Embarking on the cosmic journey with Neil deGrasse Tyson through the auditory cosmos of "Cosmic Queries" was an exhilarating and intellectually invigorating experience. This audiobook is a stellar exploration that not only satiates the curiosity of science aficionados but also beckons the uninitiated into the mesmerizing realm of astrophysics.

Tyson, accompanied by coauthor James Trefil, takes the helm in unraveling the profound mysteries that have captivated human minds for eons. The audiobook's narrative foundation, drawn from the acclaimed StarTalk podcast, offers a rich tapestry of scientific inquiries and answers. From the origins of life to our place in the vast expanse of the universe, the duo navigates through the cosmos, seamlessly intertwining current data, observations, and theories.

The audiobook is a celestial odyssey populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries, unveiling the intricate building blocks of astrophysics. The material, while inherently complex, is presented in a manner that transcends the boundaries of scientific jargon, making it accessible and engaging for listeners of all ages. Tyson's gift for distilling sophisticated concepts into digestible nuggets of wisdom ensures that even those with a fleeting interest in science will find themselves enraptured.

The descriptions of cosmic phenomena are brought to life through Tyson's narration, which is nothing short of enthralling. His voice, a blend of authority and enthusiasm, transforms abstract concepts into vivid mental images. The passionate delivery not only educates but also captivates, making the audiobook a perfect companion for both seasoned science enthusiasts and those taking their first steps into the cosmos.

As with any voyage, there are moments where the depth of scientific detail might challenge listeners unfamiliar with astrophysical intricacies. However, these instances are minor bumps in the trajectory of an otherwise enlightening and entertaining cosmic expedition.

"Cosmic Queries" is a symphony of celestial knowledge that resonates with the curiosity inherent in every stargazer's soul. Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil craft an audiobook that transcends the limits of space and time, bringing the complexities of the cosmos within earshot.

Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or a novice starry-eyed dreamer, this audiobook beckons you to explore the wonders of the universe with an insatiable thirst for understanding. 🌠🎧🔭

Thank you for access to this book via giveaway! I thoroughly enjoyed being able to check it out! I listen to StarTalk occasionally and found this to be an in depth expansion that tugged on my star-loving heartstrings. I have also told friends about it who would be interested and know that at least one has made a purchase based on my recommendation. We referenced parts of this in my astronomy class last semester as well! Thanks for the opportunity to learn more!

As you would expect from Neil deGrasse Tyson, this is a very accessible and entertaining exploration of the cosmos. It deals with a variety of topics, including the big bang, the end of everything, quantum physics and much more. Interspersed throughout with Neil's tweets, this was a thoroughly enjoyable audiobook and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with a vague interest in space.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved it! The narration was very engaging and I learned a lot. I listen to his podcast, and this book follows along the same lines. It’s informative without being boring or confusing. I would recommend this book. 4/5 stars.

Fun fact: Our galaxy has hundreds of billions of planets. And there are about 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe, so... ALIENS ARE REAL 👽 I’ve settled it.

I originally picked this one up because of Neil deGrasse Tyson, arguably my favorite human ever. And I loved that it talked about my favorite subject (dark matter) and addressed the questions:
-What is our place in the universe?
-Are we alone?

But it turns out that I don’t like being read to 🤣 especially when Tyson DOESN’T narrate the entire audiobook. But I still really, really loved this one! I feel terrible saying this, but the way the female narrator over-pronounced her words drove me a little crazy.

Neil deGrasse Tyson carefully curates our cosmic questions in his expansive new Non-fiction book called
Cosmic Queries. Each question and answer is simply explained and paired with Twitter quotes and beautiful images of the cosmos and more.

The science major in me loved this book! After having read (and listened to) "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" a few years ago, I knew I wanted to pick up more books (specifically audiobooks) by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

This wasn't quite what I expected when I picked it up, but it was a fun and rather refreshing listen nonetheless. Where "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" is very straightforward as a science book, "Cosmic Queries" is an extension of his podcast StarTalk. The book dives into bigger or more complex questions than can generally be discussed in the traditional podcast format. As a result, the book feels very much like a podcast: There are themes and common topics grouped together, so it kind of feels like each chapter could be a podcast episode. Because of that, this book has kind of broken my rating system, but I'm going to attempt to make it fit the mold anyways.

Structure and Formatting 4/5
The podcast-style format will not appeal to everyone, but this really piqued my interest in podcasts again, and of course StarTalk in general. I used to listen to several podcasts, and they are something I generally enjoy, but I fell off listening to them a while ago for whatever reason. In any case, if podcasts are not something you enjoy, this format may not appeal to you, but it worked fine for me.

Thoroughness of Research 5/5
This is a hard one to rate because you get the sense that all the research has been done ages ago and the narrators are just spewing off knowledge they've already acquired through constant seeking of new knowledge and publications. There's no "problem" they're trying to solve; they're just an expert panel answering questions from the readers/listeners. I don't know if any of the questions they answered would have stumped them in a live format, but the flow of it just felt very natural and like they generally just know what they're talking about. Which leads into the next point...

Storytelling/Writing 4/5
Not only do the narrators know what they're talking about, but they break it down for fellow scientists/science nerds/science enthusiasts so they can understand. (More on this point in my "prior knowledge needed section.) I really enjoyed the metaphors and comparisons made in this book. Neil deGrasse Tyson's humor really shines, especially in audio format. But, as a result of the podcast formatting, it can feel a little disjointed at times. Each chapter kind of stands alone as far as content goes, so you have to mentally be prepared to shift gears a little bit for each new topic. I found it fun, and again, it made me want to listen to his podcast for more, but it may not be a style for everyone.

Level of Enjoyment 5/5
I enjoyed this one a lot. I'm so glad I picked it up, especially at the time I did. I've been really focusing on early American history books lately. My interest in history is much newer for me compared to my interest in science, so this book has some nostalgic vibes as it reminded me of my 5th grade dreams of be an astronomer. :-)

Prior Knowledge Needed 4/5
I clarify that the book is broken down specifically for science people because they're going to use words you may have heard in your school science classes, but unless science was a class you loved or continued to study, you may have forgotten some of the terminology. This generally works for them though because I doubt few non-science nerds would be reaching for this book (or listening to their podcast) in the first place. If you're just wanting to dive into this book and it's been a while since you thought about science, you may want to keep a web browser open or at least a notes app to keep track of things you want to google later to refresh on who that was or what that thing they discovered was.

Overall 4.4/5
When I fall in the middle of two ratings, I normally let my enjoyment rating push the rating one direction or the other. I intentionally rounded down for this one though strictly due to the formatting and because I know this one won't be for everyone. It was very much a format and style I enjoy, and I don't want to overhype that for people who may find it jarring or unsatisfying. There's no story being told in this book. It's just a series of (what I thought were) fascinating questions being answered by some smart and oftentimes funny people. For people like my husband who like podcasts on just about any topic but rarely seeks out books on the topics he listens about, I think he would enjoy this. People in the field or who actively study these topics probably won't gain anything new from this other than some good science jokes or tweet-able phrases. I definitely recommend it on audio if that's a reading format you enjoy or have been curious about trying.

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going, written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lauren Fortgang, is a book that takes the idea of the StarTalk podcast and expands on some of the more in depth questions and ideas that just do not fit in the podcast format. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe. This illuminating audiobook takes on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia—How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?—and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Cosmic Queries is an engaging and enlightening audiobook- and I can only imagine that the addition of photographs and any images in the printed or digital version of the book only increase the level of understanding, engagement, and interest in the reader. The alternating narration was very well done, and I found the inflections and phrasing to be very well done and able to keep me engaged even when the subject matter might have lost me otherwise. The writing was well done- and I found that for the most part I understood the details and was intrigued by the information shared and questions raise. I will admit that there were a few times that my mind drifted or I was interrupted and when I refocused was completely lost with the topic at hand, but a quick rewind was able to fix that. I am not sure how much I retained- but that is on me and not the reading material.

I think anyone that enjoys StarTalk and related podcasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the universe and how it all works will enjoy Cosmic Queries as an audiobook or traditional read.

I like the layout. It gave me things to consider. The in depth details and descriptive language was engaging. I like how the author's opinions were stated. It was conversational. Each chapter was just long enough.

I keep reading books about the cosmos in the hope that each time a little more of it will stick with me. So, while this book covered territory that I have read before, I did learn more, and I liked the book’s conversational style. What I did not like was the misleading description that this audiobook is narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, it isn’t. Tyson chimes in every now and then with a clarification. My estimate is that he appears on less than 5% of the book. I know, from listening to other books, that Tyson is perfectly capable of reading his own book, but instead of hearing his mellifluous voice we get the chirpy tones of Lauren Fortang. That’s just not right. Also, some weird sound effects play at the beginning of chapters and they drown out a few words. The other downside of listening to the audiobook is that I missed what the blurb describes as “dazzling photos and revealing graphics”. Maybe there is a pdf that accompanies the audiobook, but my ARC copy did not include that. Bottom line is that I liked this book and wasn’t totally confused by it, however, if I had it to do over I probably wouldn’t listen to the audiobook. 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.

This audio read by Neil deGrasse Tyson would have been much better if he actually read the whole thing but interspersed with his reading is the voice of another reader which just doesn’t seem to render the same effect. All in all, I learned a great deal, much of it fascinating, and am not disappointed in the audio when it comes right down to it.

Did you know that Tycho Brahe lost his nose in a duel with a cousin over an argument about a mathematical formula?—that the largest telescope in the world is no longer in the U.S. but in China? That telescope is a mile in circumference and if an alien were to communicate with radio waves to the first human on earth, the signal would be received by a Chinese astrophysicist. This is not even a fraction of what is discussed in this book, including the search for intelligent life in the universe, the Drake equation, and so much more. Perhaps, you should examine the actual book by Tyson. The photographs and graphics are incredible.

“...at least some of the universe is knowable to the human mind. But we must also humbly recognize that as the area of our knowledge grows, so too does the perimeter of our ignorance.”

As always, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest book brings astrophysics down to a highly relatable, down-to-earth, and easily consumable level.

Cosmic Queries is a perfect starter text on all things about our universe, covering topics such as the formation of the universe, dark energy and dark matter, what counts as a planet, the various particles and elements everything is made of, and so on. This book is presented in a conversational tone, answering common questions about our universe in an easy to understand, relatable matter with highly creative yet successful analogies to explain more complex concepts.

However, this book is not just for those just starting to dip their toes into astrophysics. The tone of voice is so fun (and the visuals included in the physical copy so stunning), that it’s still a perfect time for those who have read more complex books on these topics as well.

The audiobook is mainly narrated by Lauren Fortgang, with the asides (probably about 1/4 to 1/3 of the book) narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. At first I found myself wishing deGrasse Tyson narrated the entire book just because he has such a great voice, but Fortgang held her own and narrated her portions in a very engaging way.

I look forward to buying a physical copy to page through when I want a quick does of astrophysical knowledge or to admire the accompanying imagery. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This has a lot of information packed in a small book, and all of it felt very accessible to someone without heaps of base knowledge in astrophysics. I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the eBook, and both were well done - the narrator was fantastic and the images in the eBook were interesting and lovely. My one issue with the eBook, was the small boxed in sections of information at the bottoms of some pages - there were multiple pages where those were in between an unfinished paragraph at the bottom of the page and it's conclusion at the top of the next one. This meant I either needed to pause mid-thought or skim past them and then remember to go back - it would've made more sense to me if they were placed after the paragraph, wherever it happened to end - this was not an issue in the audio, though, since the narrator did this seamlessly.

I was interested and riveted (most of the time) while listening. What did I retain? Nothing. lol. Science is not my thing but I like hearing NDT talk. And he talked maybe 30% of the book. There was also a female narrator.

And I am thrilled to say that the latest NetGalley app update is great! Listening speed sticks!! WOOOOOO! App doesn't freeze when you go on another app but it does seem to reset back to the main page after so long, maybe after it's paused for too long? I'll have to do some more research on that part. But I'm just so happy the listening speed sticks.

This was a quick and easy non fiction read. As someone without a science education, I appreciate that the concepts and ideas were explained in simple layman terms. I was actually surprised how much of the information I already knew. I thought the formatting of the book was a bit fragmented. Rather than offering a flowing narrative, this was simply just a question and answer format (like the title implied). I actually found myself wanting more depth from the book so perhaps I'm no longer the intended audience. I would recommend this one to layman readers looking to get a very simple foundation in basic science concepts.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I got to listen to the audio version which I recommend because it was partially narrated by the author.

Neil deGrasse Tyson continues to write interesting books on interesting topics. This latest one has the same approachable writing style of his Actrophysics for People in a Hurry and Death by Black Hole. All this means that a reader even slightly interested in the past, present an future of our space, will enjoy this book.
In Cosmic Queries, Tyson offers his readers insight into big questions people have been asking: What is our place in the Universe? How do we know what we know? How old is the universe? How will it all end? Answers to these questions are broken up into manageable pieces and explained in a way that you don’t need a science degree to understand. Whenever some additional knowledge is necessary for the understanding of a problem, this knowledge is given ahead of time.
In addition to the pure science, each chapter has several “take a breath” moments in the form of Twitter posts. This makes it feel the book is trying to cater at the lowest denominator, but they are fun. I would have preferred them not be there, but we can’t all have it our way.
The audio book is well executed. The more “fun” elements are delivered in Tyson’s well known soft voice, while the majority of the book is read by Lauren Fortgang. Her voice is easy to follow and pleasant to listen to.
All in all a fun read and a good way to add a new scientific facts to your mental collection in a way that won’t make you sweat.

Cosmic Queries expands on Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk and aims to answer the big questions about the universe. Tyson has a way of making these very big and difficult concepts easy to understand, bringing the universe down to earth. Beginning from how we know what we know in space, measurements and some of the scientists who have led to these discoveries we are then led to ask questions of how the universe got to be how it is, what the universe is made out of, what life is, if we are alone, how this all began and eventually, how it will end.


Whenever I read a book about space I am always amazed about how much I do not know. I revel in being able to learn and understand more about our world and what is beyond. Cosmic Queries not only gives me a good foundation to begin to understand the questions posed in the book, but reminds me of how much we don't know about what we don't know as well as the fact that "the most interesting questions are the ones we don't yet know to ask." As I read through each chapter, the knowledge from previous chapters was slowly built upon, helping to expand my thinking and ask further questions. In addition, I learned about some of the pioneers of astronomy and the risks they took in order to get their knowledge out into the world. Overall, Cosmic Queries is an excellent read for any curious mind.


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

This book is a fun listen as an audiobook, but is dominated is not dominated by Tyson, which could be a relief for some, but most likely a weakness for those who choose to listen. It answers many of the most important questions about the universe with the most updated information on the topic. While not a starting place on the topic, nor an exhaustive discussion of the topic, it is worth the read for those casually interested in the cosmos.

Generally entertaining and educational. I learned a few things (like the big bounce theory and false vacuum) that I hadn't know of before, but this was a generally standard tour through the history of cosmology and the development of answers to cosmological questions (like, where did the universe come from? how big is it? is there other life out there?). The inclusion of tweets was kind of annoying; Neil deGrasse Tyson is a far better educator than comedian. It was also interesting that he didn't narrate the whole book; at first the transitions were jarring, but I really liked Lauren Fortgang's narration.

Cosmic Queries by Neil deGrasse Tyson was an exquisite audiobook! It was captivating and engaging as his books always are! Highly recommended!