The Biggest Ideas In The Universe: Space, Time, And Motion
This bestseller makes fundamental ideas about the physics and workings of the universe relatable and, dare we say it, fun.
Welcome to the SciFri Book Club page about The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll. You can read the book, join our community space, attend an event, sign up for our email newsletter, or send us a message via our contact page.
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Diving Into The Biggest Ideas In The Universe
This December, the SciFri Book Club will read The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion by Sean M. Carroll. This New York Times bestseller transforms intimidating physics equations into meaningful insights about reality—from Einstein’s general relativity to the marvel of calculus itself. Carroll’s gift for making complex concepts entertaining means you don’t need a physics degree to grasp ideas about warped space-time, black holes, and the fundamental forces shaping our cosmos. Whether you’re science-curious or science-savvy, this book offers an accessible, engaging journey through the building blocks of modern physics. Let’s discover together why these “biggest ideas” are surprisingly understandable—and genuinely fun.
The Biggest Ideas in the Universe brings together a range of topics, including space, technology, physics, mathematics and much more—and we’ll touch on these ideas throughout this Book Club season. You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
This Book Club season kicks off Monday, December 1, and you can read along with us! We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
- December 1-8: Introduction and Chapters 1-3
- December 9-15: Chapters 4-6
- December 16-22: Chapters 6-9
- December 23-29: Final Thoughts
Plus, we’ll be hosting events throughout the month! Keep an eye out on our website or join our Book Club newsletter to be the first to know.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), read an excerpt, join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events.
Grab Your Own Copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have The Biggest Ideas in the Universe in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby or OverDrive app, a form on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save The Date(s): SciFri Book Club Events
Livestream and Q&A with Sean M. Carroll
In The Biggest Ideas in the Universe, Sean M. Carroll guides readers toward grasping the very equation Einstein used to describe his theory of general relativity and shows why high school calculus is itself a centuries-old marvel as worthy of our gaze as the Mona Lisa.
- When: Monday, December 15 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT
- Where: Science Friday’s YouTube livestream
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick for December 2025. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
December Community Meeting
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
- When: Thursday, December 18 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in The Biggest Ideas in the Universe. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress—come chat with other science-interested folks about space, technology, physics, mathematics and much more.
An Evening Of Physics And Philosophy
Experience Dr. Carroll’s big ideas live—alongside Ira Flatow, the award-winning host of public radio’s Science Friday—in an intimate, one-of-a-kind evening at WNYC’s Greene Space. Together, they’ll explore the place where physics equations leave off and philosophical questions begin, and the fascinating, nebulous world in between.
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM, Program begins 7:00 PM
- Location: WNYC’s Greene Space, 44 Charlton St, New York, NY 10014
- Tickets: $200 per person
To ensure all Book Club members can join the fun, we’ll be livestreaming the event—so even if you can’t attend in person, you can still be part of the experience. Details for the livestream will be shared directly with Book Club members, so we encourage you to join the SciFri Book Club.
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.