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A review by aliciagw
Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I cannot rate this book poorly, however I would not have chosen to listen to it (I had an Audible version) had I known what it actually was. All of the descriptions of the book say that it is about life and death, the vastness of the cosmos, and the intimacy of the human mind. The descriptions to me sound like a scientific book with a bit of philosophy thrown in.
This book is actually a series of essays written over the period of Sagan's career, which are for the most part political in nature. Topics cover various environmental issues, nuclear arms and weapons spending, abortion, as well as other political and moral topics. Some of the essays are a bit dated. I do actually agree for the most part with what he says, I just really wasn't looking for quite a political book, and I wish the descriptions of the book had been a bit more accurate.
The book is thoughtful and well written, and Sagan was obviously a thoughtful and intelligent man who attempted to approach issues from all sides. He does seem to fall a little bit more on the liberal side of things. The last chapter and the epilogue were different than the rest of the book. They were very personal and emotional, dealing with Sagan's illness and death.
If you are looking for a book that covers world issues and political topics from a scientific perspective this would be a good choice. Also, if you would like to know a little more about the final days of Carl Sagan's life you might enjoy the last couple of chapters.
If you are not wanting to read about politics or science it will not be a good choice. Also, if you are a conservative person who does not appreciate reading the opinions of others who don't agree with you, maybe avoid it.
This book is actually a series of essays written over the period of Sagan's career, which are for the most part political in nature. Topics cover various environmental issues, nuclear arms and weapons spending, abortion, as well as other political and moral topics. Some of the essays are a bit dated. I do actually agree for the most part with what he says, I just really wasn't looking for quite a political book, and I wish the descriptions of the book had been a bit more accurate.
The book is thoughtful and well written, and Sagan was obviously a thoughtful and intelligent man who attempted to approach issues from all sides. He does seem to fall a little bit more on the liberal side of things. The last chapter and the epilogue were different than the rest of the book. They were very personal and emotional, dealing with Sagan's illness and death.
If you are looking for a book that covers world issues and political topics from a scientific perspective this would be a good choice. Also, if you would like to know a little more about the final days of Carl Sagan's life you might enjoy the last couple of chapters.
If you are not wanting to read about politics or science it will not be a good choice. Also, if you are a conservative person who does not appreciate reading the opinions of others who don't agree with you, maybe avoid it.