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Uncertainty Principles
"Don't you see? Uncertainty can be either the root of fear or the cornerstone of hope. It all depends on the observer."
Five college students discovered that atmospheric energy could predict mass acts of human violence. Nine years later, they reunite under a cloud of mutual contempt and buried affections. As they strive to protect their heartland, they must finally challenge their conflicting philosophies and the inevitability of fate.
They can refuse to look and choose not to believe, but the threat is real, and the probability is rising.
Five college students discovered that atmospheric energy could predict mass acts of human violence. Nine years later, they reunite under a cloud of mutual contempt and buried affections. As they strive to protect their heartland, they must finally challenge their conflicting philosophies and the inevitability of fate.
They can refuse to look and choose not to believe, but the threat is real, and the probability is rising.
294 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
1 person is currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Krista Tibbs
9 books95 followersKrista Tibbs grew up in northern Maine and studied brain and cognitive sciences at MIT. She fortunately stumbled into a career conducting clinical research for diseases with little or no treatment options, interrupted by stints in public service and a lot of swing dancing in Washington, DC. She currently lives and writes in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 15, 2013
I was impressed with Tibb's ability to create both a spiritual yet scientific book that both keeps a good pace for a novel while simultaneously exploring some of the deeper aspects of the human experience. Granted I did not do any research on the science behind the story, but having a basic scientific background myself, I was at least on board with the energy measuring concepts and able to leave my skepticism, that usually overrides my ability to suspend belief, behind. Add that to the fact that I was able to read the Christian elements to it without any eye-rolling, and some actual empathy, and she had me.
This novel is both engaging and deep. It manages to take a serious matter of our current fear-based society and offer some hope, all while wrapping it up in the guise of a story. This type of writing is the noblest, it both teaches and asks, it doesn't judge and it draws the reader into a discussion, offering different perspectives without a black and white agenda.
I wasn't exactly keen on the way it ended, nor the way the Dmitri character played out, or for that matter the first person POV for Kai, but none of these small dislikes mattered in the end. I was in it the whole way through, wondering about the characters' relationships, hoping for a happy ending to their immense world-ending problem, wanting to believe the concepts behind their experiments were real.
My one serious critique would be, the prose did not quite make me emotionally react as strongly as I would like. The book appealed to my intellect, to my curiosity, to my logic, but it did not quite appeal to my emotions, which would be the only thing keeping it from landing a place amongst the greats such as Steinbeck and Hesse.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the exploration of the combination of spirituality and science.
This novel is both engaging and deep. It manages to take a serious matter of our current fear-based society and offer some hope, all while wrapping it up in the guise of a story. This type of writing is the noblest, it both teaches and asks, it doesn't judge and it draws the reader into a discussion, offering different perspectives without a black and white agenda.
I wasn't exactly keen on the way it ended, nor the way the Dmitri character played out, or for that matter the first person POV for Kai, but none of these small dislikes mattered in the end. I was in it the whole way through, wondering about the characters' relationships, hoping for a happy ending to their immense world-ending problem, wanting to believe the concepts behind their experiments were real.
My one serious critique would be, the prose did not quite make me emotionally react as strongly as I would like. The book appealed to my intellect, to my curiosity, to my logic, but it did not quite appeal to my emotions, which would be the only thing keeping it from landing a place amongst the greats such as Steinbeck and Hesse.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the exploration of the combination of spirituality and science.
April 9, 2013
As usual I received this book for free but not for the usual reasons. Despite losing the GoodReads drawing for this book I was able to wheedle a free copy out of the author anyway. This is proof of the author's bravery if nothing else as I did warn her that I am a profusely harsh critic. Much like Schrodinger's cat though, one will never know if the critic is good or evil until you open the box.
The summary here is pretty straightforward. Tibbs' novel gives us a classic example of Geek Chic nerd literature. A very diverse group of young adults gets together to use their various talents to solve a significant societal problem. They use scientific instruments, collect data, spout all sorts of tech speak (which is NOT the usual made up mumbo-jumbo, it should be noted) and do generally what scientists do. The details of this are left as an exercise to the reader in order that a sense of suspense will be maintained.
On the positive side, Ms. Tibbs has written one of the few novels in my recollection that uses science without totally bunking it up. There are some parts that feel a bit soft but you have none of the usual sense that the text was written with the banal Lorem Ipsum of [INSERT TECH HERE] rumored to have been in use for Star Trek scripts. The author knows what she's talking about. It's also endlessly refreshing that the author has included an overtly religious character who doesn't miraculously manage to convert all the "heathens" by the end of the book. All the actors interact and manage to learn from each other but the places they each end up psychologically is very credible and realistic. The book also has an interesting thread running through it in terms of science's responsibility to society. While this is not overly emphasized, it is important and thought provoking.
To the negative, for all the author's obvious skill above, the story seems rather whitewashed. I can't say much here without constituting plot spoilage but suffice to say that the whole story seemed unbalanced to the glowing and positive side of the proverbial ledger. Sure, some negative things happen but there are no points in the story when there's any real doubt or drama about the eventual outcome. It just comes across as rather soft and airy with little real drama.
In summary, better than I expected but still rather on the fluffy side. Some great use of tech and some very memorable characters but just rather lacking any narrative edge.
PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, "Do I want to read this or not?" Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.
The summary here is pretty straightforward. Tibbs' novel gives us a classic example of Geek Chic nerd literature. A very diverse group of young adults gets together to use their various talents to solve a significant societal problem. They use scientific instruments, collect data, spout all sorts of tech speak (which is NOT the usual made up mumbo-jumbo, it should be noted) and do generally what scientists do. The details of this are left as an exercise to the reader in order that a sense of suspense will be maintained.
On the positive side, Ms. Tibbs has written one of the few novels in my recollection that uses science without totally bunking it up. There are some parts that feel a bit soft but you have none of the usual sense that the text was written with the banal Lorem Ipsum of [INSERT TECH HERE] rumored to have been in use for Star Trek scripts. The author knows what she's talking about. It's also endlessly refreshing that the author has included an overtly religious character who doesn't miraculously manage to convert all the "heathens" by the end of the book. All the actors interact and manage to learn from each other but the places they each end up psychologically is very credible and realistic. The book also has an interesting thread running through it in terms of science's responsibility to society. While this is not overly emphasized, it is important and thought provoking.
To the negative, for all the author's obvious skill above, the story seems rather whitewashed. I can't say much here without constituting plot spoilage but suffice to say that the whole story seemed unbalanced to the glowing and positive side of the proverbial ledger. Sure, some negative things happen but there are no points in the story when there's any real doubt or drama about the eventual outcome. It just comes across as rather soft and airy with little real drama.
In summary, better than I expected but still rather on the fluffy side. Some great use of tech and some very memorable characters but just rather lacking any narrative edge.
PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, "Do I want to read this or not?" Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.
January 17, 2014
What if you could predict the future? What responsibility would you have to try to stop bad things from happening? And what effect would your intervention have on the course of future events? Those are the issues Tibbs's characters struggle with in this engaging novel.
An eclectic group of college seniors is assigned, seemingly at random, to work together on a project that must be completed before they can graduate. Aiyana is the driven one; Brian is the baseball player/science nerd; Becky is the religious, most-likely-to-marry-and-stay-home one; Kai is the slacker; and Dmitri is the quirky genius. The project must be their own design, and they flounder around, trying to find something that will suit. In the process, they stumble upon a method of predicting world-changing events by measuring energy fluctuations in the atmosphere. Becky believes it proves the existence of God; Aiyana, the atheist, thinks the whole thing is crazy; and Brian is obsessed with getting scientific proof. Things go wrong in spectacular fashion -- so much so that you would think the five would run screaming in opposite directions after graduation and never see one another again.
But somehow, they all end up living near one another, and Becky and Aiyana even become friends. When Brian predicts an event of mass murder in the town where they live now, the group comes together again to set things right. Or not. The plot resolves, but uncertainty plays a big part in everything that happens -- right through the epilogue, which features two separate interpretations of the final scene.
Tibbs' writing is solid and the science seems plausible. If you like your stories tied up in a neat bow at the end, Uncertainty Principles probably won't be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy weighing what-ifs and varying points of view, you may very well enjoy this book. I did.
***
Originally appeared at hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blogspot.com.
An eclectic group of college seniors is assigned, seemingly at random, to work together on a project that must be completed before they can graduate. Aiyana is the driven one; Brian is the baseball player/science nerd; Becky is the religious, most-likely-to-marry-and-stay-home one; Kai is the slacker; and Dmitri is the quirky genius. The project must be their own design, and they flounder around, trying to find something that will suit. In the process, they stumble upon a method of predicting world-changing events by measuring energy fluctuations in the atmosphere. Becky believes it proves the existence of God; Aiyana, the atheist, thinks the whole thing is crazy; and Brian is obsessed with getting scientific proof. Things go wrong in spectacular fashion -- so much so that you would think the five would run screaming in opposite directions after graduation and never see one another again.
But somehow, they all end up living near one another, and Becky and Aiyana even become friends. When Brian predicts an event of mass murder in the town where they live now, the group comes together again to set things right. Or not. The plot resolves, but uncertainty plays a big part in everything that happens -- right through the epilogue, which features two separate interpretations of the final scene.
Tibbs' writing is solid and the science seems plausible. If you like your stories tied up in a neat bow at the end, Uncertainty Principles probably won't be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy weighing what-ifs and varying points of view, you may very well enjoy this book. I did.
***
Originally appeared at hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blogspot.com.
June 8, 2014
This was an original and surprisingly compelling story. Surprisingly to me, that is—the scientific element in the story had me a little worried. The sciences were not my strongest, or even favourite, subject at school, so I thought most of it would go over my head. It didn’t, and as a result I was able to enjoy a very unusual novel.
Five students team up for a science project, one they need to make a success of, as they want to secure their graduation marks. And so, they find a way to measure atmospheric energy to enable them to estimate the probability of the occurrence of events that are almost certain to be catastrophic. A life-changing incident involving one of the group halts the project. Four members of the team re-assemble nine years later, their memories very fresh still from the abrupt end to their undergraduate project. Each of them is older not just in years, but in wisdom, outlook and responsibility, the inexperience of their youth nine years earlier somewhat dissipated. Their regrouping, it seems, though strained, proves to be vital...if not life-saving.
I have to say that it did take me a while to work out to whom the first person POV belonged, and I wasn’t always sure when I was in the undergraduate time or the nine-year-later time. However, eventually, everything does fall into place very methodically.
I enjoyed this book. The five students couldn’t be more unalike, but they’re cleverly juxtapositioned, a bit like an outfit with clashing colours that works well as a whole, and I loved that I really had no idea how this story would roll out. Add to that, intelligent and articulate writing AND—hoorah!!!—excellent editing, and you’ve got a different and top-quality read.
Five students team up for a science project, one they need to make a success of, as they want to secure their graduation marks. And so, they find a way to measure atmospheric energy to enable them to estimate the probability of the occurrence of events that are almost certain to be catastrophic. A life-changing incident involving one of the group halts the project. Four members of the team re-assemble nine years later, their memories very fresh still from the abrupt end to their undergraduate project. Each of them is older not just in years, but in wisdom, outlook and responsibility, the inexperience of their youth nine years earlier somewhat dissipated. Their regrouping, it seems, though strained, proves to be vital...if not life-saving.
I have to say that it did take me a while to work out to whom the first person POV belonged, and I wasn’t always sure when I was in the undergraduate time or the nine-year-later time. However, eventually, everything does fall into place very methodically.
I enjoyed this book. The five students couldn’t be more unalike, but they’re cleverly juxtapositioned, a bit like an outfit with clashing colours that works well as a whole, and I loved that I really had no idea how this story would roll out. Add to that, intelligent and articulate writing AND—hoorah!!!—excellent editing, and you’ve got a different and top-quality read.
June 14, 2015
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
Krista Tibbs’ Uncertainty Principles brings together a very disparate group of students; their only common element a group study they’re required to complete in order to graduate. Their project focuses on electromagnetic disturbances, evolving from observations of EMF changes around a prayer group to an effort to try and measure whether or not living beings can cause measurable amounts of fluctuation. However, when they return from a data collection trip, they find themselves faced with a campus bomb scare, and they are all under suspicion. Their attempt to catch the bomber by measuring the EMF fields on campus has outcomes that none of them expected: so much so that it will shape the lives of each of them.
In Uncertainty Principles, Krista Tibbs draws together many of the issues we face today, from societal apathy to climate change, and posits the power of individuals to make a lasting difference, despite or because of personal struggles, flaws or differing beliefs. Character archetypes adeptly pencil in key segments of society, bringing their own influences and beliefs to bear on the story, from the anonymous money man to the maverick genius to the ultra-religious school teacher, but somehow, all their different angles illustrate the same theory. This book is a thought-provoking read, a powerful story over and above the sum of the questions it raises, well-structured and with characters who will draw you into their lives and views. If the questions the story poses don’t keep you turning the pages, the characters certainly will.
Krista Tibbs’ Uncertainty Principles brings together a very disparate group of students; their only common element a group study they’re required to complete in order to graduate. Their project focuses on electromagnetic disturbances, evolving from observations of EMF changes around a prayer group to an effort to try and measure whether or not living beings can cause measurable amounts of fluctuation. However, when they return from a data collection trip, they find themselves faced with a campus bomb scare, and they are all under suspicion. Their attempt to catch the bomber by measuring the EMF fields on campus has outcomes that none of them expected: so much so that it will shape the lives of each of them.
In Uncertainty Principles, Krista Tibbs draws together many of the issues we face today, from societal apathy to climate change, and posits the power of individuals to make a lasting difference, despite or because of personal struggles, flaws or differing beliefs. Character archetypes adeptly pencil in key segments of society, bringing their own influences and beliefs to bear on the story, from the anonymous money man to the maverick genius to the ultra-religious school teacher, but somehow, all their different angles illustrate the same theory. This book is a thought-provoking read, a powerful story over and above the sum of the questions it raises, well-structured and with characters who will draw you into their lives and views. If the questions the story poses don’t keep you turning the pages, the characters certainly will.
June 15, 2013
This was a book that I could not put down. I kept wanting to know what would happen next and it was always a surprise.
Five college students come together for a science project. The story explores the motivations and struggles of this diverse group: Brian, the jock/scientist; Kai,the unengaged student; Becky,the devout Christian; Aiyana,the devout Atheist and Dmitri,the genius in a purple cape. Their initial intolerance, annoyance and disdain slowly changes to a measure of respect, some friendships and even attraction and love.
When they stumble upon a means to predict acts of mass violence their responses have very unexpected results.
Now eight years later they come together again facing the reality that the danger could very well be to one of their loved ones.
I struggled with them as they questioned: Should we try to change the future? If so, HOW? Or is it our responsibility?
This time they face their own uncertainties,learn to forgive, accept each others short comings and even discover that laughter is good medicine.
Uncertainty Principles made me think, made me laugh, made me cry.
Five college students come together for a science project. The story explores the motivations and struggles of this diverse group: Brian, the jock/scientist; Kai,the unengaged student; Becky,the devout Christian; Aiyana,the devout Atheist and Dmitri,the genius in a purple cape. Their initial intolerance, annoyance and disdain slowly changes to a measure of respect, some friendships and even attraction and love.
When they stumble upon a means to predict acts of mass violence their responses have very unexpected results.
Now eight years later they come together again facing the reality that the danger could very well be to one of their loved ones.
I struggled with them as they questioned: Should we try to change the future? If so, HOW? Or is it our responsibility?
This time they face their own uncertainties,learn to forgive, accept each others short comings and even discover that laughter is good medicine.
Uncertainty Principles made me think, made me laugh, made me cry.
March 23, 2013
UNENGAGING PRINCIPALLY.
“Uncertainty can be the cornerstone of hope or the foundation of fear.”—screen 658/759
Unfortunately, I was unable to ‘connect’ with any of the times, places, storylines or characters in Krista Tibbs’ latest novel, UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLES.
There simply weren’t any, “And that’s how I ended up in a garbage alley navigating pigeon poop in search of enlightenment.”, moments in this story; and I missed that.
Recommendation: Sample at will. But if the first 100 or so pages/screens haven’t captured you; the remaining 600 or so probably won’t either.
"It makes kids more responsible, tree-hugging, universe-contemplating, ozone-seeing adults, and gives them comfort that one day everyone they despise will burn up into space debris. It is a vital part of the national culture."--screen 36/759
"Aiyana's words fell into a void like the middle finger in a traffic jam."—screen 86/759
Barnes and Noble NOOKbook edition, 759 iPad screens.
“Uncertainty can be the cornerstone of hope or the foundation of fear.”—screen 658/759
Unfortunately, I was unable to ‘connect’ with any of the times, places, storylines or characters in Krista Tibbs’ latest novel, UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLES.
There simply weren’t any, “And that’s how I ended up in a garbage alley navigating pigeon poop in search of enlightenment.”, moments in this story; and I missed that.
Recommendation: Sample at will. But if the first 100 or so pages/screens haven’t captured you; the remaining 600 or so probably won’t either.
"It makes kids more responsible, tree-hugging, universe-contemplating, ozone-seeing adults, and gives them comfort that one day everyone they despise will burn up into space debris. It is a vital part of the national culture."--screen 36/759
"Aiyana's words fell into a void like the middle finger in a traffic jam."—screen 86/759
Barnes and Noble NOOKbook edition, 759 iPad screens.
April 21, 2013
As is necessary, I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book. If you want a summary of the plot, this isn't a review for you. Read the blurbs.
This book takes on the weighty topics of science, faith and our moral/ethical responsibility to act upon what we know to be scientifically true. Is it "right" to influence the future based on scientific fact? Can scientific fact "physicality" be changed by belief? It's interesting ground to explore. The author did a fair job in explaining the necessary scientific complexities and provided thought provoking materials to help one examine faith.
The characters were hit and miss for me. I felt a a few were mere stereotypical outlines to further the discussion, one I could definitely identify with and a few I just felt were flat. I think my lack of connection with the developed characters was ultimately the difference between the 3rd and 4th star.
I think this book is worth your time.
I really enjoyed this book. If you want a summary of the plot, this isn't a review for you. Read the blurbs.
This book takes on the weighty topics of science, faith and our moral/ethical responsibility to act upon what we know to be scientifically true. Is it "right" to influence the future based on scientific fact? Can scientific fact "physicality" be changed by belief? It's interesting ground to explore. The author did a fair job in explaining the necessary scientific complexities and provided thought provoking materials to help one examine faith.
The characters were hit and miss for me. I felt a a few were mere stereotypical outlines to further the discussion, one I could definitely identify with and a few I just felt were flat. I think my lack of connection with the developed characters was ultimately the difference between the 3rd and 4th star.
I think this book is worth your time.
April 26, 2013
The book does not have a good hook to attract readers so that it is sort of boring until we meet Dmitri- a mystery character who will give us the final answer at the end. The more you read this book, the more interesting you will find due to the Greek vocabulary Krista titled for each chapter ( for instance decidophibia-fear of decision making,etc... the percentage also necessarily important to understand what is going on.). I gave this book 3 stars because the way Krista builds the personality for each character is so vague and indifferent. Although we have five main characters, it's like the author tries to tell the story by herself rather than using action and emotion to express their own thinking and perception. Be that as it may, I believe that Krista has great potential to write science fiction because the theory of electromagnetic and god really impress me with postive attitude while I was reading Uncertainty Principles
June 16, 2013
The speed of new scientific discovery has been accelerating for so long that we’ve become accustomed to things becoming reality that seemed impossible just a few years prior. However, how to apply new knowledge isn’t always straightforward. Uncertainty Principles explores one potential discovery. What if it was possible to predict mass acts of human violence? (Think in terms of riots and such.) How could that information be used? Is it possible that the “cure” could have unexpected consequences, maybe even making the situation worse? While the story is looking to the future and the characters struggle with those questions, we discover a lot about the book’s core characters by considering the long-term consequences of their past decisions. A unique, compelling story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 15, 2013
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway
The book started off slow for me. but once you got into the middle of the book it got really interesting. I couldn`t put the book down. I enjoyed hearing each of five main Charcters point of view and their beliefs. Overall I thought the book was pretty good.
The book started off slow for me. but once you got into the middle of the book it got really interesting. I couldn`t put the book down. I enjoyed hearing each of five main Charcters point of view and their beliefs. Overall I thought the book was pretty good.
January 9, 2014
I won this book on goodreads....
I don't want to say it is not a good book i just could not connect to it. It had its parts where you wanted to keep reading to find out what was gonna happen next but at some point i lost interest. 3.5/5
k
I don't want to say it is not a good book i just could not connect to it. It had its parts where you wanted to keep reading to find out what was gonna happen next but at some point i lost interest. 3.5/5
k
June 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this goodreads giveaway. The characters were well developed. The plot was fresh and well thought out. I enjoyed how religion and science were contrasted. All in all this was a great read and I recommend it to all.
July 26, 2019
This was an interesting and unique premise. I would have like to see the story fleshed out a little bit more in terms of character development, I felt like everything was a little brief. That being said, I enjoyed reading it.
October 14, 2019
Though this wasn't the best written book, the concepts within it were fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed it and spent a long time thinking about what the messages held within it were.
*Won through Goodreads
*Won through Goodreads
August 20, 2013
the book is nice actually
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews