Scan barcode
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook narrated by Sean Runnette.
Subtitle: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements
Who could have imagined such a volume written about that chart that hangs in every high school chemistry classroom? I’m an admitted science geek. I loved the “Mr Wizard” TV show when I was a kid. (He encouraged us to perform all sorts of experiments using our mother’s kitchen utensils and supplies.) I never wanted a Barbie doll, I wanted a chemistry set and a microscope! So, I’ve had this book on my TBR list since it first came out. And I have to say that I’m a little disappointed.
It’s not that Kean is a bad writer; he isn’t, and he’s quite thorough in exploring this topic. His enthusiasm and fascination for the periodic table comes through. But, it was just too much even for this science geek. Some parts were far more interesting to me than others. I loved the chapter on poisons, for example. I was less enthralled with the political infighting on what name to give to a newly discovered element.
Also, I made the choice to listen to the audio format. Sean Runnette did a fine job of performing the audio. However, the sometimes dry subject matter made for a more difficult listening experience. I might have enjoyed this more in text.
Subtitle: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements
Who could have imagined such a volume written about that chart that hangs in every high school chemistry classroom? I’m an admitted science geek. I loved the “Mr Wizard” TV show when I was a kid. (He encouraged us to perform all sorts of experiments using our mother’s kitchen utensils and supplies.) I never wanted a Barbie doll, I wanted a chemistry set and a microscope! So, I’ve had this book on my TBR list since it first came out. And I have to say that I’m a little disappointed.
It’s not that Kean is a bad writer; he isn’t, and he’s quite thorough in exploring this topic. His enthusiasm and fascination for the periodic table comes through. But, it was just too much even for this science geek. Some parts were far more interesting to me than others. I loved the chapter on poisons, for example. I was less enthralled with the political infighting on what name to give to a newly discovered element.
Also, I made the choice to listen to the audio format. Sean Runnette did a fine job of performing the audio. However, the sometimes dry subject matter made for a more difficult listening experience. I might have enjoyed this more in text.
miagoth's review against another edition
really really really fun and enjoyable during the first half however, it gets boring towards the end; too many theories and concepts tangled together and clutter of other stories feel jumbled to the extend that they end up losing their significance
badseedgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a fiction fan. I like to read for escapism, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. But because I believe in being a "well-rounded" reader, every year I commit to reading at least 10, and preferably 12 (or one a month) non-fiction books. "The Disappearing Spoon" is my first for 2020. I was really interested in all the factoids in the book and I enjoyed learning how the elements effect all aspects of my life. I found it interesting to realize how "young" the periodic table really is an how many different ways there are to view the elements. A very good start for the 2020 non-fiction book list.
tophat8855's review against another edition
4.0
Quality popular-science-genre book. Warning: if you had to memorize the element song in high school and then you listen to the audio book here, it WILL be stuck in your head.
Kean tries to group the stories and merge them together in a flow, but the transitions are quick so you can kind of get lost in "what was the point of this section?" But the stories are great and it's fun to listen (used Hoopla for audio book) to them. Scientists are funny people.
Kean tries to group the stories and merge them together in a flow, but the transitions are quick so you can kind of get lost in "what was the point of this section?" But the stories are great and it's fun to listen (used Hoopla for audio book) to them. Scientists are funny people.
kiah_derriman's review against another edition
1.5
i dont think im the target audience but fuck it felt meandering and so boring. it took me so long to finish and i didnt care for it
themeadowofashtrees's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
4.75