The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy

Spectacular! Although some concepts remained over my head, this was as approachable as it was fun.

I heard an interview with the author and was really looking forward to the book. Then, I really enjoyed the author's introduction and thought I was in for an interesting read. But, I guess I missed the crucial “autobiography” element to this book. I appreciate the author, trying to take a different approach to explain the Milky Way galaxy, but the snarky tone did not let up and was very offputting. I'm afraid this is another DNF.

Kudos to McTier for her creativity in thinking of and developing this quirky theme. For her courage in bringing it to light, for her wit. For focusing on the accomplishments of women. And, of course, for adding to my astronomical education.

Unfortunately, I found it a slog. Almost abandoned it several times, kept going purely out of stubbornness. The narrator's voice (the Milky Way galaxy) was grating, often annoying. The gimmick—a self-aware galaxy—might've worked for me in different circumstances, but not like this: it was not only anthropomorphic, it was WEIRDly (Western Educated etc) so. It talks in terms of “wanting stars to be happy,” “friendships” with other galaxies, petty jealousies, snark, emotions and feelings that just irritated me. I can accept a conscious galaxy—nobody understands consciousness, not among humans or other earthly creatures, let alone anything grander than us—but can't accept one this (ahem) mundane. Yes, human writers: take risks, give us alien consciousnesses—but please make them alien. Weird in the not-all-caps way: surprising, unusual, just on the edge of comprehensible. Not snarky postadolescents. McTier herself unironically describes my feelings halfway through, writing about the stupidity of human myths and religions and their made-up stories of gods: “such are the contrivances of mortal creatures trying to imagine the inner machinations of immortal gods.” Exactly. I kept trying to push past my disconnect, but couldn't.