One of the most powerful questions humans ask about the cosmos is: Are we alone? While the science behind this inquiry is fascinating, it doesn't exist in a vacuum. It is a reflection of our values, our fears, and most importantly, our sense of hope. Science journalist Jaime Green traces the history of our understanding, from the days of Galileo and Copernicus to our contemporary quest for exoplanets. Along the way, she interweaves insights from science fiction writers who construct worlds that in turn inspire scientists.
A wide-ranging and delightful survey, The Possibility of Life is the kind of book that makes you exclaim 'Wow!' out loud while reading on the bus. To some extent, that’s because Green packs the book with fascinating facts ... Even more mind-blowing, though, is Green’s ability to make us rethink everything we thought we knew about life on Earth ... The Possibility of Life is rich with these kinds of insights, teaching us that when we look beyond the gravity well of Earth, we are ultimately looking back at ourselves.
Ms. Green’s book, alive with the color and drama of science fiction as well as scientific fact, helps us grasp that process of imagining ... As Ms. Green takes us on a tour through science-fiction worlds... she wants us to see our own blind spots.
While many books have been written about the search for extraterrestrial life, Green’s blend of scientific facts and science fiction reveals a sense of joy and wonder beyond the usual science-based cosmological studies or speculative fiction about aliens and UFOs. Ultimately, Green’s work reflects upon the nature of life and what it means to be human.
