Space at the Speed of Light: The History of 14 Billion Years for People Short on Time

A lovely little book that is quick to read but hard to forget. I really loved the scope (no pun intended) of the book— just right for a whimsical tome like this. You can finish in two sittings, but it really should be savored. Kudos to Dr. Becky for this inspiring work that is full of delightful prose and captivating drawings.

Dr Becky is so engaging and fun to listen to I didn't know if I'd really like her book as much as her videos. But her bubbly personality & enthusiasm for her work comes through on every page. Also of special note are the illustrations (US version only). They are wonderfully simple and beautiful. A fun, "light" read in these dark times.

I was delighted by this book. Dr. Becky’s remarkable ability to explain the unexplainable was put on full display in this brief glimpse of the cosmos. I was equally taken by the layout of the text on some pages and the illustrations. It’s clear some thought was given to making a big impression in a small package. My only disappointment, if you take that word with the tiniest grain of salt, is it wasn’t long enough. Granted, the book was intended for “people short on time” - by the way don’t think I didn’t get that brilliant play on words for anyone or anything traveling at the speed of light - but a good part of me wanted more. Perhaps in the next book.

This is a short work - as one might expect of a conversation - that packs an amazing amount of import. It's ratio of ideas to word count is high, and yet, Dr. Smethurst renders it in conversational terms and imminently accessible to the curious. In lives busy or not, you definitely have time, to pick up this, and enjoy. Her message is as simple as the universe is complex: we humans came to be against a backdrop of cosmological processes - many beautiful in their own right - and still others about which we remain ignorant. And this understanding is ours to appreciate, and advance, if only we be curious.

I found it to be a quick read but is not lacking in information. It was fully enjoyable from beginning to end. I find Dr. Becky to be a lot like Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson. If you have a teenager, or a friend, that likes space I would highly recommend this book as a gift.

A fascinating introduction into some of the things present in our universe. The author made it easy to understand and compelling to read. I look forward to her sequel book, hopefully :)

I was introduced to Dr Becky Smethurst through her You Tube site, Dr Becky. I was impressed how clearly she presented various aspects of time, and space in her presentations. When I found out that she had authored a book, I immediately ordered it. As in her You Tube presentations, her book is a model of clarity. Personally,I was enthralled with her chapter on the prospects of alien life. For those of you, novice, or well read on astronomy, I highly recommend this book.

In this book, "Dr. Becky" gives easy to understand explanations of complex topics. This is a great book for someone who wants to get a general understanding without the mathematics.

... .8c 🚀

A fun read.

I read this in one sitting years before I was born. It’s that cosmic. A mind bending joy. A great communicator. Complexity delivered with energy, clarity, power and an engaging enthusiasm. Dr. B is so expertly steeped in her subject, which to her must feel like common sense, that you feel as familiar with its depths and as expertly involved with its subtleties as she must, fuelled by her own unique skills of elucidated articulation that it’s really just WOW!

Dr. Becky manages to transform pretty esoteric concepts in astronomy into language for the non-specialist. I found the book to be eminently readable.

Short book that explains the basics of space really well. The analogies that the author uses are excellent to get an intuitive feeling for how things work. As someone who has studied astro at college, I also learned new things here too! This book is great for both laypeople and college graduates.