Audiobook Review: Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Trefil, Lauren Fortgang

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going, written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lauren Fortgang, is a book that takes the idea of the StarTalk podcast and expands on some of the more in depth questions and ideas that just do not fit in the podcast format. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe. This illuminating audiobook takes on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia—How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?—and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Cosmic Queries is an engaging and enlightening audiobook- and I can only imagine that the addition of photographs and any images in the printed or digital version of the book only increase the level of understanding, engagement, and interest in the reader. The alternating narration was very well done, and I found the inflections and phrasing to be very well done and able to keep me engaged even when the subject matter might have lost me otherwise. The writing was well done- and  I found that for the most part I understood the details and was intrigued by the information shared and questions raise. I will admit that there were a few times that my mind drifted or I was interrupted and when I refocused was completely lost with the topic at hand, but a quick rewind was able to fix that. I am not sure how much I retained- but that is on me and not the reading material. 

I think anyone that enjoys StarTalk and related podcasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the universe and how it all works will enjoy Cosmic Queries as an audiobook or traditional read.  

Early Book Review: Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells

Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells is an adult nonfiction book. It is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. From astrophysics to rocket science to the future of space exploration, it explains everything you thought you’d never understand about the universe in plain-old filthy English. We’re talking Big Bang, aliens, black holes, time travel, degenerate astronomers, and all the fundamental things you take for granted until you stop and think (like matter—what is this sh*t, really?). Alongside the knowledge bombs are 100 wild illustrations, photographs, and original artwork from 40 young international artists curated by Brooklyn designer Cynthia Larenas. Space is awesome, space is absolutely bananas, and space is for everyone.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a guide to the fundamentals of space, and the building blocks of it all, written by and for regular people that just like space and learning a bit about it. If swearing bothers you, and the title was not enough warning for you, than you might want to skip the read. There is swearing on every page, and it reads like a conversation with someone that uses expletives for adjectives and punctuation. Back in my bar band days I have had many an intelligent and/or philosophical discussion- and recently had conversations about the current state of, well everything, with the same tone. So, it does not bother me but I do know it bothers others. I liked the honest, frank, and plain language approach to explaining the fundamentals of physics and space, and while I have read a great deal on the subject, I feel like I was better able to understand and retain the information than I have in more traditional books on the matter. I really enjoyed the read, and felt like I was entertained and educated in equal measure. I think the only thing I would have wanted was a section of suggested resources for further reading, but I always want that so it is not an unexpected gripe from me, and perhaps that is in the finished product.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a frank and swear filled exploration of space, and the building blocks of our universe.