Question #2: How accessible is the topic?

[[deleted user]]

How accessible is Tyson's book to a non-scientist? How much of the information are you able to grasp? Consider the slenderness of the book — and the fact that there are only about 200 words on each page. Does the physical slightness of book detract from or enhance your reading experience?

[Kayla]

As someone who has never had any interest in math or physics, I found the small size of the book (and the title) very appealing! It made me feel like I could understand information I had previously considered inaccessible.

I did however, struggle with comprehending the numbers and equations used. I guess I found the equations mildly detracting but I would just skip over them and even though I did this, I felt like I came away with an understanding of basic concepts of how our universe works.

[Kate]

The title really does sell it! Also when you see the physical book, seeing how short it is gives you a bit of encouragement that it can't be too dense! That's confidence really carries me a long way, I think. Even when he's talking about equations and stuff that I don't necessarily understand I'm still getting (I hope!) the general gist of things.

He's providing access to a topic that is usually dismissed as for smart people only and I think that's amazing.

[Susan]

I have a background in science and still found that this was not easy reading or “quick”. The terminology of the field makes telling this story difficult regardless of how he tries to simplify it. Everything builds on the first particles, etc. And I found myself going back to remember which was which.

[Emily]

Kate wrote: "He's providing access to a topic that is usually dismissed as for smart people only and I think that's amazing."

I could not agree more!

[Laura]

I started off trying to understand everything that he was saying (I'm listening to the audiobook) but I found that there were parts that I just didn't get or terms that I had forgotten the meaning of. Instead I tried to focus on just getting the big picture for that chapter (ie. after the big bang everything got bigger and colder) instead of trying to remember facts and small details.

I also found that the touches of humour helped it from getting too dry and technical.

[Ashley]

Laura wrote: "I started off trying to understand everything that he was saying (I'm listening to the audiobook) but I found that there were parts that I just didn't get or terms that I had forgotten the meaning ..."
I completely agree with you Laura. The name of the book made me think that it would be "simplified" but I did not find that the case. So I simply tried to listen and get the big ideas, and not worry too much about all the terms and complex concepts he was detailing!