Letters from an astrophysicist / Neil Degrasse Tyson.

Preface -- Prologue: A memoir, of sorts -- I. Ethos : the characteristic spirit of a culture, manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Chapter 1. Hope ; Chapter 2. Extraordinary claims ; Chapter 3. Musings -- II. Cosmos : the universe seen as a well-oredered whole. Chapter 4. Hate mail ; Chapter 5. Science denial ; Chapter 6. Philosophy -- III. Pathos : a plaintive appeal to emotions that already reside within us. Chapter 7. Life and death ; Chapter 8. Tragedy ; Chapter 9. To believe or not to believe -- IV. Kairos : a propitious moment for decision or action. Chapter 10. School days ; Chapter 11. Parenting ; Chapter 12. Rebuttals -- Epilogue: A eulogy, of sorts.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is arguably the most influential, acclaimed scientist on the planet. As director of the Hayden Planetarium, and host of Cosmos and StarTalk, he has dedicated his life to exploring and explaining the mysteries of the universe. Every year, he receives thousands of letters -- from students to prisoners, scientists to priests. Some seek advice, others yearn for inspiration; some are full of despair, others burst with wonder. But they are all searching for understanding, meaning and truth. His replies are by turns wise, funny, and mind-blowing. In this, his most personal book by far, he covers everything from God to the history of science, from aliens to death. He bares his soul -- his passions, his doubts, his hopes. The big theme is everywhere in these pages -- what is our place in the universe? The result is an awe-inspiring read and an intimate portal into an incredible mind, which reveals the power of the universe to start conversations and inspire curiosity in all of us.