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missbsbookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
4.0
Sam Kean is such a great science writer. The title of this book doesn't really capture its subject matter: which is essentially "gasses." Kean bounces from topic to topic a lot but I didn't find the transitions jarring. There was a little self-indulgence, especially at the end, when Kean spends a long time imagining the first explorers to visit another planet. I could have done without that section.
gracecrandall's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Gore, Drug abuse, Medical content, Child death, Violence, Suicide, Terminal illness, Cancer, Classism, Animal death, Deportation, Animal cruelty, Medical trauma, War, Colonisation, Antisemitism, Body horror, Chronic illness, Grief, Infertility, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, and Drug use
ketchikrista's review against another edition
5.0
I have marked this book up. There is so much great information to learn about the gases that make up our air. There were facts I wanted to know more about, watch videos on, laughed at, and some that are just plain sad. If you like science even a smidgeon and history you will love this author.
fshguy's review against another edition
4.0
Great anecdotes about science contributions through gases and chemistry.
aehsan's review against another edition
5.0
Supremely satisfying and accessible. The walk through from the start of the universe to climate change broken down by gas element is fascinating but mostly and always interesting. I don't have a strong science background but at no time was I lost or bored. You'll walk away from thsi learning not only the roles of gases and a basic foundation in chemistry but with a smiel on your face also.
eliris's review against another edition
3.0
Another greatly informational book regarding tiny parts that make up our world that we take for granted today. Mixed with stories of the people that discovered them so a bit historical as well. Not as good (in my own personal opinion) as The Disappearing Spoon, but I do tend to like the periodic table more than I think about the air I breathe every day.
tac107's review against another edition
5.0
I almost didn't read this book because I had attempted reading Nine Pints last week (similar premise, but about blood) and couldn't finish it. But this book is great! It's engaging without talking down to the reader and makes great use of analogies to explain more complicated physics concepts. The vignettes and little stories are entertaining and informative. A great way to break down something we interact with every day (the air) and educate a whole range of readers about it.
neglet's review against another edition
Fun, interesting, and thorough exploration of our air and the gases that form it. Don’t forget to read the end notes, they’re just as interesting!