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jesskvan's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not a huge fan of astrophysics so I found some chapters dull at times. But it explains difficult concepts well, and the last few chapters on aliens and if life could exist elsewhere in the galaxy were very interesting.
susani_'s review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most amazing books I have read in my life.
All around us, our planet, the universe is a work of art. Fourteen Billion years of unbelievable history that leads us to this moment.
Breath taking.
Five Stars easily
All around us, our planet, the universe is a work of art. Fourteen Billion years of unbelievable history that leads us to this moment.
Breath taking.
Five Stars easily
aargee's review against another edition
5.0
The only thing i didn't understand was the very first chapter that describes on something massive & enormous broke or bursted. Apart from that, anyone with high school knowledge of Astrophysics & Science knowledge would be able to understand the language & formulas being used throughout the book although i wouldn't say simple language, but it's not that difficult to grasp the knowledge shared. It's a must read whether one is a believer or atheist whether or not a believer of science or even a cynic!! Very brilliant book that answers many scientific questions from 20th century & excites what beholds us for 21st century. This book is really Origins that talks all the way on the formation of Bigbang to dark matter to energy to atoms to stars to forces of Universe to planets to life to inter planetary to intergalactic travel. Even if one is a beginner, one should be able to get to the speed with a little aid. This is a MUST READ BOOK!!!
kaylecorey's review against another edition
2.0
This book was not well-executed. And it's incredibly frustrating, because the content is incredibly interesting. There were several times I was open-mouthed with wonder at the concepts that were being discussed. I was especially taken in by the descriptions and explanations around dark matter and antimatter.
At it's best, Origins takes complex theories of astrophysics and makes them easier to digest. But at it's worst, it reads like a textbook trying too hard to be funny. The net that it casts is too wide, and in an attempt to reach many levels of readers with many levels of scientific knowledge, it is hugely uneven. And the tone, while mostly genial, slides into mockery too often to be ignored.
I wanted to like this book, and it's possible I'm not the right audience. It opened my eyes to concepts I'm interested in learning more about, but as a standalone piece it fell flat.
At it's best, Origins takes complex theories of astrophysics and makes them easier to digest. But at it's worst, it reads like a textbook trying too hard to be funny. The net that it casts is too wide, and in an attempt to reach many levels of readers with many levels of scientific knowledge, it is hugely uneven. And the tone, while mostly genial, slides into mockery too often to be ignored.
I wanted to like this book, and it's possible I'm not the right audience. It opened my eyes to concepts I'm interested in learning more about, but as a standalone piece it fell flat.
billblume's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book mainly because I’d enjoyed Astrophysics for People in a Hurry and wanted to see how much, if at all, this earlier book might have gone deeper into that material. Can’t say it really provides anything I didn’t already get out of AfPiaH, but did offer something of a refresher that I still enjoyed.
jordana_dear's review against another edition
4.0
A good introduction to the origins of our universe in an approachable literary piece. I enjoyed this and recommend it for anyone looking to learn a little more about this topic.
kb_208's review against another edition
4.0
A very nicely written book all about the origins of the universe, solar system, and everything else. He talks about particle physics, astrobiology, and astronomy in a very cohesive and easy to read way.
Many people are lasing out at science popularizers lie Tyson, Bill Nye, and others, saying that it reduces years of work into simple explanations that don't allow readers to truly comprehend the complexity of it all. Some people may think they "know" the science after reading a book like this. I think that they have a point, but I don't fully agree. In a time when science and evidence is being attacked we need these types of people more than ever. Reading books like this sure doesn't make me into any type of scientist, but it does help me and others understand our world better and give insight into the process of scientific exploration. I think it can also inspire people to pursue these sciences more and go further with it.
Many people are lasing out at science popularizers lie Tyson, Bill Nye, and others, saying that it reduces years of work into simple explanations that don't allow readers to truly comprehend the complexity of it all. Some people may think they "know" the science after reading a book like this. I think that they have a point, but I don't fully agree. In a time when science and evidence is being attacked we need these types of people more than ever. Reading books like this sure doesn't make me into any type of scientist, but it does help me and others understand our world better and give insight into the process of scientific exploration. I think it can also inspire people to pursue these sciences more and go further with it.
nmacstay's review against another edition
5.0
this book is obviously the predecessor of the fantastic NOVA miniseries, which I absolutely enjoyed. Tyson's genius for explaining the astrophysics in non-genius terms is obvious, but it is his obvious joy in the subject that draws you in and keeps you there. A great read!