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March Book Club "A Short History of nearly Everything"
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By William · 14 posts · 147 views
last updated Aug 06, 2014 12:20PM
November 2010 - Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End / The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God
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By S. · 62 posts · 80 views
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What Members Thought
As a scientist, at first I was rather bored by this book. I was not learning anything new, and not gaining new insights into astronomy.
But, as I read further, it just hit me--this book is tremendously entertaining! If you are a layman, and looking for a unique viewpoint, you could do a lot worse than this book. And, believe it or not, you will be entertained!
In addition, Tyson puts several aspects of astronomy and astrophysics into a unique perspective. He describes all the ways that the univers ...more
But, as I read further, it just hit me--this book is tremendously entertaining! If you are a layman, and looking for a unique viewpoint, you could do a lot worse than this book. And, believe it or not, you will be entertained!
In addition, Tyson puts several aspects of astronomy and astrophysics into a unique perspective. He describes all the ways that the univers ...more
I was smitten with Neil deGrasse Tyson from the first column I read in the Natural History magazine, supported a little later by his shows on PBS. Although I doubt I'll ever get anywhere with astrophysics, being of a decidedly unscientific mind, I thoroughly enjoy the "cosmic quandaries" that Tyson discusses in such a succinct and reasonable way. He has a down-to-earth charm as he discusses out-of-this-world topics:
"… if the Sun were pure yellow, then the snow would look yellow – whether or not ...more
"… if the Sun were pure yellow, then the snow would look yellow – whether or not ...more
a collection of columns that Tyson has written. Entertaining but more useful as an introduction to current thought.
While the content of this book was interesting, I found the author's treatment of it condescending and shallow. He used belittling and sarcastic language in an attempt to make the reader feel awe for the elements of science discussed. I feel science stands for itself and any attempt to somehow amplify its deservedness of our wonder is misguided and betrays a less then full respect for the field.
...more
Informative popular science that contains technical information, humorous asides and references to popular culture. This book provides an overview of what we know, and in some cases don't know, about the universe and its contents.
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Excellent, as are all of NDT books. There was a bit of redundancy in places but not enough to be truly annoying. I especially liked the decisive put down of intelligent design. Must read!
Aug 07, 2007
Anna
marked it as to-read
Nov 24, 2008
Thomas
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Jul 04, 2009
Hollyy
marked it as to-read
Aug 16, 2011
Lenena
marked it as to-read
Jan 03, 2012
Helen
marked it as to-read_eventually
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review of another edition
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Jan 17, 2012
April
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Feb 24, 2012
Charise
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Mar 12, 2012
CK
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Nov 17, 2012
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