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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Kind of an interesting take on the various myths ... nice images to describe the myths and facts said in this book...
Expectations are the killer of joy.
I entered this book with the impression it was more philosophical. Which was a huge drop from what I got. I like to read things without looking too much about it, because I like to be surprised. This was one of those cases where it would have been nice to look a step further.
The book, although, is nice. For a younger audience, in search to have a greater panorama of the science world, it is a great reading (or listening in my case). It feels like a documentary series filled with interesting facts about the universe and its workings.
The two major warnings worth making are: First, is that if you are already into this kind of subject, the book is very shallow and can end up not satisfying you. Secondly, it is --unnecessarily -- not very polite with people with religious beliefs.
I entered this book with the impression it was more philosophical. Which was a huge drop from what I got. I like to read things without looking too much about it, because I like to be surprised. This was one of those cases where it would have been nice to look a step further.
The book, although, is nice. For a younger audience, in search to have a greater panorama of the science world, it is a great reading (or listening in my case). It feels like a documentary series filled with interesting facts about the universe and its workings.
The two major warnings worth making are: First, is that if you are already into this kind of subject, the book is very shallow and can end up not satisfying you. Secondly, it is --unnecessarily -- not very polite with people with religious beliefs.
Many religious people view solely secular views of the world to be 'bleak' and 'depressing.' Dawkins does a wonderful job of showing people how hard science can inspire even more wonder than any form of fantasy. He is able to both educate less informed audiences and appeal to those with a background in science by recommending and citing informative sources for every topic. While I also appreciated his writing style and perspectives in The God Delusion, I was glad that he took a less antagonistic stance in this book and used a more approachable voice to teach and inform his readers.
Lent to me by a friend, this was a nice read. As a scientist, there were no new concepts in here for me, however I think Dawkins did a very good job of explaining complex systems in an easy to understand manner, without patronising the reader. His writing is flavoured with his distinctive style, such that I can envision is impassioned pleas while reading it. I think a lot of people would enjoy reading this book and learning or upgrading their knowledge in subjects we should all appreciate in our modern world.
This book is super-well written and the iPad app has a ton of nice interactive elements. Could double as an entertaining read for all ages, or as a required text for 3rd grade science.
Reading this book is like talking to a former classmate about your old science classes.
3.5 stars.
When I was a kid, I had a book called [b:Disaster Science|558922|Disaster Science (Klutz)|Inc Klutz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1175794206s/558922.jpg|546098] that I read cover to cover, over and over again. The Magic of Reality reminded me a lot of that, with the same kind of clear explanations and vivid illustrations. I wish I'd had it growing up.
I docked a star because sometimes it was hard to tell what age group this was really geared for, and I would have arranged the chapters a little differently.
When I was a kid, I had a book called [b:Disaster Science|558922|Disaster Science (Klutz)|Inc Klutz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1175794206s/558922.jpg|546098] that I read cover to cover, over and over again. The Magic of Reality reminded me a lot of that, with the same kind of clear explanations and vivid illustrations. I wish I'd had it growing up.
I docked a star because sometimes it was hard to tell what age group this was really geared for, and I would have arranged the chapters a little differently.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
If you are in high school or this is your first science popularization book then this one is perfect. For the rest is a good overview of what you know, maybe you find something new.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced