Into the Unknown is a disjointed attempt to bridge the chasm between cutting-edge physics and a general audience. Although Kelsey Johnson is certainly qualified to write on the topic, it occasionally seems like something she is targeting for her college level Intro to Physics freshmen even though these topics, and especially the cutting edge "Into the Unknown" of our knowledge on the topics, tends to be more subject material for graduate level physics classes. For those who feel the book beyond them, Johnson should be admired for her honest and personal approach, sharing anecdotes about her life and career that make the complex subject matter feel more human and accessible. So we are dealing with a book in the popular science realm tackling topics that belong in different space.

This duality in tone is both the book's greatest asset and its most significant liability. On one hand, many will find the author's personality, playful humor, and thoughtful remembrances to be a refreshing way to learn science. This approach makes the journey an enjoyable one, keeping the book from becoming a "slog" and helping the information "stick." Conversely, others will see this same style jarring and even condescending, with frequent "jokes" that might make one wonder if Kelsey is really a dad, not a mom. For those who are more familiar with the subject, you will probably catch several small errors that are probably the fault of an editor or maybe a ghost writer. I was reading an advance copy so hopefully some of these will be caught and corrected.

Ultimately, the book's true value lies not in its flawless execution or its ability to serve as a definitive textbook, but in its capacity to inspire awe and intellectual curiosity. It is an excellent read for anyone who has read Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" or maybe Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" and would like something current and perhaps a little deeper. The author excels at articulating the very mysteries that confound us, moving from what we know to what we don't know, and honestly acknowledging that some questions may be forever beyond our comprehension. The book succeeds as a guide to the journey of scientific inquiry itself, reminding us that the universe is far more interesting for its beautiful and enduring strangeness.

Thanks to Kelsey Johnson, Basic Books, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Most science books explain to us what science knows. This book takes a different track and tells us about big questions where science doesn’t have the answers. Questions like what is inside a black hole? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? Are there other dimensions and if so, what would they be like? How does time work? The current possibilities of answers to these questions and many more are discussed in a very approachable way.

This book is an excellent, readable book to help us understand some of these big questions better – but be prepared to think deeply about some engaging topics!