Fascinating trip through perceptions of the world

Fascinating trip through perceptions of the world around us that we try to interpret and understand.

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Good, but perhaps not a book for everybody.

I have a Master's degree in the History of Science, and I found this easily accessible, but I'm unsure as to whether the uninitiated would completely follow the author's discussion of Kuhn's model of scientific revolutions - which plays, in my opinion, an excessive role in the narrative. But, then, perhaps the more obtuse parts of the book will simply wash-over without causing a problem... I'm not comfortable with the author's penchant for declaring certain parties in the history of science 'right' and 'wrong', however. The book is more convincing when it's arguing, rather than asserting.

As for the titular '13 Things', some of the chapters are more satisfying than others. One or two of them are excellently thought-provoking, one or two are kinda 'meh...', and all the others are solid. If you're intrigued about science, and particularly about how science develops (or doesn't!), this is well worth your time.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting !

13 challenges you could live quite happily without in blissful ignorance, but without doubt an interesting read for an inquisitive mind.

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Hard to separate from the Discovery channel

I think it has genuine merit. But it was performed like at documentary on sharks or nazi's that fill day-time airtime. Whilst there was lots of truth there were also lots of "mysteries" mostly around one scientist sticking to one result. Passed a few hours for someone interested in science, but won't learn much.

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Superbly Read

At last a book that has taught me the difference between Dark Matter and Dark Energy! This is a book that really brings to life some complicated and difficult areas of scientific understanding. I think it is pitched at a good level, you might not understand all of it (I certainly didn't, some of the mathmatical reasoning went beyond me), but it does not detract from the overall enjoyment.

It is not all quantum theory, there are lots of biological ideas as well as phiosophical ones. It is also really well read by Matt Addis, beautifully paced and clear. Highly recommended.

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31 people found this helpful

Making Sense

Like everyone else, I just believe things, and then make my world fit my perceptions. I would love to think I am a rational, logical guy, but I am a victim of my own delusional attitudes. I enjoy reading books that challenge assumptions, and I am currently enjoying ’13 Things That Don’t Make Sense’ by Michael Brooks. This is perfectly read by Matt Addis, and it should be read widely by religious people in particular, but I guess it would be far too questioning for such faithful followers to even give this book a look.

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6 people found this helpful

Brilliant

This is a wonderful listen. Michael Brooks explains each subject is a very understandable yet inspiring way. Great voice. Highly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

very interesting. great book to listen to.

very interesting, great book to dip in and out of as each chapter is its own topic.v

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Stays with you...

This is one of those books that I keep coming back to in my thoughts. It's not just a book of scientific theory set out in layman's terms, but contains a great deal of philosophy. The author starts out huge - with the creation of the universe and the big bang - and moves on to the microcosm of humanity and strikes at the heart of a fundamental belief in free will. I have some issues with his explanations of some concepts (case in point, the theory that free will doesn't exist; he doesn't say whether the theory refers to predestination or simply reflex responses in place of free will), but for the most part I enjoyed listening and learning. :)

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thirteen things

loved this, listened with my mum ( who's in her 80s ) .
We usually listened at mealtimes as this is the only time we see each other.
This book has started many conversations on the science contained in this volume, we each have our own opinions on the various subjects but like the book don't reach any conclusions.

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