Not really sure if people in a hurry can understand it without some sort of background. It took me two - three reads for chapter 1 to understand it, I dont think I was not knowledgeable, I'd like to think I am a little bit less than average.. Still very hard read for me. Really doubt people in a hurry can understand the book entirely. If so, you're awesome! If not, don't worry, I am there with you! lol

Normally I'm a fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson and his ability to explain scientific concepts in a way your average person can follow. I didn't expect to become an Astrophysicists as a result of reading this book, I just wanted some insight into the topic. I didn't get that from this book at all. I think this book was intended for a scientific audience who had a specialty in another area but some familiarity here. Someone who had a basic understanding already. It is not for you average non-scientific person on the street. I think the title is misleading and to avoid getting negative reviews, Neil should make it clear that you need a basic understanding of Astrophysics in order to attempt to follow him in this book.

I needed to “cleanse my palate” after binge reading a fantasy series. I decided to step as far from fantasy as possible, so I ventured into the far more complex realm of…Fact.Astrophysics, to be precise.What’d I learn?I learned the universe is much bigger than I can comprehend, and we puny humans are much less significant to the universe than we imagine.I learned I’m glad there are people who are good at Astrophysics, because I’m notMostly, I learned that Astrophysics is really (Really, REALLY) complicated. Even having Neil deGrasse Tyson spell it out for me couldn’t get topics like quantum mechanics, prolate spheroids, dark matter, or E=MC2 to be more than curiosities beyond my reach.Getting through the book was worth it just to get to the last chapter, where Neil deGrasse Tyson brings the “our universe is so big and we are so insignificant” talk to a climax with some great comparisons. For example…Did you know there are more molecules in a cup of water than there are cups of water on Earth?Of course you didn’t. Because you’re not an Astrophysicist.Instead of feeling small, however, I was left feeling part of something very, very grand.Some call it science. Some call it God. I call it both.Interested in Astrophysics but clueless about Astrophysics? This is the book for you. You’ll still be clueless, but you’ll feel okay being clueless once you get a sense for the overwhelming complexity involved in with the physics of the universe.It’s a big place.Happy Reading.

I was looking for more depth about topics such as why the universe is expanding faster than the speed of light. Unfortunately the author seemed more concerned about showering readers with flowery language and metaphors than explaining science for "people in a hurry."

If Neil could spend less time listening to the sound of his own voice and more time thinking through what he’s explaining, this might be a very informational book. Instead, I’m an aerospace engineer for crying out loud, and even I am struggling to follow his explanations. It’s difficult to continue without reading such pompous sentences aloud to my friends.