Full disclosure: I did not finish this book. I think I will come back to it, perhaps more as reference than as a read for pleasure. Angier is taking on a difficult task in trying to summarize all the basics of science in one simple book. While this seems like an incredibly difficult task my problem was that she was spending too much time an particular concepts and ideas when I was ready to move on.
Of course, it's hard to match the balance of history, science, and humor that Bill Bryson exhibits in his similar effort with A Short History of Nearly Everything. I knew that this book wouldn't be able to match Bryson's but was hoping to get a bit more focus on the actual science than an the history of the discoveries and the people behind them. I guess it's just too much for one read as I look ahead at the topics of the next chapters with enthusiasm....but just can't read it now. In short, I recommend this book with dosing instructions: 1 chapter a month. Perhaps this is also why I like the Best American Science and Nature Writing series as well. Small doses that I can pick up and enjoy without having to feel that I need to read the book cover to cover right away.
I think my former science teachers would be satisfied to know I'm still interested in their discipline, even if its just an occasional chapter's length at a time.
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