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Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Written by: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrated by: Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Publisher's Summary

The essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist.

What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and bestselling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.

While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or while waiting for the bus, the train, or the plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.

©2017 Neil DeGrasse Tyson (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

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  • 2019-08-26

The universe is awe-inspiring

The book was fascinating, often funny, and perfectly narrated, but the last chapter was especially powerful. Neil puts into words how thinking about the cosmos has always made me feel: small and insignificant in the best way, putting into perspective petty human squabbles, but also showing how interconnected we are with all of creation. It's a moving spiritual experience that I imagine is similar to how religious folks feel when contemplating God. I never knew other people felt this way about the cosmos, so it was shocking to hear Neil voicing my private thoughts and feelings better than I ever could.

Another bonus is that I'm very fascinated with the idea of intelligent alien life and what their existence could tell us about ourselves, which Neil also touches on that in the second-to-last chapter.

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4 people found this helpful

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Yay science!

No matter if you've made a career out of science or you're new to science, if you have ever star gazed or love to imagine what's possible in the cosmos than this book is for you. Neil deGrasse Tyson makes difficult concepts easy to understand and crafts a wonderful narrative of which explains the theories and principles that science has unlocked to create our current understanding of the history and possible future of our universe.

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fascinating.

NDG is awesome to listen to. I really enjoyed it. a bit heavy at times.

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    3 out of 5 stars

I wish I had a printed version.

Beautifully written. It inspired me to dive deeper into astrophysics. But there were so many ideas mentioned that it was impossible for me to retain what I've heard.

If you wish to be inspired, by all means get this audio version. But if you want to actually know astrophysics, study a printed version.

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Amazing but tricky as audio.

A great way to spend time and absorb some new knowledge. Which is a bit where this format presents a problem - there’s so much to digest in each sentence, a high number of rewinds and pauses are necessary to keep up.

Though this isn’t a criticism of the delivery - there is just so much to absorb.

Highly recommend with this one listening note.

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Informative

I liked Neil’s presentation of astrophysics. It is masterfully presented but not condescending and very informative.

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Very enjoyable and informative

Very enjoyable and informative. Very interesting listen. Look forward to more books on this subject.

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Understandable (and enthusiastic)

I do not have a background in science, but I do have an interest in finding out more. For that reason this book is a gem. Tyson's clear and engaging enthusiasm for the subject shines through on every page. He possesses a talent for making complex scientific concepts engaging and approachable - so I understand cosmic concepts (for at least the time I am listening to the book!)

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A wonderful nutshell about a complicated subject.

I was hesitant to start this book but I'm happy I did. Writer/narrator's pacing and humour kept me entertained and smiling throughout while teaching me so much. Thank you for this portal to astrophysics.

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A fantastic journey of interstellar knowledge!

NDT's narration is pleasant on the ears and his unveiling of the science behind astrophysics makes it interesting an easy to follow (for the not so scientifically adept listener such as myself)

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