The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy

Astrophysicist McTier engagingly narrates her delightful debut, detailing the Milky Way’s life story, as told by the Milky Way itself. Listeners may be surprised at the Milky Way’s snarky and condescending tone. This, strangely, is a wonderfully effective tactic. No matter how basic or complicated the astronomical information is, it is quite clear that all humans are far below them in intellect and perception. The book does give listeners a good foundation before diving into heavier topics. As an audiobook, the faux-memoir format allows listeners to breezily consume the information gossiped to them. Some listeners may doubt the veracity of the data since it’s mixed into galactic love stories and petty rivalries, but listening to the acknowledgments at the end provides the author’s bona fides. Listeners may also be interested to know that the Milky Way wants everyone to be accepted for who they are, understands what it means to live with depression, and thinks humanity could do a better job becoming unified enough to take care of each other and their planet.