How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

When I bought this book it was a bit of an experiment. I enjoyed all the 'fuss' when Pluto was demoted from planetary status, but I wasn't sure an entire book about it would be interesting. It is. Very. Ryan Gesell does a top notch job of narration, and Brown's weaving in and out of his work and home experiences (how he meets and falls in love with his wife, and the birth of their first child) seems to keep it all in perspective. The universe goes on in both the grandest and most humble of ways. There are even some villains thrown into the mix. If you're at all interested in astronomy, or just the excitement of discovery, this is a must listen. Five Stars.
Rick

This book is about the death of a planet, and the birth of a family. I loved the way Brown juxtaposed his explorations of the universe with his own personal experiences building his family. It works. We see Brown the brilliant astronomer, and Brown the doting husband and father. We also see how those two roles sometimes conflicted, like when the early arrival of his beloved daughter almost jeopardized his planet discoveries.

Nicely read as well. Highly recommended.

How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, is far more interesting and entertaining than I originally envisioned. I just thought I would learn something about astronomy and I got far more than I bargained for. This is really a memoir in which Mike Brown, CalTech astronomer, tells about his dissertation, his research, astronomy in our solar system and even more. The writing is strong and not scientific. It is easily accessed by all readers. Along the way, Brown reveals how his research sent him a wife, the birth of his daughter in the midst of astounding discoveries, and how Pluto was dropped as a planet. If you are looking solely for a scientific treatment of the demise of Pluto, per se, this is not it. If you want to be informed about the science and politics that lead to that decision, you will find it here. The reading of Ryan Gesell is excellent.

I usually listen to books while I am hiking, or doing work around my house. Perhaps this is why there was an unusually long lag - months in fact - between when I started this title and when I ended it. I started it one night when I was just surfing the web. Perhaps this also says a bit about the first quarter or so of the book. Clearly I didn't feel a compulsion to continue immediately after Mike sets up his life and his work.
Then I took a long hike, and decided it was the perfect time to finish this book.
It really was.
It seems my previous stopping point had been right before things got interesting. It wasn't just about discovering new large bodies orbiting our sun (can't call them planets anymore). I learned about the politics of naming celestial bodies and about Inuit creation myth in the process. I discovered what happens when a number-oriented scientist becomes a father and applies the scientific method to taking care of a baby. (I even looked at the website when I got home). I got so worked up about an apparent theft of intellectual property that I could scarcely wait to get down the mountain and tell my husband what happened. When NASA's pic of the day allowed the user to zoom in to beyond microscopic level and then zoom out to past our universe (theoretically speaking), I was proud to say I knew what Sedna and Eris were.
And I agree with why Pluto was killed as a planet. Maybe you will too.

Who would have thought an astronomer's memoir would be so engaging? The passion that fueled the drudgery of sifting through huge amounts of data and systematically searching infinity is a tough sell, but the author manages it deftly with a humour and affability that forgives the frequent detours where he stops to marvels at the more terrestrial delights of love and fatherhood. Definitely a worthwhile listen, and it's always nice to have a reminder to look up from time to time to contemplate the heavens.

This is an extremely engaging and entertaining listen. It shouldn't be, since Mike Brown's career revolves around spotting tiny little moving dots among seas of other dots. Yes, those little dots are worlds, but we'll probably never see them as anything other than dots in our lifetimes. Against the odds, Brown's narrative successfully communicates the excitement of discovery. He also explains in a clear and articulate way why Pluto shouldn't be called a planet - and more importantly he makes you care!

My only gripe is that there's too much stuff about the author becoming a father. At first it seems fine, as he makes childbirth feel thematically coherent with the discovery of new worlds. But after an entire chapters was devoted to him goobering about his kid, I started to feel like I was being talked at by one of those parents who backs you into a corner at parties and drones about their kid's school grades. Enough! Thankfully, he recovers his sanity toward the end and remembers that he's writing a book about planets.


The reader is pitch perfect.

Interesting and engaging memoir of an astronomers trials and tribulations both in his career and personal life. Enjoyed it more that I thought I would!

I have been recommending this audio book to people. It gives a good look at the science behind why Pluto was "demoted." So many people allow their personal feelings to justify their stance with this subject and Mike Brown does a great job really explaining why everything happened.

This story is very well written and well performed. It was easy to listen to and follow. Mike Brown did a very good job describing the reasons behind Pluto becoming a dwarf planet. He had the potential to gain a lot by Pluto staying a planet so it really says something to me that he was willing to stand on the other side and agree that it really shouldn't be a full fledged planet.

Its hard to believe that a book about astronomy, by an astronomer, could stir up any emotion exceeding casual interest. Yet I found this book both entertaining and occasionally riveting. While intensely personal at times, the book is fundamentally about the passion of a driven scientist.While blessed with a position that allowed access to the best tools of the trade, what separates the author from the mainstream is his ability to make best use of what was available. This book straddles detail, but not of a technical variety, with an overview that is specific enough to keep it interesting. The key sub-story of academic intrigue is genuinely telling, as well as really gripping. I was thinking of buying the book to give to a nine year old that is excited by the subject, but I think think that the personal parts might put him off. Maybe next year.
It is not too long and plays well at double speed. All in all, well worth listening to.

YES! Now that is biased, as I have not read the written edition; however, this was a wonderful listen.

I do not have any at this time. This is THE best audio book I have EVER had the pleasure of listening to.

He is a great engaging vocalizer. I actually picture his voice as Mike Brown's.

Yes. I did both many times. Mike Brown is my new science crush.

Get this audio book. You will NOT be disappointed.