Floating in Darkness - A Journey of Evolution

by Ron Garan

-Available in ebook now and arriving in hardback July 12, 2021, the true story of the life journey of a combat fighter pilot and astronaut. An adventure that illuminates a path toward understanding the meaning of life and our place in the universe.
-Humanity faces an unprecedented crisis that threatens all life on Earth. Desert
Storm fighter pilot and NASA astronaut Ron Garan addresses this head-on in Floating
in Darkness: A Journey of Evolution, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed first book, The Orbital Perspective: Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles.
-Ron takes us on an extraordinary journey through outer space and inner space. He explores the dancing, intersecting orbits of religion, spirituality, and science while grappling with his own role in the violence of combat and the effects of war on all aspects of human life. We witness Ron struggling with mortality while also basking in the sheer wonder and beauty of our world and beyond. From this perspective, Ron maps out a viable path forward—to solve our crisis, we need a giant leap in humanity’s evolutionary process. We must transcend individual and collective ego and embrace the true nature of our interdependence with this fragile planet and all life within its biosphere.
-Ron shows us how to discover our purpose, detoxify our divisive culture, and become a “white blood cell” in a growing immune response to heal our world.
-Floating in Darkness is a blueprint to build a restorative and positive future for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, How To, Education, Drama, Inspirational

418 pages, Hardcover

First published July 12, 2021

About the author

Ron Garan is a highly decorated combat fighter pilot who served as an Instructor Pilot at the prestigious USAF Fighter Weapon’s School (the Air Force version of Top Gun). He also served as a test pilot and graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School. Ron has spent 178 days in space and has traveled more than 71 million miles in 2,842 orbits of our planet. He flew on both the US Space Shuttle and Russian Soyuz spacecraft where accomplished four spacewalks. Ron also spent 18 days at the bottom of the ocean during a research mission held in the world’s only undersea research lab, Aquarius. He is celebrated not just for his research in space, but for his humanitarian contribution to life on earth. Ron is the author of the critically acclaimed book "The Orbital Perspective – Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles" and is soon to release two new books, "Floating in Darkness - A Journey of Evolution" and a children's book, "Railroad to the Moon".

Reviews

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floating in Darkness by Ron Garan allows you to live through his experiences as an astronaut and pilot. But his life hasn't always been held as a hero, as his younger years were filled with bad behavior and shenanigans. Growing up in New York, the author had learned many valuable lessons, some of them through tough experiences. He learned to box at an early age with helped him defend himself, but it also taught him the importance of training to win.

I found Floating in Darkness fascinating while Ron Garan gives us just a taste of the skill, training, and dedication needed to be one of the elites in the world of pilots, one who flies a rocket. Very few are qualified to write this book, yet the author's cleverness and humor make this memorable. I laughed reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

I received this book as an ARC read and am so glad I did.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floating in Darkness - A Journey of Evolution by Ron Garan

I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a deep thinking, informative book by Ron Garan written from memory and also a journal, in his quest to achieve his goals throughout his career and personal life. Narrating details that pass through his action-packed life that include meeting his wife, the birth of his chldren and F-16 flight exploits plus his role in Operation Desert Storm to design, coordinate and if called for, enter a very heavily defended target area.

“ Mankind, let us preserve and increase this beauty, and not destroy it! “
An intellectually written novel that keeps the reader riveted, I was amazed at the accomplishments Ron Garan has acquired yet he remains unpretentious which is apparent on discovering his book. I couldn't help but feel humbled when learning of his experiences.
What did become evident was his conflicting emotions, being aware of what his position as a fighter pilot entailed but feeling the heaviness of what it meant complete with the antagonising understanding of the devastation his actions could unleash. Reading through the authors history it is clear the realtionship he had with his fellow combat fighters, being as brothers, looking out for one another knowing full well they would lay down their life for each other, to protect one another. There is no comparison to civilian life where it is very much an “ every man for himself “ kind of attitude.

Floating in Darkness is written in a very descriptive and reflective style. There are many examples of the authors belief of God being in control as he surmounts various problems and difficulties that in any other “ normal “ situation we would deem impossible. This is a fascinating mixture of faith and science, proving that having both is entirely possible and how they can complement one another.
“ Underneath all our human imperfections is a perfect miracle. “

I particularly appreciated the numerous impressive photos in the book that support the narrative, giving a deeper insight into his adventures. Ron Garan recognises worldwide political upheaval and we all are aware that humanity will either evolve or destroy itself but as he so eloquently describes, he has witnessed nations coming together with the same frame of mind, considering the needs of mankind and the planet. At the end we are provoked to question why this can't be possible for all needs, from a humanitarain point of view, to put aside our own political and business needs and consider the greater good.
“ My name is Earth .”

I rate Floating in Darkness 5 out of 5 stars.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming divisiveness - ‘There is but one universe, and we are in it’

Colorado author Colonel Ron Garan studied Aerospace engineering at the University of Florida, business economics at State University of New York, Oneonta, and Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has served as a US Air Force fighter and test pilot, a decorated NASA astronaut (178 days in space on both the US Space shuttle and the Russian Soyuz spacecraft), a humanitarian, and a social entrepreneur. He is the Former CEO and Founder of Impact CoLab, and the co-founder of Manna Energy Limited to leverage the carbon market for finance humanitarian projects for water treatment and purification. His initial book was THE ORBITAL PERSPECTIVE.

The impact of the author’s wisdom and humanitarian compassion is heighten by his poetic delivery of his thought processes as an astronaut, that special vantage from outer space looking back at our planet, as he so clearly demonstrates in the Prologue: ‘In a single flash, the dark and still universe explodes in an exponential fury of light and energy. Specific points of matter align under the careful supervision of an invisible design. Creative intuition seamlessly merges with disciplined focus, forming specific points of universal matter. Each point of matter is imbued with an important predestined and necessary purpose that serves a greater plan – a note in a grand and ancient symphony. As more matter organizes into groups and functions, an altruistic hierarchy develops. At the top of the hierarchy, groups transmit and receive the most precious natural resource in the universe; information. Information ripples in waves and bursts from all points and in all directions. Individual points of matter communicate with each other over vast distances – a cosmic dance. As the complexity of the material universe reaches critical mass, a primordial certainty echoes throughout creation in a loud, simultaneous proclamation: We are one! A silent sleep then gently descends upon the creation.’

The book is a true story – a journal Garan kept during his quest to become an astronaut and letters written during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. As the provided synopsis states – ‘Humanity faces an unprecedented crisis that threatens all life on Earth. Ron takes us on an extraordinary journey through outer space and inner space. He explores the dancing, intersecting orbits of religion, spirituality, and science while grappling with his own role in the violence of combat and the effects of war on all aspects of human life. We witness Ron struggling with mortality while also basking in the sheer wonder and beauty of our world and beyond. From this perspective, Ron maps out a viable path forward - to solve our crisis we need a giant leap in humanity's evolutionary process. We must transcend individual and collective ego and embrace the true nature of our interdependence with this fragile planet and all life within its biosphere. Ron shows us how to discover our purpose, detoxify our divisive culture, and become a "white blood cell" in a growing immune response to heal our world.’

After absorbing the beauty of this book, the author offers – ‘Here is my challenge to you: In your every thought, word, and action, strive to be a positive part of our required course correction. Every day, provide countless small, positive, unifying nudges to the trajectory of our society. You are more powerful than you can imagine, and together, we are unstoppable.’ Bracing insights and compassion and hope – all delivered by a man of impressive thoughtfulness and concern for our existence. Very Highly Recommended!

[John Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book, telling of an interesting life.

Ron Garan has been a Fighter Pilot, an Astronaut, a Father, and a Husband, and here recounts his experience of each, his visions for the future, and his hopes for the same.

The perspective of looking down at the whole world all at once is one that most of us imagine we have, having seen pictures, having watched from the ISS live stream, having seen a hundred pictures of the earth as it looks from space, but to see it with your own eyes, to understand just how small a world we are in amongst all of the myriad wonders of the cosmos, this he has done, and it's clear to see how it's shaped his perspectives.

It's interesting to see the perspective change as he grows older, from the days as a fighter pilot, when all he lived for was the next mission, the thrill of flying, and the challenge of being the best, to finding Carmel, his wife, and the greater perspective that she clearly brought to his life, and then the challenge of becoming an astronaut, and the change in his thoughts as he looked down at the earth from on high.

It's clear that Ron is a spiritual man, with a deep and undivided love of God and all his works, and while this may put some people off reading the book, the understanding has to be present that at no point does Ron try to put his beliefs upon the reader, the just says that he believes, it's up to everyone else what they think, this is just how he thinks.

While the reading of his life was interesting, what got my attention most about this book was his revelations towards the end of it, his thoughts for the future and how he sees the human race continuing. From a man who has seen all the sides of the box, it comes as a thoughtful and clear narrative that should not be hard to follow, and yet, even as he says it, he mentions that he knows that it will be hard for many to consider it. However, like his belief in god, so is his hope for humanity.

In his own words.

You are more powerful than you can imagine, and together, we are unstoppable.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me first say this: Wow! This is such a neat book with a lot of little nuggets in it that help it stand out. Garan’s mind is simply wonderful, the writing is solid and he did a great job letting us into his mind and imagination while still keeping the gravity (no pun intended) of his message on point. He takes us through his journey from start, literally in the introduction, to current, and gives us insight into where he was mentally in each major point. Usually, in books of this kind, I tend to skim, or put it down a lot then come back to it (I always finish a book I start) before bed. I couldn’t set this book down unless I had to. I read it in two sittings and agreed with the message (that we really need to stand together to change the current unsustainable trajectory we are on as a species) to the point that I wanted to keep reading.

In his closing statements he says: “Here is my challenge to you: In your every thought, word,
and action, strive to be a positive part of our required course correction. Every day, provide countless small, positive, unifying nudges to the trajectory of our society. You are more powerful
than you can imagine, and together, we are unstoppable.”

Give this book a shot if you haven’t, it’s absolutely worth your time.

[Christian Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Garan's message of hope and unity is just what the world needs in 2021 coming off of the coronavirus pandemic and the January 2021 assault on the United States Capitol. Unlocking means to overcome divisiveness and providing a guiding light to a restorative future make this book well worth a read. Add in the extraordinary accounts of Ron's journeys to preserve and defend the interests of the US during Desert Shield and in Space, and you have an exceptionally entertaining and captivating book that provides a compelling message of hope for a more just, hopeful, and equitable future for all mankind.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting read. I think this is a book that warrants a re-read, as I think I could easily dive deeper into it on the second round. Reading about Garan's experiences, views, and hopes for humanity was like peeking inside his mind. Definitely a book that you'll mull over in between reading sessions, Floating in Darkness also brings a sort of light in the form of hope. Garan has lived an interesting life, and this book certainly reflects that. An interesting, engaging read.

[Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am awake. For the first time, I realize that the communication I experience constantly is coming from me. I am awake is my first acknowledged thought.”

Floating in Darkness - A Journey of Evolution is a truly unique look at the world. Author Ron Garan spent his career as an astronaut and uses his book to explore his own life, space, and the complexities of the human race.
The opening of the book is a fascinating beginning to the story and gives a lot of depth to the narrative voice of the author. The book chronicles Garan’s life beginning with his birth and delving into the big moments that shaped Garan including his time in the air force and NASA. The book is humorous, intriguing, humble, and clever. I really enjoyed the level of detail that Garan uses to pull the reader into the moment. Garan knows how to pull you into his journey and gives you a fascinating read.
The book is an intriguing, deep, and hopeful book. It is the kind of book that makes you consider both the external and internal worlds. I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly don’t live a life of extremes and much adventure, which is why books like these are certain to appeal to those (like me) who love to read about the lives of others who have one hell of a good story to tell. And there was certainly a lot of adventure, scrapes and amazing tales here!

The book focuses on the author, Ron Garan’s life and his journey to the stars. Starting from his early days, to his extensive training, Royal Air Force and eventual road to working for NASA. And wow, it was amazing to read about this road, the bumps, the turns and the twists that were thrown and overcome to achieve a dream to become an Astronaut.

I was quite awe inspired to read everything Ron overcame, and his sheer determination and grit for working towards something that seemed barred with difficulty, uncertainty and almost impossibility. To read about him making sure he got to the place where he needed to be with odds stacked against him was utterly amazing.

Just under half of the book was military, experiences during war and work within Royal Air Force (which I have to admit, I read thinking ‘when are we getting to the space bits’ but was still immensely interesting and I can’t even imagine the turbulence, grit and strength needed for just that alone). Some bits I wavered in attention more than others but it never failed to bring me back in with rapt interest. It was enthralling.

Having an insight into such an amazing feat and the authors thoughts and experiences into his mind blowing ascent into the stars made for great reading and I really did love learning more about his time on the ISS as well as the pit stops he took to get there along the way. The training, the life experiences amassed were greatly written. I love the way the author wrote this, slightly lyrical in some parts and very easy to read.

There’s also the deep undertone of a very important message running throughout the whole of the book, and one which is the most important to our life on Earth. It was beautifully done and you can’t help but come out of this book with a new perspective, not just on our universe but on our beautiful little planet that we call home.

I was lucky enough to read this book with thanks to the author and publisher on Netgalley in return for honest thoughts and review.

[M Minata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keynote speaker Ron Garan is a highly decorated NASA astronaut, fighter pilot, and active social entrepreneur who believes that appropriately designed and targeted social enterprise can solve many of the problems facing our world.

As part of a select group of individuals who have been fortunate enough to see the world from space, Ron champions his “orbital perspective” message to improve life on earth. Ron is celebrated not just for his research in space but also for his humanitarian contribution to life on earth.

Floating in Darkness is a follow up to his critically acclaimed first book “The Orbital Perspective” and is a part of journal that he kept whilst in pursuit to become an astronaut. Ron’s concern for our very existence is inspiring, he shares some of his experiences as an astronaut and a pilot in the US air Force. The synopsis states “Ron maps out a viable path forward - to solve our crisis we need a giant leap in humanity's evolutionary process. We must transcend individual and collective ego and embrace the true nature of our interdependence with this fragile planet and all life within its biosphere. Ron shows us how to discover our purpose, detoxify our divisive culture, and become a "white blood cell" in a growing immune response to heal our world.” He challenges the reader to not only look within but to stand together as one as his message through this book is “Since we are all in this together, the only way we will solve the challenges we all face is together” and I couldn’t have put it better myself. A highly inspiring, informative, and enjoyable read. A definite 5 stars.

This is a wonderful and insightful book from which i personally have learned a thing or two, most of what Garan writes hits a nerve for me and i can admit that i agree with his outlook. This book isn’t just about a space journey as i originally thought, it is about far more that and that’s why i would recommend it to anyone.

[Ron Garan]

Hey everyone, I wrote this book because I truly believe that humanity is at a critical crossroads. We are at an inflection point with everything hanging in the balance. The intent of Floating in Darkness is to nudge us away from the divisive path that we are currently on and toward a unifying path leading to a positive and restorative future. Join us at https://www.floatingindarkness.com/

Hope to see you aboard, Ron

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book!

This book is wonderfully written in the beginning is a beautiful poetic explanation of the big bang theory… At least that’s what I think it was, LOL! The story reads like a novel and I found it so interesting from playing on the football field to jumping out of a jet to fly in space these are all things the author has known and done first hand and that is what gives us book the great authenticity it has. His explanations of views from space the international friendships with astronauts from other countries the whole book is fabulous and I highly recommend it. Even if space doesn’t interest you trust me when I say it is much more than that and so were three. I can’t say enough about this but I really truly enjoyed it. Overall I think the point of this book is the same thing we all grapple with, why are we here? And in this book he tries his best to answer that at least for himself.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on a mission to find uplifting reading as part of my goal to make the world a better place for us all, and this book has made the list. Ron's Christian perspective is very clear here, but as a non-Christian, I did not find it to be annoying or preachy. The story he tells is uniquely his own, exciting, engaging, and inspiring.

[Drew Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essentially an auto-biography of the author's life. It chronicles Ron Garan's journey as a fighter pilot, as well as the process leading up to him working for NASA. Throughout his journey, he discusses what he believes to be the best path forward for humanity, as well as the processes in which we could get there. While there are religious elements that may not resonate with some readers (me being one of them), at no point does the author cast judgment or seek to force this on the reader. On the contrary, he comes across as extremely open-minded and accepting, which makes this text much more digestible than it would be otherwise. Overall, this was a wonderful story written by a truly brilliant mind. 5/5

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Astronauts are extremely driven individuals. I have read a number of astronaut/mission specialists' books. Ron's story, while unique, is similar to those of others. His determination and commitment is admirable. He does weave his personal religious beliefs throughout the book. It is his unique perspective on humanity. There was nothing new for me in his thoughts. I would only recommend this book if you are interested in astronaut stories.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many (but not all) who went to space, Garan has awoken to the truth that we are one, made of many.

As someone of the same age, I fully related to the opening chapter. The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and the space race were major factors in my life. I remember building models of the Saturn V and the LEM up in my room. My astronaut dreams were replaced by things closer to terra firma. Reading his autobiography makes one wonder about the road not taken.

[Azjargal (Azaa) Gankhuyag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ LOOOOOVE this book! Ron Garan is amazing storyteller, i felt this book literally has taken me to outer space, intentionally read this book soo slow so i can feel the every page with deep emotions.

I am so moved by how he can be ambitious and working tirelessly to his dream. In a way it is super uplifting story. Highly motivated and agree that we are part of one consciousness.

[Kirsten Eckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Epilogue is such an important part of the book.

[Joseph Wirthlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did not love the stylistic choice to write his story in the present tense, I did enjoy the ideas and experiences that Garan shared. I appreciated his honesty in spiritual matters and how his beliefs evolved through his experience. Most of all, this book rekindled my childhood love of space and astronomy and gave me motivation to re-explore that interest.