Tolog Review: A Brief History of Time

A Brief History of Time
by Stephen Hawking
reviewed by Tara Pugliese 

If you enjoy the thrill of challenging your mind and pondering the mysteries of the universe, read on; for, Stephen Hawking’s classic, nonfiction-science novel A Brief History of Time offers the reader just that. Hawking effortlessly explains complicated topics ranging from quarks in quantum mechanics to black holes in general relativity, yet the well-known physicist manages to succinctly articulate these complex concepts so as to facilitate the reader’s understanding. Thus, the intended audience broadens to include all intellectuals fascinated with such provoking questions as “Where did we come from? And why is the universe the way it is?” (Hawking vii). 

A Brief History of Time appears rather intimidating, especially for those less knowledgeable in physics or astronomy; however, Hawking simplifies the many substantial issues for better comprehension. To aid the audience, Hawking includes no equations in the novel other than Einstein's famous E = mc^2. In addition, Hawking utilizes a surprising amount of humor to consistently engage the reader. Furthermore, the reader with quickly realize the resounding difference between Hawking’s classic and a typical physics course in school: understanding the universe also means discovering the meaning of the human existence and the significance of life and the presence -- or absence -- of God. As Hawking explains when discussing the future of science after the discovering of a universal theory for all of physics, “A complete, consistent, unified theory is only the first step: our goal is a complete understanding of the events around us, and of our own existence” (91). 

I highly recommend A Brief History of Time to anyone fascinated in science, specifically theoretical astrophysics (i.e. the fun stuff like black holes and multiple universes). I also recommend this classic to those interested in religion and theology; for, Hawking mentions and debates the presence of a God (defined as any supernatural force driving or affecting the universe) consistently. That said, the included topics can become very difficult to process and understand, so lots of rereading may be necessary. Thus, I would not recommend this book as a “beach read.” In order to finish, you must have a strong desire for exploring this material and challenging your mind. However, the reward is powerful and fulfilling and lasting.