by Rich Sherman

Before the Big Bang:  The Origin of the Universe and What Lies Beyond

By Dr. Laura Mersini-Houghton

Grade:  A-

Theoretical physicist, Dr. Laura Mersini-Houghton takes us on a journey through quantum physics and shows us that six signatures of a multiverse—which she predicted—really do exist in our cosmos.  It is a remarkable revelation.

The book is demanding for the layman, especially those of us who are not well-versed in quantum physics.  Thankfully, there are intermittent respites along the way, where Dr. Houghton shares the stories of her life and the life of her brilliant father during the difficult communist years in her native Albania.  At just over 205 pages, the book seems longer due to the complexity of the subject and Dr. Houghton’s effort to build her argument for a multiverse, requiring references to complex math and properties of quantum physics.

So is the book worth it?  Absolutely.  But like all long journeys, there are moments of fatigue when you feel like giving up.  But in the end, you discover the multiverse and that is really cool.