Scan barcode
A review by sweeneysays
The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another by Ainissa Ramirez
4.0
Read for non-fiction book club, full discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxOv78mHEGg
Short version of my thoughts: I love the entire concept that frames this book, the idea that science happens within a society and that these forces are shaping each other. It reads like a series of distinct essays on how different scientific discoveries were both products and drivers of their times, but the fact that it's told through so many distinct stories makes the larger argument that much stronger. The stories were interesting & the science was easy to follow.
My big gripe with the book is that a few of her conclusions have this weird luddite energy to them and I think a few of those conclusions don't entirely follow from her premises.
But on the whole this is a super interesting, engaging read that I definitely recommend.
Short version of my thoughts: I love the entire concept that frames this book, the idea that science happens within a society and that these forces are shaping each other. It reads like a series of distinct essays on how different scientific discoveries were both products and drivers of their times, but the fact that it's told through so many distinct stories makes the larger argument that much stronger. The stories were interesting & the science was easy to follow.
My big gripe with the book is that a few of her conclusions have this weird luddite energy to them and I think a few of those conclusions don't entirely follow from her premises.
But on the whole this is a super interesting, engaging read that I definitely recommend.