Astrobiologist Nathalie A. Cabrol gives readers a primer on her field in “The Secret Life of the Universe: An Astrobiologist’s Search for the Origins and Frontiers of Life.” The Associated Press’ Andrew DeMillo writes that Cabrol’s book doesn’t give a clear-cut answer to whether we’re alone in the universe, but will give readers a newfound appreciation for the work looking for that answer. Cabrol takes readers on a descriptive tour of the universe and the building blocks of life that scientists continue to chase. DeMillo writes that Cabrol’s book illustrates how her work underscores the need to address many challenges on Earth.