Reviews

How the Earth Works by Michael E. Wysession

suebrownreads's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed it, especially the last 10-12 lectures which are on climate change, (there are 48 lectures, some really meant for the student of geology I think instead of just the average Joe). But the final lectures tell how climate change has affected civilization over time and the current impact of humans on the environment.

klacebo's review

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informative medium-paced

4.0

bookwyrmknits's review

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3.75

This is a really good course with really good information. However, I can't recommend the audiobook as much as I would like to, because there were a lot of places where the lecturer was discussing visual effects that he was showing in the video. This did not translate as well to the audio-only version. This is the first Great Courses lecture where I wished I was watching the video version instead of listening to the audio. I did still like the audio version, but I think the video would be much better.

spinnerroweok's review

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4.0

This was a good review of geology. I was surprised by how much I already knew, but I still enjoyed the review and new ways of looking at the interconnectedness of life and rocks. I recommend.

pluto_kat's review

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

xtralohrdinary's review

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funny informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

cathepsut's review

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Very elementary. If you are new to the topic or need a basic refresher about geology, Earth‘s history, physics, plate tectonics, volcanoes, etc., this is a good primer. The lecture format made this pretty dull and boring a lot of the time, although there were some highlights as well. Maybe I will pick this up again at some point and make it to some more fun chapters, but for now I am done.

mssunnyskies's review

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informative

4.5

nytephoenyx's review

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informative medium-paced

5.0

I'm not typically much of a science person.  I'm fascinated by science, but often have a difficult time remaining focused.  Books are the most challenging, but growing up I had a slew of science teachers that failed to rope me in.  If I'd been taught by Michael E. Wyession, that would be very different.  Wysession is passionate about his topic.  Even in the audiobook version, he provides examples and makes the topics extremely accessible to those without a lot of knowledge.  Those who are insightful already on the Earth's mechanics will likely be bored by these lectures, but I loved them.

After every session, I found myself coming away with new information.  A better understanding of where diamonds come from.  The existence of many Earth-like planets in our solar system.  His lectures made me want to know more about the planet, a respect I probably should have had when I was younger.  If you're interested in learning more about Earth science, these lectures are an excellent way to do it.
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