I've always been a huge fan of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Mrs. Z's blog post wishing us all a Happy Pluto Day! reminded me to order his latest book, The Pluto Files. When Pluto was officially demoted to "dwarf planet" status in 2006, Dr. Tyson took a lot of flak, including hate mail from third graders (whom, he theorizes, associate the not-quite-a-planet with Mickey Mouse's beloved dog).

I haven't read the book yet, just ordered from Amazon, but look forward to reading and reviewing it soon. Meanwhile, for the benefit of anyone who isn't already familiar with the delightful Dr. Tyson and can't quite see the appeal of an entire book about Pluto, check out this interview with Jon Stewart, in which Dr. Tyson gives a taste of the wit and humor to be expected in the book when asked by Stewart, "What did Pluto ever do to YOU?"

"Pluto had it coming," answers Tyson. "Pluto was an oddball from the beginning. Pluto really messed up my life!"