Neil deGrasse Tyson's Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is absolutely delightful. This collection of Tyson's Natural History essays include background on the universe's cosmological history, the history of science, as well as Tyson's own musings on human nature.

I have not formally studied physics or hard science in over a decade, so I must admit I went through this with Wikipedia open while reacquainting myself with terms like "quark" or "photon." (Somewhere, or on some timeline, my younger self is cringing at my older self's ignorance.) That said, even if you have not formally studied astrophysics, Tyson explains things quite clearly, methodically, and free of needless jargon. His excitement is infectious and will leave you wanting to learn so many new things.

Hands down though, my favorite part of the book are Tyson's musings on how humans fit into the bigger picture of the universe. He understands conceptualizing something so big, can make people feel quite small, but he equates the importance of all things to scale and context.

With what he calls an "ego softener" Tyson explains, "If a huge genetic gap separated us from our closest relative in the animal kingdom, we could justifiably celebrate our brilliance. We might be entitled to walk around thinking we're distant and distinct from our fellow creatures. But no such gap exists. Instead, we are one with the rest of nature, fitting neither above nor below, but within."

Human arrogance or anthropocentrism often get in the way of greater happiness and inner peace. Tyson gets it and to circle back, he opens the book be declaring, “The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.” So in short, this book is great, I recommend it, enjoy.