The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams-Audiobook 5 discs, 216 pages in print

I listened to the audiobook in preparation for our upcoming Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book to Movie Club. I previously read the print book a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. I enjoyed it even more listening to the audiobook read by Stephen Fry. The improbable and hilarious adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Marvin the robot were even better the second time. I really enjoy Douglas Adams' humor. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars this time around. 

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson-208 pages

I have wanted to read this since it came out. I am not an astrophysicist by any means and I am not extremely interested in the subject. However, this book intrigued me because it's a short, readable introduction by one of the foremost astrophysicists of our time. I am not really a subscriber to the Big Bang Theory, but I like to read and understand different perspectives than my own. I am mildly interested in science in general (more so biology than physics or astrophysics). I did learn a few things from reading this book. I learned about dark matter and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). The temperature of the CMB is 2.725 degrees Kelvin, but 2.7 or 3 degrees is acceptable. Also, there are myriad galaxies out there and some are millions of light years away. Dark matter is still invisible, nearly undetectable, but scientists are convinced of its existence. It is mind-boggling to consider that billions of stars permeate the Milky Way Galaxy and that there are billions of stars in the universe. On top of that, it's possible that there could be other universes. Earth is a tiny blue dot compared to the universe and even our own Milky Way Galaxy. I enjoyed Tyson's short anecdotes and humble humor, such as when he mentions that an asteroid is named after him and he's glad it hasn't hit earth (yet). He also mentions that his asteroid is one of hundreds of thousands that have been discovered and one each is named after Merlin, Santa, and James Bond. Neil DeGrasse Tyson also briefly discusses the history of Astronomy/Astrophysics and some of the early names of scientists. Overall, I enjoyed reading this brief introduction to Astrophysics and I found it very readable. 

The Last Day by Andrew Murray

The Last Day by Andrew Murray-370 pages

Now in retrospect, in view of our times, I'm not sure I should have read this!  I guess it could always be worse.  The earth has stopped turning.  So half is frozen the other burning up, with a small path accurately named the Breadbasket, since it is the only place on earth where food can be grown.  Throw in secrets, intrigue, murder and greedy politicians and it was an ok dystopian novel.  Seemed sluggish in spots.  It did bring to the fore the human spirit to survive and live in unity.