“Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances”
Author: Leland Melvin
Genre: Memoir/Scientists/Sports
Release Date: May 23, 2017
In this moving, inspirational memoir, a former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, examining the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.
Leland Melvin is the only person in human history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space. Though his path from the gridiron to the heavens was riddled with setbacks and injury, Leland persevered to reach the stars.
While training with NASA, Melvin suffered a severe injury that left him deaf. Leland was relegated to earthbound assignments, but chose to remain and support his astronaut family. His loyalty paid off. Recovering partial hearing, he earned his eligibility for space travel. He served as mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station.
In this inspirational memoir, the former NASA astronaut and professional athlete offers an examination of the intersecting role of community, perseverance, and grace that align to shape our opportunities and outcomes. Chasing Space is not the story of one man, but the story of many men, women, scientists, and mentors who helped him defy the odds and live out an uncommon destiny.
As a chemist, athlete, engineer and space traveler, Leland’s life story is a study in the science of achievement. His personal insights illuminate how grit and grace, are the keys to overcoming adversity and rising to success.
Felicia Denise, Author 
Where did you learn of his book? His story sounds fascinating!
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My son is a big fan of Leland Melvin and tracked both of his space missions. When I saw Leland was publishing a book, I preordered a copy for my son. After all I’ve read about him… I ordered a copy for myself! LOL!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 😉
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Reblogged this on Nesie's Place.
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I’m trying to expand my reading genres and this memoir sounds great! I’m definitely adding it to my tbr.😊
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KIM! I’m reading myself into poverty! LMAO! I TRY to limit myself to a certain spending level each month…*cough, choke*… and I’m currently spending September’s allowance! LOL! I see a deficit coming my way by December 31st! 😉
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I feel your pain Felicia!😕 I try to keep myself to three book purchases a month, but it’s sooo haaaard!😱
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I was lucky enough to attend a conference where Leland was speaking just a couple of weeks ago. His life’s story was very inspiring.
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Wow! If Leland ever gets to Arizona, it’s a safe bet my son would miss work to see him… and I’d probably join him! 😉
Many thanks for stopping by and commenting, Elmer!
(Cemeteries were playgrounds for my sibs and me too. One across the street and one at the corner! 😉 )
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I hope you get a chance to hear him. Very inspirational.
(I’m impressed. You had two cemeteries. You know, it’s funny. We played in there all the time, but on foggy nights we would dare each other to walk through it like it was some type of spooky place.)
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We liked inviting our cousins for sleepovers…and scaring them silly! 😀 😀
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