Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson is a short little book (about 200 pages) with chapter titles such as “Let There Be Light,” “Dark Energy,” and “Between the Planets.” Even though I have never taken a Physics class, I am fascinated by Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, the Big Bang Theory, and the science which guides the planets. Tyson’s book was created for people like me. From the largest stars to the smallest particles, Tyson helps us to understand the universe. He writes well and as simply as possible, given the subject matter.
That said, you can’t read this book like a novel. If you try, you will most probably get lost. I had to read several sections two or three times. But then I had it. I feel that other popular science books, like those by Carl Sagan or Stephen Hawking, may be easier to read, but Tyson covers so much, it’s worth having to read it a few times to absorb it.
This book is jam-packed with information. Tyson’s explanations of quantum physics, dark matter, and dark energy are the clearest I’ve ever seen. If you’re at all interested in this area of science, pick it up. In a hurry.