Cosmic Queries: Book Review

Review at a Glance

• Cosmic Queries
• My Rating: 5
• Genre: Science, Nonfiction
• Format: ARC*
• Publication Date: March 2, 2021
• Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson 

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Cosmic Queries Book Blurb

In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world’s most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science.

For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved StarTalk podcast.

In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take 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 readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

For all who loved National Geographic’s StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.

Cosmic Queries REVIEW

As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:

• 1 star: Did not finish
• 2 Stars: Finished but I do not recommend
• 3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
• 4 Stars: Loved this book!
• 5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.

My star ratings are also based also genre based. I compare all books with books of the same genre. While I would love to believe that my love of books in general transcends all bias, there are genres I prefer over others.

I’m human.

Example: If I read a mystery novel and think it deserves a 5-star rating, then I have compared it to other mystery books, and determined it to be one of my absolute favorites. The unputdownable mystery.

This will hopefully keep me from comparing Outlander, a personal obsession of mine, with the experience of reading The Hate You Give. Both 5 star books for me, but completely and totally different. I couldn’t even try to rate them against each other, so I don’t. Makes my life easier. 🙂

My Thoughts About Cosmic Queries

I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person. I graduated from The Ohio State University, earned a law degree with two specializations, and passed the Ohio bar exam on my first attempt.

When I listen to or read such thinkers as Neil deGrasse Tyson, I usually become almost overly aware of the limits of my intellect. The concepts I just cannot grasp or don’t even have the imagination to pursue. Doubts like these have prevented me from tackling far too many subjects, but little did I know that I just needed the right teacher.

Cosmic Queries is a book that can bring astrophysics into the orbit of even the most novice space explorer.

My study of space goes only so far as what school and the screen have taught me. Not that my lessons at the feet of Tom Hanks were bad (Apollo 13 is still an automatic rewatch when it’s on TV), but they weren’t exactly all encompassing. But that will give you an idea of my baseline knowledge heading into Cosmic Queries, so basically none.

I have never been so at ease reading a science text in my life. The illustrations were so helpful and the format kept me interested throughout the pages. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s engaging style is what really brought me into the book and kept me glued to its pages. Not only was I able to understand what he was saying, but I genuinely believe I could feel his desire for me to comprehend and analyze his work. Like he had a vested interest in making sense to me even though I am no one to him.

So even though I was a Neil deGrasse Tyson fan, Cosmic Queries has made me a student as well.

About the Author

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist with the American Museum of Natural History, host of the hit radio and Emmy-nominated TV show StarTalk, and the New York Times best-selling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry and Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military. He lives in New York City.

Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

*Special thanks to Neil deGrasse Tyson, National Geographic, and TLC Book Tours for my copy of Cosmic Queries in exchange for an honest review.