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1.63k reviews for:
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
Martin J. Sherwin, Kai Bird
4.33 AVERAGE
1.63k reviews for:
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
Martin J. Sherwin, Kai Bird
4.33 AVERAGE
Obvs he did research (super extensively) but it just is best taken in small doses. I am interested in his life but found myself skimming. Hope to get back to it eventually
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
informative
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Like many others, I picked this up because of the Oppenheimer movie, which I quite liked. Obviously, the book is different from the movie, but I found both worth the time I put into them.
This is a really well-done biography; I totally understand why this received the Pulitzer. There is so much material to pull from when it comes to Oppenheimer’s life, as there are reams of government papers on him. The authors also conducted extensive interviews with those who knew him.
The picture of Oppenheimer that emerges is that of a complicated man. While he himself is interesting, I also enjoyed learning more about US history through the lens of his life—especially in regards to US atomic policy. Overall, this was an excellent read if you are in the mood for something dense and thought-provoking.
This is a really well-done biography; I totally understand why this received the Pulitzer. There is so much material to pull from when it comes to Oppenheimer’s life, as there are reams of government papers on him. The authors also conducted extensive interviews with those who knew him.
The picture of Oppenheimer that emerges is that of a complicated man. While he himself is interesting, I also enjoyed learning more about US history through the lens of his life—especially in regards to US atomic policy. Overall, this was an excellent read if you are in the mood for something dense and thought-provoking.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicide, Antisemitism
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
informative
slow-paced
Fine book, just didn't capture my attention and it was long enough I didn't feel like finishing. Would consider returning some other time.