Einstein, His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson- 5*

[Doughgirl5562]

Einstein was a brilliant theoretical physicist who came up with multiple theories that changed the world of physics - and indeed the world. He also was - and still is - a pop culture phenomenon, especially in America. He was also a Jew, a Zionist, a pacifist, a humanitarian, a professor, a strong believer in non-conformity and freedom -- and not necessarily a very good husband (something to which he admitted) or father.

The extent of my physics knowledge was gained from the Big Bang Theory and my high school physics class (I remember being able to roll a ball down a curved ramp and accurately calculate where it would land.) And the farthest I got in math was algebra. I am totally lost when it comes to theoretical math and physics. But I have always wanted to try to understand Einstein's theories - which is why I read this book.

This book was not an easy read. There is a lot of science in it - hundreds of pages. I'm sure that those sections were written so that a non-scientist could understand, but still there were multiple sections that I had to read twice for better understanding (and a few that I admit to "whiffing"). In the end, I can say that I DO understand quantum physics and the theory of relativity just a little bit better. I feel just a wee bit smarter LOL.

There is some controversy as to whether Einstein came up with the theory of relativity himself - or if some or much of the credit goes to his first wife Mileva, who was a physicist herself and to whom he was married during the time that he wrote his first four ground breaking theoretical papers including the special theory of relativity. This bio talks just a little about that controversy but doesn't draw sides.

There is, however, no doubt at all in my mind that Einstein was a genius. His genius lay in being able to think beyond the accepted and conventional laws of physics. He dared to challenge Newton's laws, which had basically gone unchallenged for two centuries. Einstein used "thought experiments" to help come up with his theories. He left it to others to physically and scientifically prove his theories. Even some of the most outlandishly predicted results of his theories - such as black holes - have been proven to be true.

This is a very thorough bio of Einstein's life, and I found his personal life fascinating. I was surprised to find that he and his first wife had an illegitimate daughter before their marriage - a daughter who disappeared from history when she was an infant. The speculation is that she either died (she was very ill) or was adopted by friends of Mileva's. And I also read with fascination about his Zionist activities. He was even offered the Presidency of Israel! (he turned down the offer).

I think that I would have liked to have been Einstein's friend - especially later in his life. But maybe not his wife.

[Amy]

Fantastic Review - and in the nick of time! I even learned a lot from reading your review! Great job!

[Theresa]

What an accomplishment! Now that you have a bit of knowledge on quantum physics and his theory of relativity, you should read Project Hail Mary - it comes up a lot. It's also a very entertaining read.

I too think Einstein is a fascinating individual but would absolute have been a terrible husband or father.