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liketheverb's review against another edition
5.0
An astounding collection of NDT's (Neil DeGrasse Tyson's) essays, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry brings complex theorems and complicated ideas from astrophysics to the average person. With an inimitable clarity, NDT exposes us (the readers) to the history of the universe and humbles us with what he denotes as "the cosmic perspective." Armed with real-world, mundane examples of physical principles, NDT takes the reader on a journey through the field of astrophysics in this brief, but surprisingly thorough scientific anthology. In separate, but not altogether unrelated, essays, the reader conquers complex ideas of quantum mechanics, black holes, dark matter, and cosmology all while waiting for your morning coffee or enjoying your daily bus ride. While astrophysics may seem daunting at first, this book is a solid introduction to the field and can be a truly humbling read for those who can connect to NDT's cosmic perspective.
mirsh's review against another edition
challenging
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Interesting book, and a nice introduction to astronomy/ astrophysics. It’s funny as well.
mrsguin's review against another edition
I don’t feel even remotely qualified to rate this book, but I am in awe of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s knowledge.
crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
3.0
Bullet Review:
Oh boy, look at the most recent icon who just turned out to be seriously problematic
LE SIGH.
To be honest, the allegations against Tyson probably ruined a lot of the enjoyment of this book. It's hard to listen to him and think, "He forced himself on women and ruined their potential careers."
Okay, enough about the person - the subject matter. Right.
If it's been awhile since college or high school, this was a nice refresher, if super basic. I've loved astronomy and space since 11, and I went to engineering school, so much of this I've heard a million times before. I'll admit, I tuned out of a lot of this - yes our planet is in the Goldilock zone, yup, Uranus' moons are named after English literature, not Greek/Roman personalities, yup, Dark Matter is crazy...and so on and so forth. It's not that this was bad by any means, just exactly what it says on the book: "Astrophysics for those in a hurry".
Now excuse me - I need to go cry in a pillow and offer incense that my other favorite male icons (BILL NYE) don't turn out to be horrible people.
UPDATE: Neil deGrasse Tyson is expected to return to his show now that the investigations from Fox and National Geographic are done. Is this good news (he didn't do it)? Is this bad news (yet another case of a man evading repercussions for his actions)? I don't know...
Oh boy, look at the most recent icon who just turned out to be seriously problematic
LE SIGH.
To be honest, the allegations against Tyson probably ruined a lot of the enjoyment of this book. It's hard to listen to him and think, "He forced himself on women and ruined their potential careers."
Okay, enough about the person - the subject matter. Right.
If it's been awhile since college or high school, this was a nice refresher, if super basic. I've loved astronomy and space since 11, and I went to engineering school, so much of this I've heard a million times before. I'll admit, I tuned out of a lot of this - yes our planet is in the Goldilock zone, yup, Uranus' moons are named after English literature, not Greek/Roman personalities, yup, Dark Matter is crazy...and so on and so forth. It's not that this was bad by any means, just exactly what it says on the book: "Astrophysics for those in a hurry".
Now excuse me - I need to go cry in a pillow and offer incense that my other favorite male icons (BILL NYE) don't turn out to be horrible people.
UPDATE: Neil deGrasse Tyson is expected to return to his show now that the investigations from Fox and National Geographic are done. Is this good news (he didn't do it)? Is this bad news (yet another case of a man evading repercussions for his actions)? I don't know...
kayloric's review against another edition
There was a moment he came off pretentious with his hot cocoa and whip cream. Also it was just way too much information for me to keep up with.
classicadg's review against another edition
challenging
informative
fast-paced
3.0
Mostly went in one ear and out the other tbh.