Usually, the complexity of a book on astrophysics overwhelms the reader, as the authors are likely brilliant and have a Ph.D. in their field. They also seem to be trying to educate and impress their peers. Since the author of this book has none of these traits and a background in public education, he keeps his explanations simple and easy to understand.
This is the first of three books in the series, The Illusion of Central Position. It gives the reader an understanding of our place in the universe. Starting with the Big Bang, it depicts the creation of the stars, galaxies, and solar systems. From here, it goes back in time to the first astronomers and their unravelling of the Earth's location in the universe.
After the history lesson, the book explores how modern scientists determine the composition, distance, size, and motion of planets, stars, and galaxies. The book also touches on obscure phenomenon like pulsars, quasars, antimatter, dark matter, dark energy, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Towards the end of the book, the author jumps into the deep end as he dives into string theory that morphs into multi-dimensions and ultimately the multiverse. Finally, he presents possible scenarios for the demise of the human race and this universe.
