Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist
Genre: Astrophysics, Non-Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: This book is a primer in astrophysics for people, who are, well… in a hurry. Tyson’s specialty is making science accessible to the average person. He hosted the reboot of the television show Cosmos, and currently hosts the popular podcast StarTalk where science meets pop culture. Astrophysics is a short book, where Tyson covers such topics as the beginning of the universe, regular matter and dark matter, how much stars weigh, and the role of astrophysics in every day life.
My Review: Overall, I found this book informative and interesting. However, there were times when the information went over my head. It’s difficult to get an intellectual grasp on a topic so physically and ideally huge as the universe. I often wondered how Tyson could go about his day to day life with such knowledge and not explode. Tyson’s tone tough is light and at times humorous and he explains astrophysics basics in language that works for people outside of science fields.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Fun, accessible, authoritative
Give This a Try if You Like… Cosmos (either Carl Sagan’s or Neil deGrasse Tyson’s show), The Big Bang Theory, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!