2011-02 - Science - Post February Reviews Here

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

The Men Who Stare at Goats by Jon Ronson

My third and last book for this month's shelf. Yet another book that I probably never would have looked at if it wasn't for this group. Who would have thought I would actually get three science books in this month.

Although this book purports to be true and based in fact, one has to wonder how truthful the items in the book actually are. I found myself many times looking something up on the internet just to be sure the author wasn't pulling my leg. If you love conspiracy theories and secret government cover-ups, this is the book for you. If nothing, it was a very entertaining read. I would give it 3.5 stars.

[Sarah]

Oh dear, I didn't get through my science book this month. I intend to keep going with it but I guess quantum physics just isn't something you can digest quickly.

[Slayermel]

Sarah, I have not finished one science book either :0(
But it does not mean I won't

[Tara]

I have not been reading very much this month... :(
I did manage to squeeze in one "real" science book though.
I read Why Sh*t Happens: The Science of a Really Bad Day.
It has some interesting facts in it, but it does not delve very deep on the concepts it introduces. If you are really into science it is probably not the book you want.
It is a relatively interesting non-fiction book though and if non-fiction is not a genre you delve into frequently it may be a book to pick up.

I do have to share this little story though... My 6 year old saw the book sitting around and said... "Why Shut happens. Well isn't that a funny name and the bird is pooping... What does that have to do with Shutting something?"
I did not correct her. I would rather her just go on thinking "Shut happens"

[Crystal]

I read Bad Science: Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks by Ben Goldacre. This was a bit of fun as he showed the ridiculous lengths that people and companies go to in an attempt to persuade people and or sell them something. I gave it three stars because it had some humor, but sometimes the book was a bit dry.

[Crystal]

I read American Gods by Neil Gaiman because I had meant to read it long ago and I saw it had a science tag. The problem is that I should have read it a week later so it would count in March. It was NOT science or science fiction at all, but WAS mythology. It is about the many gods in the U.S. and the war being waged between the old gods brought by immigrants and the new gods of money, television, fame, etc.... Very raw and graphic (i.e. language and sex) at times. ***