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Space Is Cool as F*ck
Packed with wild art and mind-blowing space facts, this book proves how awesome the universe is—and that space is for everyone.
From astrophysics to rocket science to the future of space exploration, Space Is Cool as F*ck explains everything you thought you’d never understand about the universe in plain-old filthy English. We’re talking Big Bang, aliens, black holes, time travel, degenerate astronomers, and all the fundamental things you take for granted until you stop and think (like matter—what is this sh*t, really?).
Alongside the knowledge bombs are 100 wild illustrations, photographs, and original artwork from 40 young international artists curated by Brooklyn designer Cynthia Larenas. Space Is Cool as F*ck also offers an in-depth and illuminating interview with everyone’s favorite TV scientist and head of the Planetary Society, Bill Nye the Science Guy. Space is awesome, space is absolutely bananas, and space is for everyone.
From astrophysics to rocket science to the future of space exploration, Space Is Cool as F*ck explains everything you thought you’d never understand about the universe in plain-old filthy English. We’re talking Big Bang, aliens, black holes, time travel, degenerate astronomers, and all the fundamental things you take for granted until you stop and think (like matter—what is this sh*t, really?).
Alongside the knowledge bombs are 100 wild illustrations, photographs, and original artwork from 40 young international artists curated by Brooklyn designer Cynthia Larenas. Space Is Cool as F*ck also offers an in-depth and illuminating interview with everyone’s favorite TV scientist and head of the Planetary Society, Bill Nye the Science Guy. Space is awesome, space is absolutely bananas, and space is for everyone.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published February 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 12, 2021
"Daydreaming, day breathing
Keep thinking it's you
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too
Daydreaming, you're making
The sins of my truth
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too" - Daydreaming by RKCB
When I think of space I like to close my eyes and disappear. This book made me cackle out loud. In multiple public spaces. It gave my mind a minute to take a break from the nonsense of everyday life. It was quirky and funny and there was soo much cursing. I don't want to quote it because I don't want to get flagged. As a quiet space/ science freak this was perfect. I didn't learn much but I always love a pop culture spin on things I have learned over the years. My only complaint is I wish it was longer. I have already gifted the book to my friend and once she receives her copy in the mail I am sure she will love it too. Happy reading everyone. XOXO
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy.
Keep thinking it's you
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too
Daydreaming, you're making
The sins of my truth
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too" - Daydreaming by RKCB
When I think of space I like to close my eyes and disappear. This book made me cackle out loud. In multiple public spaces. It gave my mind a minute to take a break from the nonsense of everyday life. It was quirky and funny and there was soo much cursing. I don't want to quote it because I don't want to get flagged. As a quiet space/ science freak this was perfect. I didn't learn much but I always love a pop culture spin on things I have learned over the years. My only complaint is I wish it was longer. I have already gifted the book to my friend and once she receives her copy in the mail I am sure she will love it too. Happy reading everyone. XOXO
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy.
Read
January 31, 2018Review to come.
But for now... entertaining and well put-together, this is a gorgeous book, stunning decoration, and interesting conversation piece.
Space-related science explained by space nuts for space nuts, in a colloquial manner that so many science and space titles don't have.
If you're a long-time fan of space, there are still bound to be new things here to read (as well as oldies but goodies rephrased in new and profanity-laden ways), and if you've always thought space was cool but haven't looked into it in much depth some articles might take some extra work to grasp, but the majority is accessible and entertaining.
But for now... entertaining and well put-together, this is a gorgeous book, stunning decoration, and interesting conversation piece.
Space-related science explained by space nuts for space nuts, in a colloquial manner that so many science and space titles don't have.
If you're a long-time fan of space, there are still bound to be new things here to read (as well as oldies but goodies rephrased in new and profanity-laden ways), and if you've always thought space was cool but haven't looked into it in much depth some articles might take some extra work to grasp, but the majority is accessible and entertaining.
May 16, 2023
You would think that with a title like "Space Is Cool As Fuck" I would have expected this book's cursing... and yet, here I am, feeling like it was a bit much.
Me. The girl who REGULARLY gets scolding comments on my reviews for my language choices. LOL
I don't know if it was the reader, who was Just! So! Fucking! Excited! About! Motherfucking! Space! or if it was just how it was written, but it just didn't hit the right note for me. It seemed like it was trying SO HARD to be edgy and cool and came across feeling like...
Otherwise, it was OK. Not terrible. It's like 3 hours long though, and it still took me two days to finish.
Bill Nye was interviewed for it, and the original podcast audio was included, so that was cool.
But there are far better, more in-depth, more detailed, more interesting astronomy books out there than this one. Saturn got a chapter that was basically calling it out for being so over the top pretty and making the narrator jealous, and that was it. Nothing about how the rings formed or what they are made of. Nothing about what the planet is composed of. Nothing ABOUT Saturn at all. Just negging it for its appearance, and then that was it. Next chapter.
There was also quite a bit of repetitive info, some things that were glossed over, and just... some really odd choices about what this book presented and how. It seemed like it wanted to be accessible as an entry point to astronomy, but didn't actually present that information in a way that would make me want to learn more, or even left me feeling like I had learned anything.
Here are two other intro-style astronomy books that I would recommend instead of this one:
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Bad Astronomy
Anyway... I didn't HATE it, but I do wish I had gotten it from the library instead.
Me. The girl who REGULARLY gets scolding comments on my reviews for my language choices. LOL
I don't know if it was the reader, who was Just! So! Fucking! Excited! About! Motherfucking! Space! or if it was just how it was written, but it just didn't hit the right note for me. It seemed like it was trying SO HARD to be edgy and cool and came across feeling like...
Otherwise, it was OK. Not terrible. It's like 3 hours long though, and it still took me two days to finish.
Bill Nye was interviewed for it, and the original podcast audio was included, so that was cool.
But there are far better, more in-depth, more detailed, more interesting astronomy books out there than this one. Saturn got a chapter that was basically calling it out for being so over the top pretty and making the narrator jealous, and that was it. Nothing about how the rings formed or what they are made of. Nothing about what the planet is composed of. Nothing ABOUT Saturn at all. Just negging it for its appearance, and then that was it. Next chapter.
There was also quite a bit of repetitive info, some things that were glossed over, and just... some really odd choices about what this book presented and how. It seemed like it wanted to be accessible as an entry point to astronomy, but didn't actually present that information in a way that would make me want to learn more, or even left me feeling like I had learned anything.
Here are two other intro-style astronomy books that I would recommend instead of this one:
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Bad Astronomy
Anyway... I didn't HATE it, but I do wish I had gotten it from the library instead.
October 24, 2021
Particularly loved Bill Nye's section. Low key wish he was my dad.
November 14, 2020
I was disappointed in this book. I requested an ARC of it so that my 13 y/o son and I could both look it over since he loves anything science and space related. I expected cussing, but it's one of those books that goes way over the top in trying to be cool and the result is that cussing is more the star than space. Every few pages there's a text box with the caption "Check this sh*t out!" and then there are sections like "MATTER: What the f*ck is all this sh*t?" (not censored in the book) and sentences like "So anyway, if matter is just a clusterf*ck of atoms...". It gets old.
There are some great photos but there's also a ton of weird modern art that I guess is supposed to represent space, and fluff like a gratuitous (very long) interview and fan piece about Bill Nye. Bill Nye is a master of his own PR but he's not an expert on space or any type of science. His degrees are honorary other than a bachelors in mechanical engineering. He's a TV star who is really good at self promotion, and I was surprised to see the author fan-girling about him in a book that's supposed to be about space. Bill Nye, ever the respected "scientist" answered some of the questions about the Big Bang with lines like "Nobody knows, man." In response to a question about whether we're all f*cked because of global warming, he answered that you have to be optimistic or "you ain't gonna do nothin'" but that "a lot of us are f*cked." He also says that archeologists have proof that the slaves who built the pyramids weren't really slaves because "everyone was just into it" and they were provided with food and tents and stuff (he says he knows this because one of his science writers from his tv show found a bunch of records and we can trust him because he now works for Microsoft). WTAF? I don't even know what to say to that.
Shrug. The short bursts of information and heavy use of graphics and swearing will appeal to some, but it's not a book I'd recommend. The author is trying to sell books by inserting every four-letter word she knows every other sentence in order to seem cool. Frankly, space is cool enough not to need that and the book would have been better if it was the main star.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
There are some great photos but there's also a ton of weird modern art that I guess is supposed to represent space, and fluff like a gratuitous (very long) interview and fan piece about Bill Nye. Bill Nye is a master of his own PR but he's not an expert on space or any type of science. His degrees are honorary other than a bachelors in mechanical engineering. He's a TV star who is really good at self promotion, and I was surprised to see the author fan-girling about him in a book that's supposed to be about space. Bill Nye, ever the respected "scientist" answered some of the questions about the Big Bang with lines like "Nobody knows, man." In response to a question about whether we're all f*cked because of global warming, he answered that you have to be optimistic or "you ain't gonna do nothin'" but that "a lot of us are f*cked." He also says that archeologists have proof that the slaves who built the pyramids weren't really slaves because "everyone was just into it" and they were provided with food and tents and stuff (he says he knows this because one of his science writers from his tv show found a bunch of records and we can trust him because he now works for Microsoft). WTAF? I don't even know what to say to that.
Shrug. The short bursts of information and heavy use of graphics and swearing will appeal to some, but it's not a book I'd recommend. The author is trying to sell books by inserting every four-letter word she knows every other sentence in order to seem cool. Frankly, space is cool enough not to need that and the book would have been better if it was the main star.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
November 7, 2020
"Space is for everyone" we're told – well this book isn't. For t*ssers who feel the need to f**king swear every mutha-second. Punctuated by completely spurious visualisations, where echt space imagery gets replaced by some kind of modern art adoption of the same, every paragraph, every title, every box-out has to have some cussing in – and here, the C-word does not mean "comet". I seldom dip to giving a one star, as that under any rating can only mean the worst of the worst, and it is indeed hard to work out how this ever got greenlit. It makes you feel dirty – as if the child snickering at school about the name Uranus was down a K-hole for his space science exam.
Leave "cool as f**k" to Inspiral Carpets T-shirts.
Leave "cool as f**k" to Inspiral Carpets T-shirts.
November 5, 2021
"Daydreaming, day breathing
Keep thinking it's you
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too
Daydreaming, you're making
The sins of my truth
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too" = Daydreaming by RKCB
When I think of space I like to close my eyes and disappear. This book made me cackle out loud. In multiple public spaces. It gave my mind a minute to take a break from the nonsense of everyday life. It was quirky and funny and there was soo much cursing. I don't want to quote it because I don't want to get flagged. As a quiet space/ science freak this was perfect. I didn't learn much but I always love a pop culture spin on things I have learned over the years. My only complaint is I wish it was longer. I have already gifted the book to my friend and once she receives her copy in the mail I am sure she will love it too. Happy reading everyone. XOXO
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy.
Keep thinking it's you
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too
Daydreaming, you're making
The sins of my truth
Daydreaming, you're feeling it too" = Daydreaming by RKCB
When I think of space I like to close my eyes and disappear. This book made me cackle out loud. In multiple public spaces. It gave my mind a minute to take a break from the nonsense of everyday life. It was quirky and funny and there was soo much cursing. I don't want to quote it because I don't want to get flagged. As a quiet space/ science freak this was perfect. I didn't learn much but I always love a pop culture spin on things I have learned over the years. My only complaint is I wish it was longer. I have already gifted the book to my friend and once she receives her copy in the mail I am sure she will love it too. Happy reading everyone. XOXO
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy.
October 14, 2021
I enjoyed this one! I was listening to it on a long drive and got to learn more about space. It was broken down into bite size chapters and it was very easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the part where they interviewed Bill Nye. He is such a great guy and it was cool to hear him talk about something he loves.
February 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is such a cool book. I don't know how else to put it other than that. I don't really know much about space outside of what we were taught in school, but now I kind of want to learn more thanks to this. It's easy to read and it's fun, and it's also filled with gorgeous art throughout.
This is such a cool book. I don't know how else to put it other than that. I don't really know much about space outside of what we were taught in school, but now I kind of want to learn more thanks to this. It's easy to read and it's fun, and it's also filled with gorgeous art throughout.
January 12, 2018
Edit 1/12/18: How is it that even now there are only 2 reviews for this book????? What?! This is such a cool book! The art and information is so creatively presented and plus its so fucking sleek!!! What!!! People of Australia - you need to be proud of this author!!!
12/16/17
So I only found this book through a random post on Jay Kristoff’s instagram (author of Godsgrave and co-author of Illuminae), I immediately fell in love with those 3 little picture posts of this book and immediately wanted to find out where it sold here in the US. Alas, like space it was a fucking mystery. And the only retailers were from Australia! By some luck, my husband actually found an online retailer from Australia that ships to the US. SOOO shout out to Abbey’s Bookshop because you guys are the reason this book is sitting under our Christmas tree waiting to be read!!!!! Will update review after Christmas!!! Wooo!!! xoxo to my husband who is reading this!
12/16/17
So I only found this book through a random post on Jay Kristoff’s instagram (author of Godsgrave and co-author of Illuminae), I immediately fell in love with those 3 little picture posts of this book and immediately wanted to find out where it sold here in the US. Alas, like space it was a fucking mystery. And the only retailers were from Australia! By some luck, my husband actually found an online retailer from Australia that ships to the US. SOOO shout out to Abbey’s Bookshop because you guys are the reason this book is sitting under our Christmas tree waiting to be read!!!!! Will update review after Christmas!!! Wooo!!! xoxo to my husband who is reading this!
January 14, 2021
I mean, is there a more perfect book for me?
1) I love swears
2) I love space
3) I swear when I talk about space because I am *excited*
4) I am excited about this book. It's fucking cool.
There are rad fact about our universe, beautiful artwork, some weird as fuck illustrations, and an interview with Bill Nye. I learned things. I laughed. Because space is cool as fuck.
1) I love swears
2) I love space
3) I swear when I talk about space because I am *excited*
4) I am excited about this book. It's fucking cool.
There are rad fact about our universe, beautiful artwork, some weird as fuck illustrations, and an interview with Bill Nye. I learned things. I laughed. Because space is cool as fuck.
November 2, 2021
5/5 Funny and Informative!
This is a review of the audiobook version of this book.
First off, This is not going to be for everyone. I think it's pretty obvious but some of the reviews say otherwise. F*ck is part of the book title so you can kind of assume there's going to be a lot of cussing in the book. Now that that's out of the way, I loved this! I really loved the interview with Bill Nye and the narrator was very entertaining all the way through this book as well! I usually don't like lots of cussing for comedy purposes (or really cussing in general because I have the brain of a five-year-old and still say heck and frick lol) but this wasn't too cringey and I actually enjoyed the comedy it brought. I don't think I would like the physical copy near as much but I will probably add it to my collection at one point because of how much I enjoyed this.
I recommend this to anyone who likes space even just a little bit! Space kinda freaks me out sometimes but this book didn't make me uncomfortable at all and it reminded me of how much I used to love science (that will change once I start my first science class next term). This wasn't a long book at all and it didn't sound weird sped up so for fast-paced lovers out there this is a quick 2-3 hour listen for you. I think middle-adult readers are probably going to enjoy this the most but you never know with books. <3
Disclaimer: I received an advance ARC copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook version of this book.
First off, This is not going to be for everyone. I think it's pretty obvious but some of the reviews say otherwise. F*ck is part of the book title so you can kind of assume there's going to be a lot of cussing in the book. Now that that's out of the way, I loved this! I really loved the interview with Bill Nye and the narrator was very entertaining all the way through this book as well! I usually don't like lots of cussing for comedy purposes (or really cussing in general because I have the brain of a five-year-old and still say heck and frick lol) but this wasn't too cringey and I actually enjoyed the comedy it brought. I don't think I would like the physical copy near as much but I will probably add it to my collection at one point because of how much I enjoyed this.
I recommend this to anyone who likes space even just a little bit! Space kinda freaks me out sometimes but this book didn't make me uncomfortable at all and it reminded me of how much I used to love science (that will change once I start my first science class next term). This wasn't a long book at all and it didn't sound weird sped up so for fast-paced lovers out there this is a quick 2-3 hour listen for you. I think middle-adult readers are probably going to enjoy this the most but you never know with books. <3
Disclaimer: I received an advance ARC copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
Thank you Netgalley, Kate Howells and Andrews McMeel Audio for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book. It was "cool as f*ck". This was an extremely informative, really quick listen. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the interview with Bill Nye. That was probably my favorite part. I do think, however, that it would be better read as a hardcover, print edition as I know this book includes pictures. Pictures would have made this book even better. Although the audio was great.
The language in this book won't be for everyone, but I loved it. I have the mouth of a sailor myself, so this was right up my alley. And hearing Bill Nye, the science guy, actually drop an F-bomb was PRICELESS!
I've already ordered my hardcover copy from Amazon. Space really is cool as f*ck.
I loved this book. It was "cool as f*ck". This was an extremely informative, really quick listen. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the interview with Bill Nye. That was probably my favorite part. I do think, however, that it would be better read as a hardcover, print edition as I know this book includes pictures. Pictures would have made this book even better. Although the audio was great.
The language in this book won't be for everyone, but I loved it. I have the mouth of a sailor myself, so this was right up my alley. And hearing Bill Nye, the science guy, actually drop an F-bomb was PRICELESS!
I've already ordered my hardcover copy from Amazon. Space really is cool as f*ck.
December 28, 2021
I am fascinated by everything space so this was a cool book for me. With amazing facts about space (I didn't know there were lifeforms around Venus!), this book was a treat.
Of course, you cannot read it with your teenager. But you can always read it yourself and explain it all to them without expletives :)
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Of course, you cannot read it with your teenager. But you can always read it yourself and explain it all to them without expletives :)
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 20, 2021
This book does exactly what it says on the tin! It is a foul mouthed look at the beauty and wonder of space, told in bitesized chunks that I really enjoyed. It is also full of gorgeous artwork, from photos of the planets to great cartoons. Dealing with a wide range of fascinating topics, the book never feels like it is talking down to the reader and assumes a certain level of intelligence, without ever straying too far into jargon or territory that a layperson can't get to grips with. Overall, I thought this was a great book and I just wish it were a bit longer!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2021
My review feels almost hypocritical, but there really is a time and place for the overuse of cuss words apparently. I never thought I’d find myself thinking that the word “f***k” drew from content, but in this book it really did. Which sucks, because the material was presented well for just about anyone to read.
October 29, 2021
“Space is Cool as F*ck” by Kate Howells a delightful dip into the vast diversity of all things space. This book is written to be enjoyable for everyone, from space newb to space nerd. It is often schtick to use a profanity word in the title to shock and grab readers, and then to insert swearing with such enthusiasm that the words begin to lose all meaning. Thankfully, this is *not* that case! Yes, the F dash dash dash makes a regular cameo, but I did not find it overabused or too distracting.
So why is this book worth your time? The ubiquitous influence of Space is everywhere today: pop culture, geopolitics, global commerce, commercial businesses, academia… name a component of modern earthbound life and we can draw a direct tie to space. This book explores the various theories of the start of our universe, the expansiveness of space, and what the inevitable end(s) may be. It also takes on black holes (gravity whores), UFOs and aliens, interstellar travel, as well as antimatter, dark matter, and dark energy. Each topic presented in a hilarious and digestible narrative that makes it easy to understand and contemplate - no PhD in Astrophysics required!
Lastly, I read this one via the audiobook which includes an interview with Bill Nye, podcast style. Arguably, this was my favorite part of the audiobook! His take on conspiracy theories about whether we are living in a simulation and whether or not we have UFOs and aliens visiting earth gave me true giggle fits.
I rated this audiobook 4/5, as a strong primer about space for non-space people.
Thank you to Netgallery for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback.
So why is this book worth your time? The ubiquitous influence of Space is everywhere today: pop culture, geopolitics, global commerce, commercial businesses, academia… name a component of modern earthbound life and we can draw a direct tie to space. This book explores the various theories of the start of our universe, the expansiveness of space, and what the inevitable end(s) may be. It also takes on black holes (gravity whores), UFOs and aliens, interstellar travel, as well as antimatter, dark matter, and dark energy. Each topic presented in a hilarious and digestible narrative that makes it easy to understand and contemplate - no PhD in Astrophysics required!
Lastly, I read this one via the audiobook which includes an interview with Bill Nye, podcast style. Arguably, this was my favorite part of the audiobook! His take on conspiracy theories about whether we are living in a simulation and whether or not we have UFOs and aliens visiting earth gave me true giggle fits.
I rated this audiobook 4/5, as a strong primer about space for non-space people.
Thank you to Netgallery for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback.
October 1, 2021
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Audio review: engaging narrator who struck the right tone for the book.
Book review: I 'read' this in one sitting. It was fun. If you're looking for something that really delves into the subject, this is not the book for you. Likewise if you're looking for an easy book about astro physics for a teen or child, it's probably not the one you want given all the swearing (honestly the clue is in the title on that one.) However, as a tasting room of facts about space for people who don't (and will probably never) have the maths to really understand astro physics, this is a cool book. It's light and entertaining, with easily digestible chunks of space facts. I can understand people being annoyed that it never really delves deep into the subject - and in all honesty if I had bought the book rather than been given an arc, I may have felt similarly aggrieved - but it's not for the target audience who want to know more and get to grip with the maths. Or at least not by itself. There is a passage in the introduction that explains this and recommends further reading on all subjects. As a sampler buffet of physics delights however, I really enjoyed this one.
Audio review: engaging narrator who struck the right tone for the book.
Book review: I 'read' this in one sitting. It was fun. If you're looking for something that really delves into the subject, this is not the book for you. Likewise if you're looking for an easy book about astro physics for a teen or child, it's probably not the one you want given all the swearing (honestly the clue is in the title on that one.) However, as a tasting room of facts about space for people who don't (and will probably never) have the maths to really understand astro physics, this is a cool book. It's light and entertaining, with easily digestible chunks of space facts. I can understand people being annoyed that it never really delves deep into the subject - and in all honesty if I had bought the book rather than been given an arc, I may have felt similarly aggrieved - but it's not for the target audience who want to know more and get to grip with the maths. Or at least not by itself. There is a passage in the introduction that explains this and recommends further reading on all subjects. As a sampler buffet of physics delights however, I really enjoyed this one.
November 4, 2021
This book was strange but kind of awesome. I listened to the audiobook, which I don't think was as interesting as the physical version because I wasn't able to see all the artwork. It was cool to listen to the interview with Bill Nye (the Science Guy).
It gives a well-paced overview of space stuff, simplifies really complex theories, and gets readers excited to learn more. There are a lot of swear words, which I think are meant to make a book about pretty heavy scientific topics seem more casual. There were also some fun anecdotes that usually don't make it into more highbrow articles/books about space.
The only issue I can see with this book is the incredibly narrow audience. I think this would make a cool coffee table book for someone in their 20s or 30s (as long as they don't have kids who can read), or someone who is older and has an interest in space but hasn't done much reading up on it and doesn't have a sciency background. So with that in mind, take the negative reviews with a grain of salt - if you fit into the slim target audience of this book, you'll love it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
It gives a well-paced overview of space stuff, simplifies really complex theories, and gets readers excited to learn more. There are a lot of swear words, which I think are meant to make a book about pretty heavy scientific topics seem more casual. There were also some fun anecdotes that usually don't make it into more highbrow articles/books about space.
The only issue I can see with this book is the incredibly narrow audience. I think this would make a cool coffee table book for someone in their 20s or 30s (as long as they don't have kids who can read), or someone who is older and has an interest in space but hasn't done much reading up on it and doesn't have a sciency background. So with that in mind, take the negative reviews with a grain of salt - if you fit into the slim target audience of this book, you'll love it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2021
Space is Cool as Fuck explains space, the suspected origins of the universe and various objects in our solar system, potential future space explorations, and more in a language accessible for those who aren’t scientists. As you might guess from the title, the book also includes lots of cussing. The book also includes an interview with Bill Nye.
This book definitely makes learning about space fun. I enjoyed getting to hear the actual interview between the author and Bill Nye in the audiobook version of the book. The trade-off is that it is disappointing to miss out on the 100 pictures/illustrations contained in the printed copy of the book. I didn’t realize until coming to leave this review that there were pictures in the book, so I immediate tracked down a copy of the regular book so I could see the pictures. Some were breathtaking; some were geometrical, and some, I’m not sure what I was looking at. They certainly add another dimension to the book that you miss out on by listening to the audio version.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
This book definitely makes learning about space fun. I enjoyed getting to hear the actual interview between the author and Bill Nye in the audiobook version of the book. The trade-off is that it is disappointing to miss out on the 100 pictures/illustrations contained in the printed copy of the book. I didn’t realize until coming to leave this review that there were pictures in the book, so I immediate tracked down a copy of the regular book so I could see the pictures. Some were breathtaking; some were geometrical, and some, I’m not sure what I was looking at. They certainly add another dimension to the book that you miss out on by listening to the audio version.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
October 4, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Space is Cool as F*ck. I work in the space industry and this book didn't hold any new knowledge for me, but it was still explained in a manner that was fun and engaging. This is not a children's book (as the title would suggest), but more of a young adult/adult's high-level guide with what the f*ck is going on with space and why exploring the stars and beyond is important. This book covers all the basics of space in an easy-to-understand way that made it easy to consume and retain. Space is cool as f*ck and Howells does a great job explaining why! I listened to the audiobook and loved the discussion with Bill Nye and all of the fun facts. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever been interested in the vast and wonder of space.
October 29, 2021
A fun and entertaining introduction to space: our galaxy and beyond. From the Big Band, to black holes, to the Sun, to what is beyond our galaxy and the different theories regarding our universe. I learned a few things and I particularly enjoyed the interview part.
Despite the fact that I am have a potty mouth, I found that the frequent usage of the F* word got old real quick.
Thank you very much to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audio ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Despite the fact that I am have a potty mouth, I found that the frequent usage of the F* word got old real quick.
Thank you very much to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audio ARC in exchange of my honest review.
October 19, 2021
I found this book laugh out loud funny
Not for the faint hearted there is a lot of swearing and the sections are in bitesize bits and great to dip into when you are time limited it's fascinating and well written
Thank you to netgalley for a review copy of this book
Not for the faint hearted there is a lot of swearing and the sections are in bitesize bits and great to dip into when you are time limited it's fascinating and well written
Thank you to netgalley for a review copy of this book
October 25, 2021
At first, I really loved this book. It appeared to be a fun, engaging, digestible and informative read, that provided fascinating facts about the universe and space. Having read tons of popular astrophysics books, I was enjoying this more of a fact driven approach to telling the mysteries of cosmos. And in the beginning I was actually enjoying an occasional cuss word. I personally find that a swear word or slang can add depth to the tone or better connect with the intended audience, but this book had too much of misplaced profanity. In the end, instead of sounding funny and cool, it felt fake: like a parent googling teen slang jargon and then using it in front of their kids and their friends. And I can totally see my future self doing it.
I still really enjoyed the book, the best part of which was the interview with one and only Bill Nye. Had it had had less cussing, it would have been a 5 star read for me, as it was a well researched and fun.
Thank you for providing me with this free audiobook, in exchange for my honest review.
I still really enjoyed the book, the best part of which was the interview with one and only Bill Nye. Had it had had less cussing, it would have been a 5 star read for me, as it was a well researched and fun.
Thank you for providing me with this free audiobook, in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2021
Beware of overbearing profanity. Please don't allow under 18's hear this book. I was glad my daughter wasn't around when I listened to this audiobook. I failed to warm to the narrator I felt the attempt at humour felt rather false. I couldn't work out which demographic this book was focus at I wasn't even sure there was one. This book was not to my taste because of the amount of profanity. The odd word great but the overwhelming amount just angered me as this book would of been a 4 or 5 star read without it. I'm not one of these people who refuse to swear. I just don't find enjoyment in a book that every other word is a swear word or borderline inappropriate. Taking away most of the swear words and it becomes a very humorous informative read for those new to space science. I really enjoyed the simplified facts about space and the humorous facts. I adored the interview with Bill Nye as it covered a wide range of subjects and facts.
I did learn new things from this book and am glad I read it, I just wish it was a bit different.
I did learn new things from this book and am glad I read it, I just wish it was a bit different.
November 24, 2021
Well, I've never listened to an audiobook before that was full of swearing, but it was kind of fun to listen to because of that. Apart from all of the swearing, of which there was a lot, there was tons of useful and interesting information about space, stars, planets, aliens, black holes, time travel and the universe, as well as an interview with TV scientist and head of the Planetary Society, Bill Nye the Science Guy. I enjoyed this book and I learned some new and interesting facts. I found it fascinating. I would advise that this book is not suitable for children, but anyone from young adult and upwards would enjoy it, as long as they don't mind excessive swearing.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2022
I love space. Like really really love it. I put on space documentaries to lull me to sleep, collect knowledge and pictures, and even paint some of my own. That being said, I was excited to find an audiobook chock full of space facts that I could listen to as I drifted to sleep. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this one.
First off it doesn't translate well to an audiobook. They keep referencing pictures that seem like they're present in the paper book and since this version has no visual aspect we're only left with half the story. Also it seems like there are a variety of sub-headers scattered around the page, but without actually being able to see them it's a bit confusing as to why a certain topic is being brought up.
Second of all, the swearing. I swear like a sailor, ok? I am in no way opposed to swearing. But in this book... it was just excessive. Example (not an actual example from the book but just to give you a hint to what it's like): The Earth was formed when one fucking piece of rock smashed into another fucking piece of rock and after a million more fucking similar fucking collisions we are left with proto-fucking-Earth.
Like dude. We get it.
Anyway, Had to DNF this at 22% because the facts were all things I already knew and the swearing and narrator were really starting to grate on my nerves.
First off it doesn't translate well to an audiobook. They keep referencing pictures that seem like they're present in the paper book and since this version has no visual aspect we're only left with half the story. Also it seems like there are a variety of sub-headers scattered around the page, but without actually being able to see them it's a bit confusing as to why a certain topic is being brought up.
Second of all, the swearing. I swear like a sailor, ok? I am in no way opposed to swearing. But in this book... it was just excessive. Example (not an actual example from the book but just to give you a hint to what it's like): The Earth was formed when one fucking piece of rock smashed into another fucking piece of rock and after a million more fucking similar fucking collisions we are left with proto-fucking-Earth.
Like dude. We get it.
Anyway, Had to DNF this at 22% because the facts were all things I already knew and the swearing and narrator were really starting to grate on my nerves.
May 24, 2025
Loved it but I found the cursing to be so cringe than "cool".
Anyways, the book explained things well and simple enough but what part of the book was supposed to be for normal civilians?? The amount of cursing? Because there are tons of space related videos, I watched that sounds the same without any of the cursing. There are a lot of books that aren’t too sciency either for casual readers that don't have cursing.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator annoying especially when they cursed, sounded snarky or trying to be funny (which I know the narrator was reading what was written but I wasn't a fan as it made the experience worse for me).
Overall, if you don’t care about cursing then pick the book up. The illustrations, pictures and the book itself looks very pretty and pleasing. Definitely not for kids because of said cursing.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
Anyways, the book explained things well and simple enough but what part of the book was supposed to be for normal civilians?? The amount of cursing? Because there are tons of space related videos, I watched that sounds the same without any of the cursing. There are a lot of books that aren’t too sciency either for casual readers that don't have cursing.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator annoying especially when they cursed, sounded snarky or trying to be funny (which I know the narrator was reading what was written but I wasn't a fan as it made the experience worse for me).
Overall, if you don’t care about cursing then pick the book up. The illustrations, pictures and the book itself looks very pretty and pleasing. Definitely not for kids because of said cursing.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
February 7, 2018
Space really is cool AF! I was struggling to get a gift for a friend of mine who loves space until I stumbled upon this book. It literally was a no brainer. It was so entertaining to read and such a great coffee book. Illustrations are amazing. Definitely a page turner. I definitely would recommend this to anyone looking to buy a gift for someone. Learning about space was like having a chat with a good friend. I bought this book for a friend in the US. A unique find as it doesn't sell over there so it's heaps good as a pressie.
November 22, 2020
Kate Howells
Space Is Cool as F*ck
Andrews McMeel Publishing
176 pages
4.0
Space is indeed cool as fuck, but unfortunately this book tries too hard to be cool as fuck. It's not because the book features cool and artsy illustrations (in fact, I found them beautiful, a clear standout from the book), but it's because I find the explanation about space here is a bit rudimental and unfocused. The book feels jumpy and loses its feet because I don't know what the author tries to convey here.
Space Is Cool as F*ck
Andrews McMeel Publishing
176 pages
4.0
Space is indeed cool as fuck, but unfortunately this book tries too hard to be cool as fuck. It's not because the book features cool and artsy illustrations (in fact, I found them beautiful, a clear standout from the book), but it's because I find the explanation about space here is a bit rudimental and unfocused. The book feels jumpy and loses its feet because I don't know what the author tries to convey here.
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