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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
informative
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.
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.
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.
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.
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
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.
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
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.
My favorite part of this book would have to be the artwork, which is as varied as it is creative and beautiful. The illustrator Dave McKean is probably better known as the director of MirrorMask and the main illustrator for Neil Gaiman. Honestly at times the prose felt dry in comparison to the visuals accompanying it. I felt like Richard Dawkins was a bit stiff in parts, like he was trying to fit his writing to his perceived young audience and wasn't sure how to address them. Other times he was passionate and natural so I think that the missteps aren't dealbreakers. His section on evolution was particularly enjoyable and lively. I definitely would recommend this to a science-oriented child.
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced