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There are currently 42 member reviews
for The Smallest Lights in the Universe
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Rosemary C. (Golden, CO)
Life in the Dark and Light
Sara Seager has written a touching memoir that I found quite enjoyable. I particularly appreciated how she wove the themes of darkness and light throughout, comparing and contrasting the value of each not only in her work as an astrophysicist but also in her personal life as she deals with tragedy and how to move forward. I particularly enjoyed her descriptions of imagining how to find exoplanets and how that creative ability helped her as well in her personal life. I think this would be a good story for discussion by book groups with the themes of dealing with loss, single parenting and dating, asking for help when overwhelmed, juggling work and personal lives, what it's like to be a little "off" compared to "normal" people, being passionate about intellectual pursuits so as to perform at an elite level, characteristics of genius level people and thinking, and more.
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Myrna M. (Chapel Hill, NC)
Enjoying Astrophysics
Are astrophysicists like you and I? That was the question I raised to myself when I began reading Sara Seagar's memoir, The Smallest Light in the Universe.
In straight-forward prose, Seagar describes her life from awkward, virtually friendless child to naïve scientist to MacArthur genius award winner. Slowly, with the same rhythm with which she develops, I became engrossed in her life, her growth emotionally, and especially, her advances as a scientist.
I was fascinated by her description of exoplanets and her genuine excitement for her science, for each step taken to find an answer to life's most imponderable questions. I also empathized with every moment of her joys and every moment of her sorrows.
She tells her story well, without embellishment, much like her mind works to discover truths about the universe. Hers is a universal story told by a brilliant woman. Is she like you and I—yes and no. I enjoyed each page that led me to my conclusion.
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Rose K. (Snowflake, US)
The Possibilities of Life EverywhereWhy
Is it possible for readers to empathize with one of today's most intelligent minds? When that mind belongs to astrophysicist Sara Seager, the answer is a resounding yes. In this absorbing and candid memoir, Seager describes her rising success engaged in the scientific search for possible life on other planets when her own life comes apart. Following her husband's death, she struggles with grief and coping as a single mom of two young boys while trying to pursue the demands of the career she loves. Despite misgivings, she finds solace and wisdom from a local group of women, "The Widows of Concord."
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Barbara O. (Red Bank, NJ)
Room for All in the Universe
"The Smallest Lights in the Universe" a memoir by Sara Seager is a thoughtful read. Sara, an astrophysicist, discovers her life's passion for stars as a child on her first camping trip. Despite a challenging childhood, shuttled between two different and less than ideal parental homes, Sara successfully pursues and achieves a career in science. Sara reveals a very human story, imparts a lesson in astrophysics that isn't overwhelming with technical language and leaves the reader with admiration for her achievements and her tragedies. Book clubs would enjoy this book. We're all different, we all have a unique place in our universe just like the stars.
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Rory A. (Ventura, CA)
Grief Among the Stars
"The Smallest Lights in the Universe" is an object lesson to those struggling not to drown in overwhelming grief: You are not alone. You have never been alone.
Support groups could very well feature this in a book club, and there are vast, fascinating questions of the universe in hard science besides.
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Randi H. (Bronx, NY)
I'm dreaming of the stars
The Smallest Lights in the Universe was a fascinating look at both Sara Seager's career and her home life. The book is split between discussing her work as an astrophysicist and her personal life, mostly as a widow after her husband's death. I found the discussions of her work particularly captivating. I gained a deeper understanding of the universe and an appreciation for the scientists studying space. However, the sections concerning her home life, especially after her husband's death, left me wanting a bit more. Especially as a working parent, I wanted to know more about the people who helped her at home and with her children and how they managed. But overall I am very glad to have read this book and will definitely be recommending it to others.
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Pam C. (Lafayette, CA)
Best for Astronomy Buffs
I was really excited to receive this book to review. I love to star gaze and I love memoirs. This book goes beyond star gazing though. The author is after all an astrophysicist, and an acclaimed astrophysicist at that. The first half of the book, the author relays in detail her rise in her field, which is quite an accomplishment. However, unless you are an astronomy buff, you may find this part of the book difficult to get through. After I found out what an exoplanet was and why they are important, I found myself skipping over the other parts that talked about telescopes, and shields or shades, etc. so that I could read about her relationship with her husband and sons. The second half of the book details more about how she learned to build relationships after her husband's death and was easier for the most part to read. I still sometimes found myself frustrated with her style of storytelling and felt at times that it was a little disjointed. Dr. Seager has accomplished a great deal and deserves accolades; if you are into astronomy - you will probably enjoy this book.
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