42 Reasons To Hate the Universe (And One Reason Not To)

This book’s content is tidily summed up by one concept: that the universe’s most indispensable gifts come with serious caveats. Coauthored by a trio of Australian science writers and educators (Univ. of Technology Sydney physicist Ferrie and high school science teachers Wade David Fairclough and Byrne LaGinestra), this title is a charming romp through everything in the universe that is conspiring to kill humanity. The titular 42 reasons include broad generalities such as the fragility of the environment, the inevitable death of the sun, and fascinating specifics, including that poisons are everywhere (and often delicious) and that black holes could pop up anywhere, at any time, in any shape and size, which could lead to humanity’s demise. The book’s one reason not to hate or fear the universe is more philosophical than scientific, but it’s poignant nonetheless.