Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson: Young Readers Edition, 220pp, RL 4

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Startalk  began (and continues) as a podcast in 2009 with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson bringing space, science, pop-culture together with celebrity cohosts from the worlds of science and entertainment to talk about everything from science's most challenging topics, like how the brain works, to the physics of comic book superheroes. In 2015, Startalk became a talk show on the National Geographic channel and has been nominated for an Emmy. Tyson's passion is contagious and he imparts his knowledge with wit and charm that have won him fans from all corners of the world. With Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Young Readers Edition, topics from Tyson's shows make their way onto the page along with striking photos, thought-provoking sidebars, enlightening facts and fun quotes from luminaries like Bill Nye, Elon Musk, Buzz Aldrin, Josh Groban and lots of scientists. It's impossible not to get caught up in Tyson's infinite curiosity with space, the world and the humans who live in it.
As you can see from the table of contents, Tyson explores everything from using wormholes to travel, to the source of creativity, the coming zombie apocalypse, the possibility that Bigfoot is a space alien and when, exactly, humans will be able to time travel. Of course, there are less speculative dives into water, pollution, the climate and evolution that are equally fascinating, if not quite as humorous.

Startalk (even the young readers edition, adults) is endlessly fascinating. Try to read it from cover-to-cover and you will find yourself flipping around, taking in bites and chunks of facts and funny stuff  over and over. Flipping as I was writing this review, I landed on a two-page spread exploring the question, "Is there a science to comedy?" Dan Ackroyd, Joan Rivers, Seth Meyers and actor and scientist Mayim Bialik, along with stand-up comedian, voice actor (Gene from Bob's Burgers!) and frequent cohost of Startalk, Eugene Mirman share their perspectives on this intriguing question. I could go on like this, detailing every compelling corner of this book, but hopefully you already know how amazing Neil deGrasse Tyson is and you instinctually KNOW you need to buy this book for the kids in your life...



Source: Review Copy


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