes how although he was staring into the darkness of space, feeling isolated from everyone, he felt a strange sense of belonging. This fascinating and personal account of his time in space reflects on the hard work and dedication he had put in prior to getting to that point. In December 2015, Tim Peake became the first British ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut to visit the ISS. How could I not give this 5 stars? Amazing. I did not know much about Tim's journey into space and all the hard work he put into his military career beforehand. I really learnt a lot but generally was amazed at Tim's attitude. He seems like the kind of person to really push himself, always striving for the next thing, the next opportunity and keeps going. I love how things appeared to happen by 'chance' such as him getting a BsC degree because why not and turns out that, that degree would help him become an Astronaut in the future. Then exploring the underground caves with his friends, how that helped him be less claustrophobic and get into the headspace of having a few calm moments to stop a panic.

Tim Peake CMG

The book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and comes with a personal commentary from Tim, full of his characteristic warmth and charm. The book includes breath-taking aerial photos of cities illuminated at night, the northern lights and unforgettable vistas of oceans, mountains and deserts. The title of the book is inspired by Tim’s famous ‘wrong number’ dialled from space, when he accidentally misdialled a woman from the space station and inquired, ‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’ In 'Limitless,' Peake tells his story from the ground up. He begins with his time at the annual Chichester High School for Boys Cadet parade, when his radio-controlled aircraft display ended with his model plummeting into the roof of the nearby girls' school.

In his blast-tastic new book, Ask an Astronaut, he tells us all about life among the stars, based on the thousands of questions he’s been asked since his return to Earth. How cool is that?! Peake delves into how he was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) from over 8,000 candidates and undertook six years of training to become an astronaut. He stresses that it wasn't an easy ride. He was tested physically, psychologically, emotionally and intellectually. He learned how to speak Russian in St Petersburg. He even spent days in caves in Sardinia to cope with darkness and claustrophobia – all experiences he would have to endure in outer space.I am not into space, sci-fi or anything like that but the frenzy in the UK around Tim Peake going up in space to the ISS also captivated me. The first Brit to go up into space was Helen Sharman who went up to the Mir space station in May 1991. You can see why it was such a big deal here. He was such an inspiration to kids. They seemed to be lapping up meeting him and watching him go into space. How could you not be hooked? He spent six years training for his trip to the ISS– and beat 8,000 applicants who all wanted to be astronauts on the mission.

Peake during his 4 hour 43 minute spacewalk to replace a failed power regulator and install cabling.

“Did spaceflight change my perspective? Absolutely. Did it change me as much as becoming a father did? Not even close.”

In February 2016, Tim spoke to 300 school children in a live Q&A session from space called Cosmic Classroom. The public were invited to send questions using #askanastronaut, and in his book Tim answers a selection of them – together with diagrams, illustrations and incredible photos, too!