Eating the Sun

Small Musings on a Vast Universe

By: Ella Frances Sanders

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Length: 2 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

"Strong on science but just this side of poetry." (Nature)

An exploration of the principles, laws, and wonders that rule our universe, our world, and our daily lives, from the New York Times best-selling creator of Lost in Translation

Have you ever found yourself wondering what we might have in common with stars, or why the Moon never leaves us? Thinking about the precise dancing of planets, the passing of time, or the nature of natural things?

Our world is full of unshakable mystery, and although we live in a civilization more complicated than ever, there is simplicity and reassurance to be found in knowing how and why.

From the New York Times best-selling creator of Lost in Translation, Eating the Sun is a delicately existential, welcoming exploration of the universe - one that examines and marvels at the astonishing principles, laws, and phenomena that we exist alongside, that we sit within.

"[A] lyrical and luminous celebration of science and our consanguinity with the universe.... Playful and poignant." (Brain Pickings)

©2019 Ella Frances Sanders (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Sanders elucidates many of the wonders of our world.... Each inspiring snapshot feeds the curiosity of anyone interested in exploring the universe that we exist in and that exists in us." (Scientific American)

"With this pairing of witty illustrations and an open-weave narrative - strong on science but just this side of poetry - Ella Frances Sanders has penned a pocket-sized book vast in ambition." (Nature)

"Sanders beautifully personifies the universe with lyrical prose and whimsical color illustrations...poetic yet scientifically illuminating...Sanders renders [scientific] language both accessible and appealing to her audience. Even more importantly, she consistently captures a sense of awe and wonder at the universe, and ignites (or reignites) that same sense in the reader." (Publishers Weekly starred review)

"A wonder-filled excursion into the sometimes-baffling and formidable world of science.... Presenting information in a charming, conversational style, the author seeks to demystify science with panache.... A fun, accessible introduction to a variety of scientific topics that readers can explore further." (Kirkus Reviews)

"In this sweet and optimistic new book, author-illustrator Sanders explores the sweeping science of the universe and then breaks it down so that even right-brainers and hopeless romantics can comprehend.... Unique and delightful...Sanders’s marveling is inspiring and sure to be contagious, even for the least scientifically minded of readers." (Booklist)

"Wondrous.... Remarkable.... Read[s] like poetry.... [Sanders'] colorful drawings, like her writing, encourage a childlike awe. This slim but lyrical exploration of the universe elicits poetry and awe out of science." (Shelf Awareness for Readers)

Poetry

Someone complained about the narration; I love it! It’s read like poetry, not like a science text. Imogene Church has a lovely voice and diction, which makes it feel like poetry. It’s soothing and interesting, and I listen to it over and over again when I want to relax.

Outstanding! You will come out brighter!

Knowledge, sincerity, and a beautiful way to describe the world; will bring you more than what you want☺

A nice idea, but the execution is insufferable.

The seemingly random selection of scientific content is useful, for example, to use this audiobook to fall asleep to, but the narrator is absolutely painful to listen to. The narrator's overly enthusiastic rendition is utterly ridiculous, distracting and, frankly, insufferable. This unfortunate narration detracts from the collection of scientific information that is somewhat interesting.