Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.64k reviews for:
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
Martin J. Sherwin, Kai Bird
4.34 AVERAGE
1.64k reviews for:
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
Martin J. Sherwin, Kai Bird
4.34 AVERAGE
dark
informative
medium-paced
I haven't read a ton of biographies, but of the few I've checked out, American Prometheus is easily the most impressive. Writing in accessible yet never simplistic prose, Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin constructed the rare tome where every anecdote or detour into a supporting figure's backstory feels necessary, adding a piece to the puzzle that is J. Robert Oppenheimer and/or the historical, political and cultural forces that shaped his life and career. They even made me -- someone whose eyes typically glaze over at the mere mention of physics -- understand the thrill that Oppenheimer and his fellow scientists got from revolutionizing their field and the sobering tragedy of all that possibility and expertise culminating in a weapon of mass destruction, to paraphrase I.I. Rabi. I would read a whole other book just about her highness Kitty Oppenheimer.
Well team, I finally finished this 26 hour audiobook.
I learned many things. For one, I do not enjoy the biography or history genre. This was a real challenge for me to finish as I found my mind wandering and not being able to keep track of all the characters (who are actual people since this is a real story).
HOWEVER, I have no doubt that this book was thoroughly researched and well constructed. The authors do a great job of portraying what happened and correcting popular beliefs where their research shows people lied/hid evidence.
Just because this type of book wasn't for me, doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. If complicated historical figures are your thing, this is for you and you will fly through it!
I learned many things. For one, I do not enjoy the biography or history genre. This was a real challenge for me to finish as I found my mind wandering and not being able to keep track of all the characters (who are actual people since this is a real story).
HOWEVER, I have no doubt that this book was thoroughly researched and well constructed. The authors do a great job of portraying what happened and correcting popular beliefs where their research shows people lied/hid evidence.
Just because this type of book wasn't for me, doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. If complicated historical figures are your thing, this is for you and you will fly through it!
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
This was the most engaging biography I’ve ever read. Thoroughly researched, it managed to hew closely to primary sources without becoming dry and academic. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Oppenheimer or this period in American history.
informative
sad
slow-paced