The Possibility of Life, Jaime Green
The Possibility of Life, Jaime Green
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The Possibility of Life
Science, Imagination, and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos

Author: Jaime Green

Narrator: Jaime Green

Unabridged: 8 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/18/2023


Synopsis

“Every page of this book makes our shared universe feel larger and more interesting than ever before, a true gift of fascinating science and engrossing storytelling.” —Matt Bell, author of Appleseed

A spellbinding exploration of alien life and the cosmos, examining how the possibility of life on other planets shapes our understanding of humanity

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 enduring sense of hope.  

In The Possibility of Life, acclaimed 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. Incorporating expert interviews, cutting-edge astronomy research, philosophical inquiry, and pop culture touchstones ranging from A Wrinkle in Time to Star Trek to Arrival, The Possibility of Life explores our evolving conception of the cosmos to ask an even deeper question: What does it mean to be human? 

About Jaime Green

Jaime Green is a science writer, essayist, editor, andteacher, and she is series editor of The Best American Science and NatureWriting. She received her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Columbia, and herwriting has appeared in Slate, Popular Science, The New York Times BookReview, American Theatre, Catapult, Astrobites, and elsewhere. She lives inConnecticut with her husband and son.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Gareth on May 06, 2023

The Possibility of Life reads like a history of the search for life within the universe and a guide to how or where it could possibly exist and our place within it all. I loved how Jaime Green gave a little background or history on each subject before elaborating on the possibilities of life existing......more

Goodreads review by Abbey on March 02, 2023

ATTENTION all science, sci-fi, and/or fascinating non-fiction lovers! I have a book that I guarantee will be a totally new topic to deep dive into for you OR a totally new way to view a subject you may already love! Jaime not only seeks to compile research and add commentary to the question, “Is the......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on July 24, 2023

Really enjoyable exploration of science (with a little pop culture sprinkled in). Felt very reminiscent of books written in the mid 00s, but much less annoying. A nostalgia read that still has a lot interesting and reflective ideas told with strong writing and organization. More thoughts in an upcom......more

Goodreads review by Rick on August 04, 2024

I’m a sucker for science writing about space. This is a well researched, robust look at the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. It’s fun it doesn’t take itself too seriously. When there are areas of knowledge that the author is lacking, she relies upon what seems to be reasonable researchers, and......more

Goodreads review by Katie on January 19, 2024

Such nerdy fun! Also a great reminder that I need to read more Ursula K. Le Guin and Octavia Butler......more