The Little Book of Aliens

By: Adam Frank

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

“With wit and brio, Frank separates current nonsense about aliens from the serious and fascinating search for extraterrestrial life.” —Carlo Rovelli, New York Times bestselling author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

From astrophysicist Adam Frank, a little book on the biggest questions in our search for extraterrestrial life, questions we stand ready to answer.

Everyone is curious about life in the Universe, UFOs and whether ET is out there. Over the course of his thirty-year career as an astrophysicist, Adam Frank has consistently been asked about the possibility of intelligent life in the universe. Are aliens real? Where are they? Why haven’t we found them? What happens if we do?

We’ve long been led to believe that astronomers spend every night searching the sky for extraterrestrials, but the truth is we have barely started looking. Not until now have we even known where to look or how. In The Little Book of Aliens, Frank, a leading researcher in the field, takes us on a journey to all that we know about the possibility of life outside planet Earth and shows us the cutting-edge science that has brought us to this unique moment in human history: the one where we go find out for ourselves.

In this small book with big stakes, Frank gives us a rundown of everything we need to know, from the scientific origins of the search for intelligent life, the Fermi Paradox, the Kardashev Scale, the James Webb Telescope, as well as UFOs and their conspiracy theories. Drawing from his own work and that of other scientists studying the possibility of alien life, he brings together the latest scientific thinking, data, ideas, and discoveries to equip us with the critical facts as we stand at what may be the last moment in human history where we still believe we are all alone. This book is about everything we do—and do not—know about life, intelligent or otherwise beyond Earth. In language that is engaging, entertaining and fun, The Little Book of Aliens provides a comprehensive first look at how close we are to finding out if others actually exist—and if they do, what they might be like.

Humankind is on the precipice of finding its neighbors. What comes next? No person is better suited to answer that question—and lead the search—than Adam Frank.

©2023 Adam Frank (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Thought provoking.

A creative and thoughtful consideration of the possibility of alien life. Very enjoyable read that left me thinking.

A playful explanation of enormous ideas

This book gives us lots of answers we didn't know we needed to the possibility of alien life out there while pointing out the myriad things we don't know to even ask about.
Hopefully, some of those inspired by this author will fill in a few of those gaps in the decades to come.
Sadly, it is the work of generations, but starting this journey is worth the effort in and of itself.

Simply Outstanding

This book presents the "Big" question, whether aliens exist or not from a purely scientific point of view. The author not only looks for the answer, but it takes you on a journey you will not regret. This is a must read!

Great Intro into the world of Aliens

Was a good overall book about the aliens, space travel and space. Would recommend it if you liked Carl Sagans Cosmos or Neil deGrasse Tyson

If Only High School Physics Had Been This Fun!

I absolutely adored "The Little Book of Aliens." Professor Frank's astronomy classes at the University of Rochester must be fantastic. If they used this book, everyone would both master the subject and have a great time. I enjoyed every minute, and am delighted to recommend it.

The narrator is ideal. He sounds familiar with the material and excited to share it with the listener.

Jamie Pfeffer
Westfield, NJ, USA

The simplicity of the author’s presentati

The author presents a complex subject in a simple manner. Too many chapters with confusing titles.

A fascinating science book for non-scientists

I’m not a scientist or even someone who thinks of myself as especially interested in science though I do read a lot of sci-fi. I adored this book! It brought up a lot of subjects I’d thought about but never explored very deeply. The author makes extremely complex concepts understandable to the layperson. It’s conversational and very engaging in tone and exceptionally narrated. Highly recommend!

Spaced out

great read for any space lover. the future is bright for Mankind and i cant wait.

new things to consider

really liked this. the author brings up lots of things on the subject to think about.

A Fun Listen

Frank has created an entertaining, fascinating discussion of a timely topic. And it is fun! Give it a listen!