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theonionboy's review against another edition
4.0
This comes across as if it were meant to be "explain science to me like I am five years old." I don’t know if that was the writer’s intent or not. Listening to it, especially with the authors’ strong accents, makes it ride right on the fine line between explaining simply and clearly, and coming across as very condescending.
If you get past that feeling, it is very informative. You can enjoy the simple explanations of the things you already know, realizing that it is building a foundation for further parts of the book. And you can learn from simple explanations of the parts you didn’t already know.
One thing stood out. At the end of an early chapter, the author got in a big jab against religion. It didn’t bother me personally, because I totally agree with what he said, and I have no use for religion. But the comment felt very much out of place at that point in the book. It came across as personal feelings that had been kept in check, but built up and burst out. Otherwise he was doing a great job letting the facts speak for themselves and let the reader draw the conclusion for themselves. It seems he couldn’t resist the fear that readers might miss is, and had to ram it home.
I don’t read other reviews before writing my own. But it would surprise me if others readers don’t find it very condescending.
The book started out explaining various aspects of science. It set a good foundation and built upon it well. But at the end it appears the topics were picked for the sole purpose of supporting the non-religious world view, rather than simply explaining science. A significant portion of the book was dedicated to giving examples of world mythology, to show how ridiculous they are. And always, Judeo-Christian stories are cited to make the point that they are just as ridiculous as the rest. Again, that does not bother me, because I actually agree with it. But it still seemed to detract from the experience of the book. And if I felt that way, I suppose religious believers will think that even more so. I don't think this is the best approach to get believers to open their minds.
If you get past that feeling, it is very informative. You can enjoy the simple explanations of the things you already know, realizing that it is building a foundation for further parts of the book. And you can learn from simple explanations of the parts you didn’t already know.
One thing stood out. At the end of an early chapter, the author got in a big jab against religion. It didn’t bother me personally, because I totally agree with what he said, and I have no use for religion. But the comment felt very much out of place at that point in the book. It came across as personal feelings that had been kept in check, but built up and burst out. Otherwise he was doing a great job letting the facts speak for themselves and let the reader draw the conclusion for themselves. It seems he couldn’t resist the fear that readers might miss is, and had to ram it home.
I don’t read other reviews before writing my own. But it would surprise me if others readers don’t find it very condescending.
The book started out explaining various aspects of science. It set a good foundation and built upon it well. But at the end it appears the topics were picked for the sole purpose of supporting the non-religious world view, rather than simply explaining science. A significant portion of the book was dedicated to giving examples of world mythology, to show how ridiculous they are. And always, Judeo-Christian stories are cited to make the point that they are just as ridiculous as the rest. Again, that does not bother me, because I actually agree with it. But it still seemed to detract from the experience of the book. And if I felt that way, I suppose religious believers will think that even more so. I don't think this is the best approach to get believers to open their minds.
ricm's review
5.0
It's Richard Dawkins explaining science very simply and engagingly. It's very good. It's written for a little younger audience but I still highly recommend it for anyone interested in science and biology. I learned all kinds of fascinating things, like who knows how rainbows work? I do!! And now I know how we know how old the universe is, how earthquakes work, and I have a better understanding of evolution, as well. Very well explained. I'm very happy. :)
mihirkula's review against another edition
informative
3.0
The book is quite informative in various aspects specifically in evolution and biological facts. The atheist bias of the author is evident and he often presents myths and stories to lampoon them. At times the author goes on to explain very difficult stuff verbally. The book could have used some good illustrations.
artyreads's review
3.0
I struggled hard to get through this book. Mostly because I felt like it was aimed at high schoolers. The myths at the beginning of each section was an interesting touch and had I received this book 10 years ago I might have appreciated it.
ettegoom's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly, I was disappointed... this book is written in a very derogatory tone, and although there are some great explanations, there are some elements that are considerably less well explained or speculated on.
I would have thought that if he was trying to convince people who did not understand much about science, or who thought that mythological explanations were reasonable, that he would perhaps approach the topic more considerately. Telling someone that their ideas are ridiculous or stupid is not going to make them think kindly towards your ideas. It is more likely to turn them off completely.
Overall... meh. I probably won't read any more of his books.
I would have thought that if he was trying to convince people who did not understand much about science, or who thought that mythological explanations were reasonable, that he would perhaps approach the topic more considerately. Telling someone that their ideas are ridiculous or stupid is not going to make them think kindly towards your ideas. It is more likely to turn them off completely.
Overall... meh. I probably won't read any more of his books.
countessjess's review against another edition
4.0
The Magic of Reality is the first Dawkins book I’ve read, but I feel like it was a good introduction to his works. Relatively short and easily digestible, this book is perfect for a quick read between tasks. Dawkins addresses a number of things that many people have little scientific understanding about, and introduces each chapter in a very nifty fashion: by describing some of the myths people have come up with over the years to describe the phenomena. After this humorous introduction he goes on to explain what actually occurs in a way that is both scientifically sound and understandable, even for those with no science background.
I may be a little biased, being a science student and overall science geek, but I really did enjoy this book. Dawkins’ writing style flows together quite nicely and even if you know how one of the processes work he writes it in a way that makes it still engaging to read.
Really, I think the thing that makes this book stand out is its wonderful contrast between myth and reality (hence the title!) It very neatly wraps up, too, that everything has a sound explanation, even if we are yet to find out what that explanation is.
I may be a little biased, being a science student and overall science geek, but I really did enjoy this book. Dawkins’ writing style flows together quite nicely and even if you know how one of the processes work he writes it in a way that makes it still engaging to read.
Really, I think the thing that makes this book stand out is its wonderful contrast between myth and reality (hence the title!) It very neatly wraps up, too, that everything has a sound explanation, even if we are yet to find out what that explanation is.
shaunaviolet's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.75
This book is easy to read and is very informative and interesting. However, the author comes across as arrogant and dismissive to other points of views which I found offputting.
kahawa's review
2.0
There were a few interesting points mixed in with some pretty strong dogma and dismissiveness. I don't think I could recommend this to anyone - it's too simple for adults, and too dogmatic for children. The section on Humian probabilities was interesting, but could have been dealt with much better.