Life on Other Planets: A Memoir of Finding My Place in the Universe

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.
This book is so good, so gorgeously written, covering with integrity so much: being smart, scared, taking your power, humour, 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.
Shields took my breath away with her candour on these pages. An inspiring account of the struggles of a hero who is both scientist and artist.
Life On Other Planets is a beautiful meditation on space, identity and belonging . . . As one of the few black women in her field, Shields' story is one of resilience - battling detractors and imposter syndrome to become a prominent
astronomer. Her writing style is lyrical and readable, and while Shields might not be a household name in the UK, her story is well worth knowing

This riveting memoir is relatable and personable
Author Aomawa Shields bring[s] a lot of science into her tale, but it comes with a lot of gentle wide-eyed wonder and explanations that are easy for an average reader to grasp. There's beauty in what Shields sees, and she shares her excitement in a way that will make you see the sky with fresh eyes