You already have a lot to read for your university courses. So why in the world, you might ask, would you add to that reading list a volume, however small, on the topic of astrophysics? I’m referring to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s most recent publication to educate the masses about the universe: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. So let me share with you the reasons you should find this volume at your local bookstore and make a study of it when you have a few spare moments.

Let me start with the most obvious reason. The universe is fascinating, and this little book is full of information about said universe. With that in mind, it is always helpful when the author sharing the information is capable of doing so in a way that catches the reader’s attention and helps them to comprehend the material. Tyson is one such person, expertly able to relay to us the discoveries (and mysteries) of the universe in a way that is both academic and poetic, often using simile and metaphor to relate the activities of the distant universe to the common events we might witness here on Earth and never think twice about simply because we are used to them and take them for granted. He’s able to explain the science of astrophysics in a language that anyone, scientist or not, can understand.

Another excellent reason to pick up this book is, of course, the size. It’s quite a little volume, condensed for busy folks (such as ourselves) who are nonetheless curious about the topic and want a general knowledge of it. Because of this, it doesn’t take long at all to read, and is probably shorter than some of your university-assigned texts.You could easily breeze through it over a weekend if you wished, or carry it to class with you to read as you wait for your next lecture to begin.

There’s something else that makes this book special. I referenced Tyson’s poetic manner of sharing academic knowledge, but I should also add to that the adjective philosophic. Spending so much time thinking and learning about the universe is bound to change your perspective of the world, and in-between the facts and the remaining questions, Tyson is able to share some of the insights he has gleaned from the galaxies far off.

You are extremely and frustratingly busy, I know. Perhaps the last thing you want to do is pick up an academic book you are not required to read and will get absolutely no credit for. But when you get a break, when the class work-load is a bit lighter than the week before and you have an hour or two to spare, consider reading this little but magnificent book. I promise you it is worth your time.