Life on Other Planets

Praise

“Astronomer Shields chronicles her trials and triumphs as a scientist, actor, and Black woman in her luminous debut…stirring and inspirational. This will resonate with dreamers of all stripes.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A memoir about the cosmos and about ourselves. Aomawa Shields…[is] an astrobiologist and an astronomer who we all can’t help but cheer for in this stunning reflection on everything universal, even the truth.”
—Zibby Owens, Good Morning America

“Shields’s powerfully personal book tells the story of a Black woman with two passions finding her place in the world…We may or may not be alone in the Universe, but Shields makes a case for togetherness, with each other and within ourselves.”
—Science Magazine

“Shields’ unusual and inspiring account will appeal to readers who feel stuck in life. Discussing relatable issues like making decisions, financial worries, and imposter syndrome while she shares her approach to achieving lofty goals, Shields’ words will reassure readers who question their abilities when success seems elusive.”
—Booklist

“A lyrical, image-rich investigation of an unconventional blueprint for authentic living.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Shields took my breath away with her candor on these pages. An inspiring account of the struggles of a hero who is both scientist and artist.” 
—Ann Druyan, writer, director, and producer of COSMOS
 
“A riveting memoir of crossroads, choices, and triumph. I could not put this book down. Shields is an astronomer whose writing miraculously feels like the night sky itself – vast, elegant, luminous.”
—Tara Mohr, author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create and Lead
 
“This book is so good, so gorgeously written, covering with integrity so much: being smart, scared, taking your power, humor, family, being different and the same, science, stars, sky, being a woman, being black; it is a triumph and a pleasure. It compels the reader to learn more about the planets, and how to stretch our unlimited capacity to live fully in this universe.”
—Natalie Goldberg, author of Three Simple Lines and Writing Down the Bones