Starry Messenger

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s common sense and conversational non-fiction book brings science and philosophy to an engaging, accessible level. 

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Tyson briefly at an event at the American Museum of Natural History, and he was the second astrophysicist I’d encountered – after Sir Brian May, lead guitarist for the legendary band Queen – with rock star status! Tyson deals with subjects as diverse and compelling as truth, beauty, the cosmos, racism, gender, conflict, and death.

As a non-scientist who is intrigued by these age-old questions, I found Starry Messenger both an entertaining read and… show more.

My teenage grandson Liam recommended to me this book by the astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, which he enthusiastically shares insights from time to time. He discovered it on his own, listening to a podcast, and wanted to read it. I bought us each a copy so I could appreciate it with him. Tyson’s book became this year’s “family read.” His grandfather and I read it, and now his mother is reading it.

What Liam appreciates as much as Tyson’s sharing of astronomical discoveries is his scientific approach and his insights on human civilization, sociology, culture, religion, race, gender, and politics.… show more.

Neil de Grasse Tyson is one of the most compelling writers of our times, and has an unsurpassed ability to make astrophysics digestible and still magical.

All of his work reminds us how incredible our universe is and this book in particular provides a “cosmic perspective” on some of the knottiest issues facing humanity so that you see the world differently and - perhaps - live in it differently too.