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Letters from an Astrophysicist  By  cover art

Letters from an Astrophysicist

By: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrated by: Neil deGrasse Tyson,full cast
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Join the galactic conversation on the biggest issues in the universe.

"Don't fear change. Don't fear failure. The only thing to fear is loss of ambition. But if you've got plenty of that, then you have nothing to fear at all." (Neil deGrasse Tyson)

Neil deGrasse Tyson is arguably the most influential, acclaimed scientist on the planet. As director of the Hayden Planetarium, and host of Cosmos and StarTalk, he has dedicated his life to exploring and explaining the mysteries of the universe.

Every year, he receives thousands of letters – from students to prisoners, scientists to priests. Some seek advice, others yearn for inspiration; some are full of despair, others burst with wonder. But they are all searching for understanding, meaning and truth.

His replies are by turns wise, funny, and mind-blowing. In this, his most personal book by far, he covers everything from God to the history of science, from aliens to death. He bares his soul – his passions, his doubts, his hopes. The big theme is everywhere: what is our place in the universe?

The result is an awe-inspiring listen and an intimate portal into an incredible mind, which reveals the power of the universe to start conversations and inspire curiosity in all of us.

©2019 Neil deGrasse Tyson (P)2019 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Letters from an Astrophysicist

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Inspires curiosity

Love the different perspectives, even though I'm religious it's always nice listening to perspectives that is different from my own it gives a greater picture of the world from a new point of few.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Tim
  • 10-31-19

Disappointing

Whilst some letters clear up some fairly obvious floors in standard common sense, there's little here beyond that. No in depth extrapolation on a point that would truly reward the curiosity of those who've written to him, despite the questions often being a little basic. I find Neil a very interesting character, so I was hoping for more.

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  • Simon Meikle
  • 01-02-20

Funny, insightful and touching.

Loved this book. It was as funny and informative as Professor Tyson's best work giving the listener a glimpse into the makeup of the people of the world and a look behind the curtain into the core of Professor Tyson.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 10-27-19

Lessons,answers and advice

Hello,

I’ve found the book to be touching personal matters, day to day quest of people who have been or going through life asking mr Neil drGrasse Tyson al sorts of questions and advice.

Thank you for sharing I really enjoyed the book.

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  • John Szwec
  • 10-29-19

Awful

Not sure who this is for but he is a poor man's Brian Cox. Or maybe America's Brian Cox....Awful. Just a ruse to make money from his inbox....Don't bother .

1 person found this helpful

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  • MamaSamaki
  • 11-29-22

OMG

The BoB slam… worth a credit alone. Commute is going to be a lot less inspiring, am already looking for the next instalment. Best to you Neil

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 09-26-22

The Essence of Neil deGrasse Tyson

I've listened to several of Neil's books and watched many of his YouTube videos, so I was a fan before finding this audiobook. Even so, this one blew me away because, in reading a selection of his past letters and emails, Neil brings his personality, his humanity and his strong belief in education right to the front of the presentation.

My favourite "story" in this book is the one about the man who gave away his old telescope to a wide-eyed 12 year old girl. You should buy this just for that 1 minute of audio as far as I'm concerned.

Thank you Neil for everything you do for the world of science education. Your balanced, honest, forthright and well-informed approach is both original and powerful.

By now, it's obvious that I like this audiobook. So I'll just say - if you like Neil already, you have to listen to this one!

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 03-28-22

Fantastic

Once I started, it was hard to stop. Most of this book is as it sounds, letters to Dr Tyson and his reply to those letters. However to get a glimps into the burning questions others have for such a man is entertainingly eye opening. It may not be for everyone but I loved it.

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  • L Mc
  • 07-13-21

Majority of questions irrelvant to astronomy

Maybe i didnt read the blurb properly but the questions proposed to neil are almost entirely unrelated to astronomy.. many things most people wont care about, personally disappointed.

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  • Ash Clatworthy
  • 12-17-20

A beautiful book that had me crying throughout.

This is incredible. Touching and informative. Written and read by one of the worlds most inspirational men.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 11-23-20

Insightful.

To be honest I didn't know what to expect when i fist picked up this audiobook. But at the end of it I was glad that I did.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 01-29-21

Informative listening!

This book was informative and at times, emotive. It gave a simplified real world view on astrophysics that anyone can understand and relate to

1 person found this helpful

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  • Manoj Goriga
  • 12-04-19

letters of knowledge

thank you Neil for sharing the letters you received, you are awesome and inspire many.
your distance relative,
Manoj Goriga.❤️

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  • rehoszvm
  • 11-13-19

Too Arrogant.

Neil may think he is doing the science community some form of justice by disproving illiterate or uneducated writers presumptions but really he is coming off as arrogant and ultimately rude. There are better cosmos books out there. Pass.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 12-12-22

Great short listen

Great listen for an afternoon if you if the car or anything else around the home

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  • Michael D.
  • 12-06-22

not what I expected.

I didn't get particularly far through, your mileage might be better than mine. good luck

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  • Leesa
  • 09-12-22

Great listen.

Before I knew it I was at the end. Very enjoyable. Highly recommend. Now to find my next Neil listen.

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  • Almah Tararia
  • 12-19-19

Highly recommended reading/audiobook

Loved it! My intro to Neil deGrasse Tyson. A thoroughly enjoyable and learning listening experience.