The Smallest Lights in the Universe is a beautifully written memoir by MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager. There are so many aspects of this book that I loved: the life of an astrophysicist, work-home balance, parallels about the universe and space exploration with life as well as depictions of grief and starting over.

The Smallest Lights in the Universe is a touching book. I loved the roots of family and friendship, erudite endeavors and never giving up. There is a lot of sadness in this book but there is also hope. Without the sadness, perils and obstacles in our lives, we don’t grow, and definitely don’t appreciate the positive good moments.

On Academic Pursuits and Passion
I come from a family of professors. My grandfather was a Mathematician, my father and aunt both research and teach in Business areas. I studied computing science and education, with the dream that one day I will be an academic. Though I am not on that path anymore (and who knows, maybe I will be one day?), it was eye opening to learn about Sara’s experiences in academia and the challenges of balancing research, teaching and home life. Sara had wonderful mentors and through her journey, their importance was clear.

The kind of passion that Sara portrays for her research and field of study is exactly the kind that I want to find for myself! As much as it isn’t something to aim for, this sort of passion is what keeps one company during grief. I have learned that our education is one of the few things in life that we control as we get older and it is our job, especially as academics, writers and researchers, to pursue ideas even when no one believes in them.

On Convincing the Future Generations
There are a couple of places in the book when Sara comments on the strength of young kids and why she reaches out to them with her ideas. Though a lot of her research is theoretical in nature, she does it for the future generations because, without the views that our current generations hold, in the future, when these kids are older, they will have the courage and resources to pursue these ideas. Of course, they would have their own set of misgivings about situations, but hopefully, the amount of theoretical knowledge will offer enough encouragement to pursue the practical.

This is the story of an intelligent and strong woman who faces the darkness in the universe as well as her life and finds the smallest lights to keep her moving forward! With the loss of important people in her life, Sara grew as a person and made new friends. She learned to be open to new experiences and ask for help when needed. Friendships fade away as we get older, but some friendships are only made at the right times in our lives, and the best part is that we are able to keep them as our situations evolve.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. See full review on Armed with A Book.