Letters from an Astrophysicist by Neil deGrasse Tyson

(hb; 2019: nonfiction)

From the inside flap

“. . . Tyson invites us to go behind the scenes of his public fame by revealing his correspondence with people across the globe who have sought him out in search of answers. In this hand-picked collection of 101 letters, Tyson draws upon cosmic perspectives to address a vast array of questions about science, faith, philosophy, life, and of course, Pluto. His succinct, opinionated, passionate, and often funny responses reflect his popularity and standing as a leading educator. . .”

Review

Letters is a good, entertaining addendum to Tyson’s previous book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. Of course, you do not need to read Astrophysics to enjoy Letters. Tyson’s answers are, for the most part, concise and reflect a practical, polite (if sometimes blunt) and trust-scientific-fact attitude─because of this, those of a religious faith who hate science should avoid this book. Other nonfiction readers might well enjoy this fast, informative and short read. 

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

(hb; 2017: science, nonfiction)

From the inside flap

"What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

"But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in tasty chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.

"While you wait for your morning coffee to brew, for the bus, the train, or a plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe."

Review

Astrophysics is an excellent, wonder-minded scientific work that boils down its subject matter in a way that it is easily understood by those of us who are not scientists, those of who have little practical understanding regarding neutrons, stars, planets and other components of the universe. Tyson, through humor, relatable visual examples and everyday, non-science geek language, gives a sometimes mind-blowing overview of how we may have begun, and how our world, as we currently view it, may end (not necessarily a bad thing) ─ unlike some things and institutions, worthwhile scientists understand that expanding one’s knowledge, even as the universe expands around us, is a worthwhile and necessary pursuit.

That said, Astophysics is not a rush-through read. It is worth taking one’s time, a chapter or a few a day, to allow the scientific and often practical implications to fully take root in one’s awareness.

Most books I read are one-time events ─ I rarely re-read books. This is one of the few exceptions to my once-read rule, a book that I hope to pick up again in the near-ish future, to catch what I may have missed the first time around. For this and other reasons, Astrophysics is worth owning.