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  • The Smallest Lights in the Universe

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: Sara Seager
  • Narrated by: Xe Sands
  • Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (26 ratings)

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The Smallest Lights in the Universe cover art

The Smallest Lights in the Universe

Written by: Sara Seager
Narrated by: Xe Sands
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Publisher's Summary

In this "bewitching" (Anthony Doerr, The New York Times Book Review) memoir, an MIT astrophysicist must reinvent herself in the wake of tragedy and discovers the power of connection on this planet, even as she searches our galaxy for another Earth.

"Sara Seager’s exploration of outer and inner space makes for a stunningly original memoir." (Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone)

Sara Seager has always been in love with the stars: so many lights in the sky, so much possibility. Now a pioneering planetary scientist, she searches for exoplanets - especially that distant, elusive world that sustains life. But with the unexpected death of Seager’s husband, the purpose of her own life becomes hard for her to see. Suddenly, at 40, she is a widow and the single mother of two young boys. For the first time, she feels alone in the universe.

As she struggles to navigate her life after loss, Seager takes solace in the alien beauty of exoplanets and the technical challenges of exploration. At the same time, she discovers earthbound connections that feel every bit as wondrous, when strangers and loved ones alike reach out to her across the space of her grief. Among them are the Widows of Concord, a group of women offering advice on everything from home maintenance to dating, and her beloved sons, Max and Alex. Most unexpected of all, there is another kind of one-in-a-billion match, not in the stars but here at home.

Probing and invigoratingly honest, The Smallest Lights in the Universe is its own kind of light in the dark.

©2020 Sara Seager (P)2020 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"It is the easiest thing in the world to resign yourself to what is, to curl around yourself and your circumstances. This is a book filled with hope and wonder, because falling in love after loss is a defiant act of optimism, much like searching the stars for life beyond our own little planet. You’ll leave this book feeling possibility and inevitability, comforted by the knowledge that even in the dark, we are not alone." (Nora McInerny Purmort, author of It’s Okay to Laugh)

"Sara Seager’s exploration of outer and inner space makes for a stunningly original memoir. Far from being dwarfed by the scale of exoplanets and galaxies, her most human tale of love, loss, and redemption is illuminated and given meaning by this backdrop.... A beautiful and compelling read." (Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone)

"I absolutely loved this book. It presents both cutting-edge science and the deeply human side of a MacArthur award-winning woman astrophysicist. While searching for other planets in the universe, she grieves for her husband who died of cancer." (Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain)

What listeners say about The Smallest Lights in the Universe

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So happy I listened to this!

I had a feeling when I read the description that I would love this book. It did not disappoint. The meeting of space, logic, emotion, love, dependence, family, motherhood and adventure was beautiful. I loved the narration and thought every pause and inflection added to the experience.

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Wonderful

Great writing and sharing of professional and personal life. Lived the journey of this book and really liked Xe’s voice and delivery.

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A battle between logic and emotions

I initially heard about this story on a CBC interview with the author, Sarah Seager. The easiest way to describe this book is thinking about it as a coin. One side encompassing logic, scientific method and the pursuit of the astrological unknowns. The other side contrasting with the emotional expanse of love, loss and forgiveness from the damage caused by losing a loved one. This memoir exemplifies the entire spectrum of intelligence and emotion and a brilliant woman's journey through her academic and vocational achievements; accompanied by surprisingly transparent glimpse into the personal and intimate interactions and circumstances surrounding Seager's late husband battle with cancer.

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Inspiring

Finished this book in a few days, couldnt put it down. Saras ability to overcome tragedy and her determination to seek out and discover new planets was such an inspiring story.

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Excellent.

Couldn't stop listening. This is my first audiobook that I finished. Inspiring, well done. Sara has so much strength, stamina and is so brilliant.

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