Description

A stunning and inspiring memoir charting a life as an astronomer, classically trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM, searching for life in the universe while building a meaningful life here on Earth

Publisher Review

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, 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. * Natalie Goldberg, author of Three Simple Lines and Writing Down the Bones * 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. * Ann Druyan, writer, director, and producer of COSMOS * 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 * Independent * This riveting memoir is relatable and personable * BBC Sky at Night * 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 * Houston Style Magazine *