The End of Everything

(Astrophysically Speaking)

By: Katie Mack

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Katie Mack

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK * AN NPR SCIENCE FRIDAY BOOK CLUB SELECTION* NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST, THE ECONOMIST, NEW SCIENTIST, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, and THE GUARDIAN

From the cohost of the podcast The Universe with John Green and one of the most dynamic stars in astrophysics, an “engrossing, elegant” (The New York Times) look at five ways the universe could end, and the mind-blowing lessons each scenario reveals about the most important concepts in cosmology.

We know the universe had a beginning. With the Big Bang, it expanded from a state of unimaginable density to an all-encompassing cosmic fireball to a simmering fluid of matter and energy, laying down the seeds for everything from black holes to one rocky planet orbiting a star near the edge of a spiral galaxy that happened to develop life as we know it. But what happens to the universe at the end of the story? And what does it mean for us now?

Dr. Katie Mack has been contemplating these questions since she was a young student, when her astronomy professor informed her the universe could end at any moment, in an instant. This revelation set her on the path toward theoretical astrophysics. Now, with lively wit and humor, she takes us on a mind-bending tour through five of the cosmos’s possible finales: the Big Crunch, Heat Death, the Big Rip, Vacuum Decay (the one that could happen at any moment!), and the Bounce. Guiding us through cutting-edge science and major concepts in quantum mechanics, cosmology, string theory, and much more, The End of Everything is a wildly fun, surprisingly upbeat ride to the farthest reaches of all that we know.

Critic reviews

"While forecasting the death of the universe may seem morbid, this audiobook, written by astrophysicist Katie Mack and narrated primarily by Gabra Zackman, is surprisingly fun and informative. Mack delivers the introduction, in which she introduces listeners to her field of study, along with some of its basic concepts and terminology. Mack's enthusiasm and wry sense of humor set the tone for the rest of the audiobook. Zackman then delivers the five major theories on how the universe could end. . . . [She] channels Mack's personality while leading listeners on a jaunty tour of the astrophysical end of everything."

Loved the content

I really enjoyed the content of this book and the writing was spot on, however i think a different narrator would have made it an easier listen… or an incredibly ingenious marketing ploy… although I could not listen to the audiobook I did go out and get the paperback copy.! Well worth the read.

Unexpectedly profound

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it’s one of the few if not the only non-fiction book that made me sad to realize it was over. I was attracted to the title by the subject matter: thinking about the beginning and the end of the universe has always been an interesting idea for me. But Katie Mack goes deeper - she spends the end of the book reflecting on why this study matters at all, and ends with a beautiful philosophical reflection.

what an amazing journey

I have good time letting my mind to wonder with this book, and at the end, the beautiful peaceful sensation of living this life in this universe as it comes, and fully. at the end it doesn't matter. Just majestic understand that with this book, it make me fully appreciate life and my personal existence

This book changed my life

I can't adequately describe in words how important this book is to me. I loved it! it's got a Carl Sagan flavor with cutting edge knowledge. I bought the hardbound vers to read and I'm now binge reading it a second time.

Wish the Author had Narrated the Entire Book

I understand Katie Mack is not a professional narrator and she likely has other, more scientific things competing for her time, but I really enjoyed her narration and wish it continued past the first chapter.

That being said, Gabra Zackman did an excellent job, and the book is very good.
I’m going to listen to it again, both because I enjoyed it and because I’m a bit out of my depth astrophysically speaking.