Stephen Hawking is one of the greatest minds on Earth right now, and it's a rare treat to find such a mind that is also such an eloquent communicator. This book brings fantastically complex physics down to an easily digestable (and very yummy) level with practical examples, analogies, and pictures. I had to read it for my physics class, but had so much fun reading it that I asked my teacher to recommend a similar book that I could read for fun. The book blends the historical development of the subject with the scientific reality as we know it today, and Hawking is not afraid to admit errors (even his own!) in past theories. I respect a person who can admit their wrongs and turn it into a learning experience. This is easily the best treatment of the subject I've found yet (quantum physics is something of a hobby for me... proud to be a geek!) and I recommend it to anyone who's curious about the nature of the Universe or the amazing things being discovered right now.