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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
this book is awesome, like life-changing awesome. if i had read this book as a little girl (not that my parents would have let me anywhere near this book when i was little) i might be a scientist right now, for real. sadly i'm too old and dumb to totally change things up like that. but this book has installed a new sense of wonderment in me about how fantastically interesting our universe and life is.
Dawkins is incredibly talented at explaining very complex things and his writing is not boring or nap-inducing at all. LOVE!
the artwork is also top-notch and really helped clarify some of the more abstract ideas in this book. The Magic of Reality really puts all other science text books to shame.
Dawkins is incredibly talented at explaining very complex things and his writing is not boring or nap-inducing at all. LOVE!
the artwork is also top-notch and really helped clarify some of the more abstract ideas in this book. The Magic of Reality really puts all other science text books to shame.
Odd fusion of a discussion of religious myths from history, especially Christian, and science primer for children.
The author is trying to use one to lead to the other, but that didn't really work for me. I would have liked more discussion on myths with a little science. Don't need evolution overview to explain why turning water into wine doesn't make sense, for example.
The author is trying to use one to lead to the other, but that didn't really work for me. I would have liked more discussion on myths with a little science. Don't need evolution overview to explain why turning water into wine doesn't make sense, for example.
I don't know who the intended audience for this book might be. It certainly is not really for those with a background in science or engineering. Ironically, those are the type of folks who would be most interested in reading a book by Dawkins... and they are quite likely to already be well-versed in the basic biology/geology/astronomy that Dawkins presents.
The myths are kind of fun, but I'm not convinced they added much.
One thing I do enjoy about reading Dawkins is that he does come up with different sorts of metaphors/analogies to explain concepts than are generally presented in classroom/textbook settings and often re-words and re-reasons things in a way that can help me understand them more fully. Alas, this book did not contain much material of that nature.
The myths are kind of fun, but I'm not convinced they added much.
One thing I do enjoy about reading Dawkins is that he does come up with different sorts of metaphors/analogies to explain concepts than are generally presented in classroom/textbook settings and often re-words and re-reasons things in a way that can help me understand them more fully. Alas, this book did not contain much material of that nature.
funny
informative
medium-paced
this book has a deeply contagious awe and appreciation of understanding reality, science and the universe. it is clearly targeted to a younger audience, but if you are a curious adult who is lacking basic scientific knowledge, this would be a great place to start.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Great science book for children.
I've finally read a book by one of the four horsemen! (Shhhh...Don't tell. I'm a bad atheist.) This book is simply fantastic. Each chapters starts out with myths stories surrounding different subjects and then goes into the science of what's really happening.
Although none of the science was new to me, it was a fun refresher and Dawkins really has a gift for explaining complicated concepts in understandable ways.
The gorgeous illustrations really bring the whole book together. I felt silly sometimes pulling out my picture book to read while on the bus sometimes but adults can appreciate illustrations too! :D If the print version is this pretty, I imagine the ipad version is spectacular!
I know my favorite chapter "Why do bad things happen?" would be one of my dad's favorites too as it's a conversation we've had over and over again, especially after natural disasters.
I bought it for a teenager for Christmas and I hope he enjoys it as much as I did.
Although none of the science was new to me, it was a fun refresher and Dawkins really has a gift for explaining complicated concepts in understandable ways.
The gorgeous illustrations really bring the whole book together. I felt silly sometimes pulling out my picture book to read while on the bus sometimes but adults can appreciate illustrations too! :D If the print version is this pretty, I imagine the ipad version is spectacular!
I know my favorite chapter "Why do bad things happen?" would be one of my dad's favorites too as it's a conversation we've had over and over again, especially after natural disasters.
I bought it for a teenager for Christmas and I hope he enjoys it as much as I did.
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A very nice walkthrough of some interesting scientific concepts, such as evolution, light, earthquakes, and various aspects of the universe. Very informative and entertaining.