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I didn't like this book. It has some interesting stuff that I had wanted to read, but it was truly just... depressing. And ok I know, you read the title, the synopsis and are thinking how the hell is this not supposed to be depressing. My thoughts when I picked up this book were yes, ok this are depressing subjects, but they're also realities and should not be avoided or ignored. There is most certainly a sweet spot, a balance of not sugarcoating these subjects while also not making the reader have an existential crisis. This book so obviously strayed as far away from even trying that as possible. This book is depressing because the old white man author wrote it as just that... a privileged old white man. Everything came off as oh well it is what it is and I won't have to see the effects of all this so whatever. I just this is so not my kind of book. It's entirely too factual (with occasionally factual errors mind you) for a subject that cannot be taken at that face value.
ALSO if I EVER have to read "this author" again
ALSO if I EVER have to read "this author" again
The first part of this book is on astrophysical catastrophes that can impact earth. The second half of the book meanders through human, biological, and environmental catastrophes, before inexplicably ending up back in astrophysical territory. The book was well-researched and well-written, but could have done with some more editing. For those wanting more reading in the vein of civilization-ending catastrophes, I would recommend Isaac Asimov's [b:A Choice of Catastrophes|1891139|A Choice of Catastrophes|Isaac Asimov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386834791l/1891139._SY75_.jpg|3204950], which is organized into section based on the scope of the catastrophe.
Somewhere in the 3.5 to 4 range. Berman does a good job of discussing some of the many ways - past, present, or future - that the earth and the universe are in danger (or have been impacted) by cataclysmic events. I did feel that he spent too much time on some of the items while barely covering some of the other ones, but overall it was well-written and informative.