The Grand Design

Physicists Hawking (www.hawking.org.uk) and Mlodinow (Feynman's Rainbow), who last collaborated on A Briefer History of Time (2005), here embark on a journey to explore the origins of the universe and of life itself, presenting a collection of overlapping theories to help "fill in the blanks" of quantum physics and the theory of relativity. But though they use humor and draw on everyday experiences to which lay audiences can relate, this is not leisurely listening material; at times, it can be tough going. Thankfully, actor/narrator Steve West does an admirable job of keeping listeners focused and moving ahead. Sure to inspire, provoke, and anger audiences—perhaps even all three at the same time—this scholarly title is recommended as demand warrants. [The Bantam hc, which published in September, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Emma Duncan, Brampton Lib., Ont.