3.5 Stars. It was an interesting book, and an interesting angle on the Pluto story. A quick fun read. But if you only read one book on Pluto's fall I'...more3.5 Stars. It was an interesting book, and an interesting angle on the Pluto story. A quick fun read. But if you only read one book on Pluto's fall I'd pick Mike Brown's 'How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming' instead. (less)
Good collection of articles, would be great for research. But I found it hard to get into for just a straight read-through. A lot of things were just...moreGood collection of articles, would be great for research. But I found it hard to get into for just a straight read-through. A lot of things were just fairly dry, straightforward recipes.
However, the whole book is worth it for one woman's rant about mashed potatoes. That was fantastic. (less)
Really fascinating book about the effect of music on the brain, and the role music may have played in our evolution as a species. I highly recommend t...moreReally fascinating book about the effect of music on the brain, and the role music may have played in our evolution as a species. I highly recommend this as an audiobook, since they actually play a few notes of music to show you what they're talking about when it comes to things like, pitch and timbre.
Daniel Levitin brings a pretty unique perspective on the subject since he was a music producer working with people like Eric Clapton, Santana and Blue Öyster Cult before going off and becoming a neuroscientist. And I liked that his examples cited ranged from Mozart to the Rolling Stones.
Really should be a 3.5 instead of a 3, because this book WAS good, and did pack a lot of interesting information in. But it was a lot drier than I exp...moreReally should be a 3.5 instead of a 3, because this book WAS good, and did pack a lot of interesting information in. But it was a lot drier than I expected (as compared to Medieval Lives) and I sometimes had trouble following events. (less)
Charming book, through and through, that highlights the First Lady's mission to start a vegetable garden at the white house, community gardening and f...moreCharming book, through and through, that highlights the First Lady's mission to start a vegetable garden at the white house, community gardening and farming across the country, and the reasons why this is important. It was neat to find out that the vegetables grown at the garden are really used by the cooking staff at the White House, that things like homemade honey and pickles are given out as gifts to visiting dignitaries, and most importantly that 1/3rd of the produce raised is given to a local soup kitchen. How classy is that??(less)
I really love Sam Keane. He's definitely a 'must read' popular science author. His 'The Disappearing Spoon' was fantastic, and 'The Violinist's Thumb'...moreI really love Sam Keane. He's definitely a 'must read' popular science author. His 'The Disappearing Spoon' was fantastic, and 'The Violinist's Thumb' is just as good.
This is a really interesting and detailed look, not only into everything we know about genetics, but how we figured it out. The personalities and circumstances and odd stories behind the research. From the 'fly room' and the A-bomb, to 'humanzee' breeding, and the human genome project.
I thought I had a pretty good layman's understanding of genetics, but this taught me so much more, and was fascinating and entertaining every step of the way. (less)
Very interesting book that basically comes down to the history of math and Issac Newton in particular. It barely has anything at all to do with the Ro...moreVery interesting book that basically comes down to the history of math and Issac Newton in particular. It barely has anything at all to do with the Royal Society. But it does a very good job of trying to explain what a monumental shift in thinking Newton caused in a way that you just don't get from a textbook growing up. I thought the parts about what the average person believed during the times to be interesting, but I'd want to read other books on the subject before I believe the author's take wholeheartedly. (less)
A good supplementary book to the BBC Series. (Yay Netflix!) Terry Jones is consistently funny and informative. And a few passages in the book are surp...moreA good supplementary book to the BBC Series. (Yay Netflix!) Terry Jones is consistently funny and informative. And a few passages in the book are surprisingly poetic. (less)
I loved 'How We Decide' so I was eager to read Johah Lehrer's new book. And it doesn't disappoint. And I especially appreciated that he did a lot of l...moreI loved 'How We Decide' so I was eager to read Johah Lehrer's new book. And it doesn't disappoint. And I especially appreciated that he did a lot of legwork and went and talked to a lot of people. I read a lot of Pop-Psychology books, and follow a lot of blogs. And half the time I only get a page or two into the description before I already know what study they're talking about. In this book the case studies range far and wide and touch on a lot of more unfamiliar fields. From Shakespeare and Dylan to 3-M and City Planning.
This book will make you want to drop everything and run off to a city and surround yourself with creative people. (less)
Best book I've read this year. Fascinating and Adorable, how many science books can say they're adorable? Mike Brown goes through how he started looki...moreBest book I've read this year. Fascinating and Adorable, how many science books can say they're adorable? Mike Brown goes through how he started looking for planets past Pluto in the Kuiper Belt and the science behind his discoveries, and mixes in how he met his wife, and the birth of his daughter. And then there's some professional intrigue (but I don't want to spoil it) and ultimately the vote that took Pluto out of the planets.
By the end of the book you'll have a really good grasp of the history of our understanding of the solar system, why Pluto isn't a planet, and a new understanding of the universe. Really excellent stuff. I hope he writes more. (less)
Fabulous, frightening, enlightening book. There are so many people I wish I could make read this.
Ben Goldacre takes on alternative medicine, the big...moreFabulous, frightening, enlightening book. There are so many people I wish I could make read this.
Ben Goldacre takes on alternative medicine, the big drug companies and science/medical journalism with equal fervor. He breaks down all the logical fallacies... or outright underhanded practices...for the layman.
The only "bad" thing about this book is that it doesn't leave you with any easy answers or anyone to put your faith in. You will have to do the hard thinking yourself. (less)
I'm a big fan of cognitive psychology, and do my best to keep up with the current research, so most of the concepts and studies in this were already f...moreI'm a big fan of cognitive psychology, and do my best to keep up with the current research, so most of the concepts and studies in this were already familiar to me. But I can't think of any other book I've read that made the concepts as entertaining and accessible as 'You Are Not So Smart.' The only reason it looses a star is that he doesn't go into very much depth on anything.
This would be the perfect starter book to the genre, following up with books like Daniel Simon & Christopher Chabris's 'The Invisible Gorilla' and Jonah Lehrer's 'How We Decide.' (less)
I'll be straight with you, content wise I wouldn't rate the book as a 5 star. It's not exactly what you'd call 'meaty' or 'deep.' You don't really com...moreI'll be straight with you, content wise I wouldn't rate the book as a 5 star. It's not exactly what you'd call 'meaty' or 'deep.' You don't really come away from it with any thoughts. And some of it is repetitive. But you will NOT regret the ride. I listened to this on audiobook because I enjoy his voice so much, which was worth it on one hand for the sheer relish and joy he packs into every sentence, and for the accents I wouldn't be able to pull off in my head. It made long drives short, and long hours of database entry bearable.
But on the other hand I regret it because I can't go back and find a page, and highlight my favorite passages. Like the one about the Jack Russel Terrier being a dog in concentrate, and that maybe if you steeped him in molasses for awhile you'd get a Black Lab. And you can't really pass along an Audible download to your friends. In fact, I had to go buy another copy just because I knew a friend who's taking a nonfiction class right now, who could get a lot of technique out of it.
I can't think of a much better way to sum up a good book than this. I got to the end, and I was sad, because there wasn't any more. (less)
I think there's a lot to be said for Michael Pollan's common sense approach to eating, and the pitfalls of the industrialized food business today. The...moreI think there's a lot to be said for Michael Pollan's common sense approach to eating, and the pitfalls of the industrialized food business today. The book is very interesting, and has a lot of information that's worth knowing.
He did lose me a bit at the end. I don't think his outline to eat better is very attainable for most people. A family can't afford to spend that much on food, nor has the time to cook it. And you'll never catch me giving up my high speed internet in order to afford grass fed beef. But, I am trying to eat more veg, to cook from scratch, to stay away from fast and processed foods. It can't hurt and it just might help. I know it's certainly a lot more delicious. (less)
Interesting hypothesis that it was the invention of cooking that drove human evolution. It's not a very long book, but hugely padded, the author was c...moreInteresting hypothesis that it was the invention of cooking that drove human evolution. It's not a very long book, but hugely padded, the author was clearly trying to stretch his word count. So as a reader you're left frustrated going, "very interesting, but I got it already!! Can we move on please???" (less)
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as 'The Greatest Show on Earth' or 'The Selfish Gene,' but it was still very good. I'm glad Audible has been bri...moreI didn't enjoy this one quite as much as 'The Greatest Show on Earth' or 'The Selfish Gene,' but it was still very good. I'm glad Audible has been bringing Dawkins' older books out as audiobooks. (less)
Really good book on food science. Especially for someone like me who did not grow up cooking...so halfway through a recipe I'm often going "Is it supp...moreReally good book on food science. Especially for someone like me who did not grow up cooking...so halfway through a recipe I'm often going "Is it supposed to be doing that?"
I believe these are reprints of Robert Wolke's column. The short snippets make it an easy book to pick up and put down. (less)
I have been going through a Mary Roach spree and reading as many of her books as I can. Since I loved the audiobook version of Bonk, and noticed that...moreI have been going through a Mary Roach spree and reading as many of her books as I can. Since I loved the audiobook version of Bonk, and noticed that the same narrator was doing Packing for Mars I decided to do this one on audio as well. It was a good decision, and it really great to listen to while cooking and driving.
Like all her books it's interesting and entertaining, fascinating, funny and disgusting by turns. I love that she always goes the extra mile to get the real details. Exactly how food was developed, the extreme engineering needed just to use the bathroom, the amount of thought that went into figuring out how to plant a flag on the moon.
I have to give Mary kudos for finally writing a book that doesn't lead to an awkward conversation when people ask what's so funny. (Stiff and Bonk are not so good for that) I can't wait to see what she writes next. (less)
Oh Mary Roach, when will I learn not to read your books in public? Someone always asks what I'm laughing at, and...well, it all gets a bit awkward fro...moreOh Mary Roach, when will I learn not to read your books in public? Someone always asks what I'm laughing at, and...well, it all gets a bit awkward from there. Consistently entertaining and fascinating, all with her perfect warm humanity and oddball humor. (less)
With 2-6 pages devoted to each plant, it doesn't really get into much depth, and some of the choices seem very odd. For instance there's an entry on t...moreWith 2-6 pages devoted to each plant, it doesn't really get into much depth, and some of the choices seem very odd. For instance there's an entry on the sweet pea because Princess Diana used them in her bouquet...and then it segues into the edible pea and Mendel's genetics work. Why not make the entry on the edible pea instead? Surely if any pea has changed the course of history it's that one, not the sweet pea. In general the information isn't anything you couldn't get in more depth from Wikipedia. And some of the entries sound ripped right from James Burke's 'Connections' series.
However, it is a gorgeous book, beautifully bound with lovely illustrations. (less)
I wish I had the kind of lifestyle that I could throw a party and try out all these recipes! It did prompt me to go buy whole nutmeg and a rasp grater...moreI wish I had the kind of lifestyle that I could throw a party and try out all these recipes! It did prompt me to go buy whole nutmeg and a rasp grater.
Funny and informative, this is what a book about the history of alcohol should be. I need to go back and get 'Imbibe' now. (less)
Very fun read. I think Mark Phillips must throw a great party, and be fascinating to talk to. (Though by the time he got to recommending wines to go w...moreVery fun read. I think Mark Phillips must throw a great party, and be fascinating to talk to. (Though by the time he got to recommending wines to go with grocery shopping I'm afraid for his liver) He obviously obsessively loves wine, and it comes through on every page. I also like his emphasis to drink whatever you like, no matter what someone else thinks. But sometimes the anti-snobbery reached the point to becoming it's own kind of snobbery. And I think there is some beginner information skipped because he has such an extensive knowledge of the subject that it didn't even occur to him that some people might not know what he's talking about. I'd still recommend it if you were interested in learning about wine. (less)
Funny and just a touch sad, this manga is a great slice of the mangaka's life. Each chapter of the manga is a time she and her foodie friends go out t...moreFunny and just a touch sad, this manga is a great slice of the mangaka's life. Each chapter of the manga is a time she and her foodie friends go out to eat, with reviews and recommendations. But what really brings it to life are the little hints into Yoshinaga and her friends' lives. Tiny tidbits squeezed between food descriptions really make them into three dimensional people that you want to see do well and find happiness. (less)
I thought that the premise sounded...well, ridiculous to be frank. Then I watched the PBS special and thought that it was still silly, but that the in...moreI thought that the premise sounded...well, ridiculous to be frank. Then I watched the PBS special and thought that it was still silly, but that the information on each plant was very interesting, so I decided to pick up the audiobook to listen to while puttering around the kitchen.
And I still think that the premise is a bit silly, and that Michael Pollan is far, far, far too in love with his metaphors. He runs so far with them that he's off in another time zone sometimes.
However, that only slightly detracts from the really interesting information in the book. I don't know much about plants, so I had no idea that apples were cloned, for instance. The history and botany presented were fascinating, and I'd love to read more about things like roses and oranges and anything else now. (less)
Fun read with a decent amount of information about the history and making of whiskey. I liked the way the book was structured, with a short bit of fac...moreFun read with a decent amount of information about the history and making of whiskey. I liked the way the book was structured, with a short bit of fact, an anecdote from the research trip and a review of the whiskey tasted. The anecdotes are fun and the whole book has a casual, friendly feel.
However the book suffers from Kate Hopkins not really doing much on her tour of the whiskey world by doing anything but going on distillery tours. Talking to a barrel maker, or even a bartender or two would have given the book more depth. (less)
I picked this up after seeing "Bad Universe" on the Discovery Channel, and was not disappointed. I learned a lot...though I doubt I'll be able to reme...moreI picked this up after seeing "Bad Universe" on the Discovery Channel, and was not disappointed. I learned a lot...though I doubt I'll be able to remember everything. Well written, though a few of the essays were a little more complex than I could handle half-asleep before bed. (They made MUCH more sense to me in the morning)
But one thing that I really appreciate about Phil Plait is that he admits mistakes. This whole book is about clearing up misconceptions, and Phil is very forthright about things that he got wrong, or expressed badly, on his blog. And now in the book he tries to correct these. I think that's really important, especially for a scientist and skeptic. (less)
Gross, Horrifying, Fascinating.... And thanks to Mary Roach's warm and funny writing style, it absolutely fantastic and hilarious. Seeing at the lengt...moreGross, Horrifying, Fascinating.... And thanks to Mary Roach's warm and funny writing style, it absolutely fantastic and hilarious. Seeing at the lengths she went to for this book (her poor husband!) I am a little afraid of reading "Stiff."
Note to the wise...Be careful if you're listening to this as an audiobook. I apologize to the poor soul that tries to repair my broken mp3 player. They're going to get an interesting earful. (less)
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