The Pluto Files

The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet

By: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it's a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto's status, Americans rallied behind the extraterrestrial underdog.

The year of Pluto's discovery, Disney created an irresistible pup by the same name, and, as one NASA scientist put it, Pluto was "discovered by an American for America." Pluto is entrenched in our cultural, patriotic view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is on a quest to discover why.

©2009 Neil deGrasse Tyson (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A lighthearted look at the planet....Presents the medicine of hard science with a sugarcoating of lightness and humor." ( Publishers Weekly)

We love you Neil!

Neil brings fun to the history of Pluto. As a fan of Pluto who was originally very upset about the demotion, I was angry with Neil. But after this book, I forgive you Neil.

Entertaining Educational Read even for Pluto Lover

Like many, I was disappointed when I learned Pluto was demoted to Dwarf Planet. Though this was based on sentiment, not science. And I had NO IDEA what drama went on behind the scenes. I LOVED this book and it's entertaining, lighthearted approach to this controversial decision. I learned so much about Pluto and other planets in the process. No matter what side of the "Is Pluto a Planet" debate you find yourself, I recommend this book, especially the Audible version. I'm glad Dr. Tyson does not narrate because his voice is sometimes too deep for me to hear clearly with headphones.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader

A book that sounds defensive by a human who should know better. I’m a huge fan of the man, but this is not his greatest work. Listen to some of his other books first.

It's Not a Planet - Get Over It

NdGT really comes through on this one. He makes a fantastic case for Pluto's downgrading in 2006 (which he was a very large part of). He also makes it clear that he did not make the decision lightly, and he also shows us how much flak he caught for it - both from scientists and the general public. He does this deftly, with brilliance and humor throughout. High recommendations.

Pluto's fall from grace

An interesting read on how educated people can get wrapped up in nostalgia and labeling things. The exposure over the Pluto declassification as a plant certainly stocked the discussion on scientific topics.

Very self aggrandizing, not enough about Pluto

I was really hoping to learn more about Pluto. While learning when and why it was demoted to dwarf planet was interesting enough as a part of the story, I didn’t feel like I learned as much as I’d hoped about actual Pluto. It felt like A LOT of justification for Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and not enough education of the subject.

New Science, Who Dis?

I was surprised by the backlash rhe public had to the demotion of Pluto as a planet. The decision was really a no-brainer. I do realize change is hard, and there is nostalgia about what you learned in grade school. But, frankly, most of the science you learned in grade school has progressed, or may now even be obsolete. Especially, if it came from an old book. Oh, and, much like medical decisions they don't understand, lawmakers should stay away from science they don't understand.

However, I'm absolutely APPALLED at all the so-called "scientists" who were soooo adamant that Pluto is a planet. You are acting like fools, and I hope you are now embarrassed by your behavior. There is NO place for nostalgia is science. It was only a matter of time that we would learn something new about our solar system. This is the whole point of science! New discoveries are made!

Vocal Scientists who fought for Pluto the Planet: Are you so rooted in your beliefs that you can't fathom new nomenclature for new discoveries? (I highly doubt that all the biologists get together to vote at an international convention, every single time a new species of plant or animal is discovered.) Based on your logic, I'm surprised you're not still pissed off that Fire is no longer considered an Element? Are you so arrogant that you think you've got all the universe figured out? If so, you definitely should not be a scientist. And, FYI, history doesn't tend to "celebrate" scientists that insist on hanging on to their antiquated beliefs in the face of new discoveries. You acted like fools.

Clearly the museum was ahead of it's time. Though, to be clear, the museum exhibit never actually downgraded Pluto. This was a misinterpretation of the exhibit by those who don't know how to think outside their grade school training, along with hype and misreporting from the media.

Rare enjoyable lighthearted educational experience.

Pluto is not a planet. Pluto is a planet. First world issues and likely causing trauma to some.

Great experience. Great narrator and narration. Comical and lighthearted. Education to the process that lead to reclassification. No spoilers here as this serves as a chronological historical account as well.

Great work from a brilliant mind.

A Great Value

If you are looking for a science textbook (as some reviewers of Dr. Tyson's other book seem to be) this is not for you.

However, if you are looking for something enjoyable you can't wrong for the price Audible is offering this book for. It really is a steal at around, 5 dollars . . . I mean, Unabridged for less than 10? It is (as of this writing) more expensive to buy the real book!

There is little "advanced" science in this book (most of it you will likely know from middle school), so if you are looking for something to make you "Mr. Smart Pants" in front of your friends, again, not the book for you.

What you will find in it is a lot of history of science, comments on how we present science to the public, and observations on how the public views science. Dr. Tyson writes it all with wit and charm, which the narrator brings off with a degree of skill.

If you are looking to be entertained this audiobook is a good choice, and as a bonus you might even take away some new ideas on how information is presented.

Just as Expected

I only bought it because it was on sale for 2$ and I got my money’s worth. If you like pop-astronomy you’ll be interested; if you don’t, you won’t.

Over all it was dry, but because it was short it wasn’t so bad. Some boring parts, some interesting factoids….

I don’t have a whole lot to say on this one!