Starry Messenger

July 4, 2022
Science can shed light on “some of the most discussed and debated topics of our time,” writes astrophysicist Tyson (Cosmic Queries) in this cursory outing. While “people no longer know who or what to trust” and “sow hatred of others... without regard to what is true,” a nice dose of scientific perspective and “rational thinking” can help that, Tyson posits. He covers several contemporary critical subjects, including gender (“One day, we may discover or otherwise affirm no discrete categories at all, as the multidimensional gender universe unfolds along a continuum”), racism (were an alien to witness “our divided ways,” they’d report “no sign of intelligent life”), and vegetarianism (all food “come from killing and eating other forms of life in our ecosystem”). Tyson’s at his best when he explains what he sees as the unique power of science, touting the “self-regulating” nature of the scientific method and asserting that “conformity in science is anathema to progress.” Unfortunately, his examples are mostly trite, and a few proclamations come across as somewhat naive—a discussion of how to unite Republicans and Democrats draws on the low-judgment, “common love of imagination” found at ComicCon, for example. This quick and somewhat glib recap of the social value of science will likely leave readers wanting.

Starred review from December 1, 2022

This engaging, conversational book begs to be read aloud, and who better than its author? The subtitle says it all: cosmic perspective. Tyson muses on universal topics like war, race, politics, religion, beauty, and gender and identity. Questions are posed and pondered in a tone revealing an unceasing curiosity and pursuit of knowledge. Tyson incorporates humor and examples of modern society to get his points across. He calls astrology "the world's second oldest profession." There are many quotes from scientists, philosophers, and more. This thrilling book invites listeners to think deeply about life within a historical and cultural experience. Tyson is kind yet challenging. For example, he points out that no one is truly able to eat only nonliving things; the sole way to do that would be to survive on just milk and honey. He is a marvelous narrator. His tone is genial, lively, and musical. He emphasizes the points he wants the listener to ponder and makes no argument that his beliefs are anything but biased based on his own experiences. VERDICT Tyson's warmth and erudition make him a superb narrator of this excellent, thought-provoking book. A must-have for all public libraries.--B. Allison Gray

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