Brief Answers to the Big Questions: Pre-Reading Discussion

[Winter, Group Reads]

This month we will be reading Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

This book was nominated by Lina for our monthly theme Wisdom.

Stephen Hawking was recognized as one of the greatest minds of our time and a figure of inspiration after defying his ALS diagnosis at age twenty-one. He is known for both his breakthroughs in theoretical physics as well as his ability to make complex concepts accessible for all, and was beloved for his mischievous sense of humor. At the time of his death, Hawking was working on a final project: a book compiling his answers to the "big" questions that he was so often posed--questions that ranged beyond his academic field.

Within these pages, he provides his personal views on our biggest challenges as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next. Each section will be introduced by a leading thinker offering his or her own insight into Professor Hawking's contribution to our understanding.

[Ilona]

Great choice! I am looking forward to reading this one :)

[suzanne_between_pages]

Great! I will definitely try to step into this one soon

[Megan]

Coincidentally this is next up on my reading list!

[Rebecca]

I'm planning to start this one today. I've never actually read Stephen Hawking, and my impression of him is from the shows that he guest starred on. Is that awful? Wait, don't answer that! LOL

[Beth]

I would never prioritize this book to read. Thank you for this opportunity!

Libby has the audiobook available now and a 6-week wait for the book. Guess Ben Whishaw will be reading this to me!

Brief Answers to the Big Questions (audiobook)

[Ilona]

Rebecca wrote: "I'm planning to start this one today. I've never actually read Stephen Hawking, and my impression of him is from the shows that he guest starred on. Is that awful? Wait, don't answer that! LOL"

You are not the only one! I have seen The Theory of Everything and his scenes on The Big Bang Theory, but never read any of his works.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I had no idea he was on the Big Bang Theory. Bazinga! I did read A Brief History of Time - twice! - and I watched the movie once but I still don't feel any smarter. I think I'll jump in for this one on audio. Then if I don't understand anything I'll just blame it on the narrator.

[TerryJane, Challenges]

I'll join in on this read.

[Lina]

I am looking forward to reading this together with all of you!

[Amanda]

When do we start reading and do we read a set number of pages or chapters a day or week?

[Lina]

Hey Amanda - you can start whenever you want to and its totally up to you :) There are multiple channels to discuss and you should tag spoilers, if you write about any, so that people that start later can still join!

[Beth]

I’m also listening to the Ben Whishaw audiobook.

I will be taking this in small bites to try to understand at least something of what’s being discussed.

I couldn’t get through the Introduction… the narrator was hard to listen to, and the content was sooooo dry.

[Jennifer]

I just started reading this book and I am very much enjoying it. Fascinating insights into the mysteries of the universe.