The Ordinary Spaceman

“This is The Right Stuff for a new generation. Clayton Anderson is an astronaut for the rest of us; a regular guy from a small Midwestern town who set the bar high for himself and never lost sight of a lofty goal—even when most of us would have given up. As it turns out, it is not so much about having ‘the right stuff’ as it is about never doubting yourself and never settling for less.”—Miles O’Brien, award-winning science journalist for PBS, the National Science Foundation, and CNN

 

"Clayton Anderson is no ordinary astronaut, and this is no ordinary book. It is an uncompromisingly honest rendering of a challenging and fulfilling life by someone with a singular dream and the moxie to pursue it to success."—Roger Lemkpe, Lincoln Journal Star

"He may have been an ordinary spaceman, but The Ordinary Spaceman demonstrates he is certainly not ordinary."—Jeff Foust, Space Review

"Anderson's down to Earth account of the astronaut's life may help more of us to connect with the profession's forward looking significance—a welcome addition to the outreach successes of Hollywood's Box Office and NASA's social media salvos."—Mark Carreau, Aviation Week Network

"Anderson provides a focused picture of how a fiercely dedicated individual became a spaceman."—Publishers Weekly

“Learn about the excitement, the awe, the thrills, the suspense, and the experiences unique to the astronauts in the shuttle program. Clay blends his personal stories with his professional challenges. I am especially impressed with his persistence in applying for the astronaut program: Clay’s experience will be motivation for anyone to never give up!”—Eileen Collins, retired NASA astronaut and USAF colonel and the first female pilot and commander of a space shuttle

“Clay has truly had an exciting life full of adventure and challenges. He tackles each moment in life with ambition and optimism. His life stories can inspire each of us to reach further, dig deeper, and fly higher. From his days growing up in Nebraska and his family life to his time on the International Space Station, Clay proves that life is what you make of it.”—Curt Tomasevicz, Olympic gold medalist and fellow Nebraskan

“Clayton Anderson’s new book will serve as a textbook on character, patriotism, and inspiration. Finally, a book especially for young people that defines what it means to become a true American idol. Clayton’s life brings definition to the words ‘gentleman,’ ‘teacher,’ and ‘coach,’ as well as ‘brave,’ ‘honest,’ and ‘hard working.’ This book will not only be a good read, it will become a must read! The book adds value to the American Space Program and provides credibility to the phrase ‘the sky is the limit’ when you combine persistence with effort.”—Allen J. Beermann, executive director of the Nebraska Press Association and former secretary of state

 

“There’s nothing ordinary about Clayton Anderson. He’s spent his life (on and off this planet) defying gravity and the odds. From the cornfields of Nebraska to the edges of our planet’s pull, Anderson has achieved whatever he’s dreamed. In his memoir, The Ordinary Spaceman, Anderson weaves an incredible life story of heart and heroism and gives the reader a seat in the copilot’s chair.”—Tom Abrahams, best-selling author of the Allegiance series and award-winning television journalist 
 

 

“Clay’s great example shows that a small-town kid can achieve big dreams. I can’t think of anything bigger than being an astronaut. This book leaves nothing out of Clay’s journey to becoming one of the lucky and blessed few who get to experience God’s handiwork from the darkness of space. It’s funny, entertaining, and well worth the read.”—Dan Whitney (Larry the Cable Guy), stand-up comedian and actor