Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted

by C. Renee James, Lee Jamison (Illustrator)

Time. Gravity. Night. So much of what surrounds us feels familiar and mundane. But each is a wonder that reveals profound insights into the world around us. C. Renée James's whimsical tour of seven everyday experiences―night, light, stuff, gravity, time, home, and wonder―opens the Universe to fantastical contemplation. Light? Although we need it to see, there's much more to it than meets the eye. Stuff? When it comes down to it, things are almost entirely empty space―99.9% nothing―especially when you get to the atomic level. Home? James's contemplation of our place in the Universe shows that it's not just a place to hang your hat―and that there’s really nothing else like it. James introduces each of these seven wonders with a simple question that appears to be easily answered. The questions are deceptive, though―as is James's casual, light-hearted style. Underneath lie such concepts as relativity, matter and antimatter, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Her accessible discussion uses common analogies and entertaining illustrations to provide a bundle of detail on historical discoveries and to provoke serious pondering. Fun and edifying, Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted is an inviting introduction to secret knowledge of our everyday world. This book may be 99.9% nothing, but the thoughts it will inspire are massive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2010

Reviews

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book about physics and astronomy that I read. Ok, it is not a scientific paper but it was interesting, entertaining and with really cool illustrations. A great book if you have kids wondering about all those things you don't take the time to appreciate anymore as you will be able to think about them again, just as great to read if you don't need to explain these wonders to a child or two. Loved the link to philosophy, it is such a shame that knowledge has been compartmentalised so much when so many things are linked and deserve a wholesome approach.
Why, oh why did I catch myself reading the sentence "if you ask an astronomer, SHE will tell you..." twice.

[Miliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t really like it nor hate it. It is just I hate physic and the reason why I left STEM.

Don’t get me wrong. This book is full of information about space, light or basically the things that I have absolutely no idea of. So, if you enjoy physic and space in fun ways, you can read it.

I just only have one problem with this. The font. I can’t stand the font. It made me harder to read it.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun look at physics and our universe that had me laughing and learning at the same time! It's a great introduction for someone who doesn't know much about the subject. It also has internet links to interesting things and an extensive list of recommended reading material at the end, making it a great 'gateway book' for an aspiring science reader (that's me!)