I can't agree with the other reviews on this book; I found it to be captivating. This is the first book I've read that really delves into the science behind music and the art behind science. I think it's important for us to understand that concept; that everything we do is both a science and an art and that if music is sound, then the entire universe is made of music.
Wish I could have not-read this book all over again for the pure thrill of picking it up and reading it. Music plus quantum physics plus diplomacy equals great read.
The concept for this book is sound (no pun intended). The ideas presented are interesting and easy to follow. However the writing is poor. Concepts and explanations are repeated often to the point of frustration. Eger clearly has a passion for both music and physics. However inspiration and motivation don't necessarily produce good books. Writing is a craft and a discipline. I probably wouldn't enjoy sitting through a performance of "The Magic Flute" as conducted by Douglas Coupland either. Worth skimming for the concepts and Ideas involved but definitely not deserving of a spot on your shelf.
This book was meant to draw the similarities between physics and music and how they both - working together - could heal our societal wounds. (Or something like that...) The problem is that his thoughts are 'all over the place' and he doesn't really pinpoint or go in depth with any ideas. I essentially decided to plow through to the end, nevertheless, and was very very happy when I finally got to the end. What did I learn in those 432 pages? Not a lot, I'm afraid. It all could have been said in 100 pages. In short, It was like 'The Flight of the Bumblebee' - all over the place!