If you want similar though not quite as thorogh infromation from an easier read check out Isaac Asimov's Eyes on the Universe. In my opinion it is not as engaging as King's book but it can still be very rewarding.
And another book by Barbara Land called The Telescope Makers offers an unique perspective on the topic by also including a lot more about the lives of the inventors and how that influenced their work. I haven't read it all but I think that from what I read about Newton it can really flush out the characters and bring things to life. It is definitly a good supplement to either of the other books, as it includes a lot of information left out of them and isn't overly repetitive.
My mother and I are going to take a speed reading course... that should help my reading keep up with my brain so I don't lose interest too easily.
Wish me luck!
