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March Book Club "A Short History of nearly Everything"
By William · 14 posts · 147 views
By William · 14 posts · 147 views
last updated Aug 06, 2014 12:20PM
November 2010 - Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End / The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God
By S. · 62 posts · 80 views
By S. · 62 posts · 80 views
last updated Apr 19, 2012 04:58PM
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What Members Thought
As a scientist, at first I was rather bored by this book. I was not learning anything new, and not gaining new insights into astronomy.
But, as I read further, it just hit me--this book is tremendously entertaining! If you are a layman, and looking for a unique viewpoint, you could do a lot worse than this book. And, believe it or not, you will be entertained!
In addition, Tyson puts several aspects of astronomy and astrophysics into a unique perspective. He describes all the ways that the univers ...more
But, as I read further, it just hit me--this book is tremendously entertaining! If you are a layman, and looking for a unique viewpoint, you could do a lot worse than this book. And, believe it or not, you will be entertained!
In addition, Tyson puts several aspects of astronomy and astrophysics into a unique perspective. He describes all the ways that the univers ...more
I was smitten with Neil deGrasse Tyson from the first column I read in the Natural History magazine, supported a little later by his shows on PBS. Although I doubt I'll ever get anywhere with astrophysics, being of a decidedly unscientific mind, I thoroughly enjoy the "cosmic quandaries" that Tyson discusses in such a succinct and reasonable way. He has a down-to-earth charm as he discusses out-of-this-world topics:
"� if the Sun were pure yellow, then the snow would look yellow � whether or not ...more
"� if the Sun were pure yellow, then the snow would look yellow � whether or not ...more
a collection of columns that Tyson has written. Entertaining but more useful as an introduction to current thought.
While the content of this book was interesting, I found the author's treatment of it condescending and shallow. He used belittling and sarcastic language in an attempt to make the reader feel awe for the elements of science discussed. I feel science stands for itself and any attempt to somehow amplify its deservedness of our wonder is misguided and betrays a less then full respect for the field.
...more
Excellent, as are all of NDT books. There was a bit of redundancy in places but not enough to be truly annoying. I especially liked the decisive put down of intelligent design. Must read!
Aug 07, 2007
Anna
marked it as to-read
Nov 24, 2008
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Aug 16, 2011
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Jan 03, 2012
Helen
marked it as to-read_eventually
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review of another edition
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Jan 17, 2012
April
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Mar 21, 2013
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