The Sky Is Not The Limit." Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist.

As director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, Tyson holds the reins of an institution that's dear to people who love science. In this memoir, Tyson ruminates on what led him to pursue astrophysics, the role of mentors who helped him during his days as a student at the Bronx High School of science and his undergraduate years at Harvard, and the life lessons his career has afforded him. He recounts friendships with noted scientists, including Carl Sagan. As one of only seven black astrophysicists in the world, Tyson considers the role of race and prejudice in his life. In the latter half of the book, he shares some of his views about our place in the cosmos and science's place in modern society. Prometheus, 2004, 203 p., b&w plates, paperback, $18.00.