Physics for Rock Stars: Making the Laws of the Universe Work for You

by Christine McKinley

From the host of the History channel's Brad Meltzer's Decoded: the laws of the universe like you've never experienced them before.

This approachable book explains the world of physics with clarity, humor, and a dash of adventure. Physics for Rock Stars is not a weighty treatise on science, but a personal tour of physics from a quirky friend.

Anyone who's ever wondered why nature abhors a vacuum, what causes magnetic attraction, or how to jump off a moving train or do a perfect stage dive will find answers and a few laughs too. No equations, numbers, or tricky concepts--just an inspiring and comical romp through the basics of physics and the beauty of the organized universe.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Physics

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2014

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physics for Rock Stars: Making the Laws of the Universe Work for You is a nonfiction, science book written by Christine McKinley, a mechanical engineer and the host of the History channel’s series: Brad Meltzer’s Decoded. Ms. McKinley takes the reader on a tour through the basics of physics while remaining incredibly entertaining and easily understandable. Her approach kept me engaged in what could have otherwise been very dry material, but her descriptions, examples, and even deeply personal stories made this a great learning experience. If you are new to physics or if you just like to read new perspectives of this amazing science, then check out this book!

My favorite quote:
"Because of life's uncertainty, you need something you can be absolutely sure of. Learn everything you can about the structure and forces of the world because you will need that solid place to stand when you are called upon to be brave, tough, and smart. Even if you don't become an engineer or a scientist, learn to think like one. Insist on what is real, not what you wish was real. Embrace the constraints and realities of deadlines, finances, and rejection with the same clear-eyed acceptance as you do the laws of gravity, motion, and energy. If you do that, you will become more and more capable, then you can be fiercely and apologetically successful in whatever you choose to do."

[Kronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of science, but I can't say I know a whole lot about it. I loved this book because it does exactly what it promises and gives you practical, science-based tips you can apply to your life. I also laughed a lot.

It doesn't hurt that my name is used in the example for motion and momentum on page 123. (For the record I am neither 100 lbs nor an ice skater).

If you'd like to get over some bad high school science teachers or you're a skeptic looking for something to believe in, or you're made of atoms--you should totally read this book.

[Quinn Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smart and engaging as hell way to bring science into your teen's, and your, life. McKinley weaves stories of growing up and falling in love with science through with real science, keeping it useful and not frightening. As a homeschooler, I think it's a great tool to just slide into your student's hand. As a parent who wants to see her daughter continue to view herself as a STEM girl, I appreciate this tool. As someone who loves COSMOS but convinced herself Physics was too much science for her, consider me enlightened and grateful.

(Disclosure: Marian Lizzi was my editor, is her editor, and sent me a copy of the book.)

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodread's First Read program, and now I am reviewing it!

This book was AWESOME! It takes physics and shows how incredibly relevant and life defining it is. As someone who has always been obsessed by all things science (even though, I admit, I don't necessarily understand the more complex ideas, I still obsess over it. It is very much like a beautiful language that I never get tired of hearing) a book that applies physics in a practical way and not strictly as the domain of engineers and lab-coat wearing scientists was right up my alley. This book provides a great refresher to various physics terms and laws without feeling like you are in a class. The style of the writing is frequently hilarious. Comparing the various elemental bonds as romance and the Noble Gases as pristine ladies (think Emily Dinckinson) made me giggle so much, which was dangerous while reading in bed and not wanting to wake your sleeping sweetheart.

The story of the author's life I found very enjoyable and touching. I say that as a person who usually, when a book of this nature delves into a person's life story, rolls my eyes and promptly skims over the personal bits or elects to not read it at all. I am not really a self absorbed person (ok maybe a little) but when I am reading a book about a subject (say science) and to learn something I have to maneuver the biography of the author, I find myself not caring because it is not what I wanted to read. However, Christine McKinley made every bit of personal info shared completely relevant to the subject of each chapter. For that aspect alone, it has made this book go from one I really enjoyed, to a possible favorite that will have a permanent place on my shelves.

[Erikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a really great explanation of physics concepts in an easy-to-understand format, this book is great. If you would like the addition of some laugh-out-loud humor and some very insightful real-life connections between physics and your life, definitely read this. I would recommend this to any science teacher.

[Baroness · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously what am I reading?!
The author annoyed me with the chatter about her past. This book is boring and not worth finishing.

[Tom Donaghey · Rating 4 out of 5]

PHYSICS FOR ROCK STARS: MAKING THE LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE WORK FOR YOU by Christine McKinley is probably the most fun I’ve ever had while reading a book about physics. And I have probably learned more about force, motion, pressure, fluid dynamics, lift, drag, friction, thrust and just about every variable there is when it comes to defining the universe.
Oh, and how to rock a mike.
I liked the name of the book right off the bat, but then I started reading about Ms. McKinley’s high school adventures down the rabbit hole of the arcane, dark science of dark matter and nature and enjoyed every minute of it. Each chapter takes on a different aspect of the field, breaks it down and defines it through some outrageous examples, yet manages to relay the information right to the center of your mind. Even the sleepiest of students would find a boost in their academic careers by reading this, perhaps chapter by chapter, before entering a kindred themed science class.
Ms. McKinley, duel purposed mechanical engineer and television host, makes it entertaining to learn. I think I was fortunate to have had many teachers who could both enlighten and entertain; this book can help those do neither.
I gave this book four stars only because I think I will like her next book even more and you can't go up from five. Give it 4.5 stars.

[Elisha Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came out of nowhere for me - a random shelf grab from the library because I thought the title was amusing. And then it was seriously awesome. Like a PBS documentary you turned on accidentally for one second and then can't turn off and you never even realized you cared about until you saw it. That's what this book is for me.

McKinley (who I know nothing about) is a really funny writer. And she works principles of Physics into little personal essays about growing up. And they are funny. And sometimes even really sweet- one about how gravity pushes on everyone all the time even if you can't see it - gave me a lump in my throat (which I did not expect).

Even if you think you don't care about physics, you actually MIGHT if you pick up this book. Read an essay or two every other day. It just starts to get to you. Just like it did me, and I consider myself more on the artsy-fartsy end of the scale. Thanks, Ms. McKinley.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Math is an area of opportunity for both my children. So, of course, enter for this book! Being summer break, asking them to read a book about math seemed unfair. Unless, I read it first.

This was a fun read, and made physics interesting. Concepts were easy to follow, there was quite a bit of humor throughout, and it was not complex. Best of all, I keep telling my kids that math is used all the time, every day. They don't think they will ever use it after school. This book shows how we use math constantly.

I would highly recommend this as required reading for anyone in need of a little mathematical motivation!(

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this through Goodreads First Reads and I'm so very glad that I did. This book was brilliant and amazing. It had great examples that really showed you clearly how applicable physics is to everyday life. I got out of physics class in school and this book has totally gotten me up to speed. It is very witty with the great occasional pop culture reference. It also has the benefit of having an awesome index just incase you were too shocked/in awe of how a concept was dealt with that you need to go back for seconds because it blew your mind the first time. It also contained many great messages and words of wisdom scattered throughout the pages.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where was this book when I was in high school?!?

From Christine McKinley's easy to understand physics explanations, to her hilarious not recommended science experiments (drinking a mojito from the top of a cheerleader pyramid in the foothills of the Himalayas), to the practical life lessons (popularity, dating, and purifying drinking water), this book made its impact. I highly recommend it as an enjoyable and educational overview of the laws of the universe.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Skeetor · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)
Wow, who knew physics could be so much FUN! I loved this book. Christine McKinley's descriptions of basic physics, delivered in layman's terms with a side of humor, are simply wonderful. Then at the end of the chapters, she even shows how you can apply the laws of the universe to your own life. I wish I would have read it sooner.
Great Read!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. I really liked this book. It is funny and has practical applications for basic physics. The tone is conversational, which is good for the average person who has had little contact with this subject. McKinley takes the fear out of understanding physics, which is no mean trick! Many teachers just teach the text and fail to apply the information to everyday life. McKinley gives credit to her teachers who did more than just deal with the book.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not totally the book's problem, just I'm not in its target audience. The target audience of this book is those who hated and struggled with math and physics throughout high school, and want a second chance for a sugarcoated version of them. By sugarcoated, I mean things like personal anecdotes about high school besties. I need a bit more depth, more math, and something less superficial than that :)

[Ryu · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just wasn't the book I was looking for. The introduction was certainly very amusing and eye-catching though!

Also, all the units were American, which peeved me. But it's just a personal thing; I have a vendetta against the American Imperial Unit system.

Excellent book for anyone wishing to learn about physics. From what I've browsed through, it's mostly secondary school level (which I've already learnt and do not wish to be reminded of).

[Proka · Rating 2 out of 5]

The science is very good.
But the short stories... OMG... they are awful.

I get that the author wanted to make the book more appealing or something, but Christine, sorry, the stories are not funny and do not bring any value to the book. They only make it longer.

> 50% of text is garbage, sorry.

[Jennifer Reichhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend lent me this book when we were having a quantum physics conversation, lol. I had a "traditional" American High School Education, which means there is a lot I didn't absorb because I had No Idea What Was Going On! This book cleared up SO much I already had nuggets of knowledge of. If you're in HS, or even MS, pick up this book! It has examples and things you can try (mostly try) at the end of each chapter so you can see it in action. It's great!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a refresher on physics and grabbed this book at the library because the cover looked different than the rest. Glad I did! It's hilarious & full of both great one-liners and pearls of wisdom applying physics to real life. It's probably the only physics book you'll laugh your way through. Give it a read.

[Thomas Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun refresh of the natural laws and forces governing our world.

Written in a way that is easily digestible, witty and relatable. Filled with survival tips, like how to make a DC generator when power plants fail, how to make buoyancy work in your favour and to source clean drinking water from the air around you.

If you want a lighthearted, informative science novel, this is for you.

[Ashkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of physics and engineering principles as they apply to everyday experiences. A bunch of topics are dipped into, the experiments quirky and the analogies spot on. This doesn't replace a physics textbook, but it's more used as a conversational piece that enforces the concepts learned from physics class. I personally read the book twice and felt like I understood everything.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe if I had read this book before deciding to opt out of physics, I would have reconsidered. I recommend this to any girls in High School, right before their senior year.

[Nina Schuerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the chemistry section helpful, I read it a year before chemistry, and my teacher says I will be prepared for class perfectly. Plus it’s super funny and understandable

[Kaytee Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed a billion years ago from a friend. So glad I finally read it!

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish 🤷 maybe it would go gotten better

[Andi_banandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. It was a good refresher of basic physic laws and the content was presented in an amusing manner with funny anecdotes.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of physics and how the author translates them into everyday life lessons. Had me laughing from the beginning with jokes about famous scientists such as Nils Bohr, underwear model.

[David Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKinley writes a fun but informative book on the basics of physics which also functions as a bit of a memoir of her grade school days.

[Victor Greaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this my Charisma permanently increased by +2

[Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I am reading a basic book on physics and let's be honest while the physics part is still over my head the author peppered life lessons along the way and those make the book enjoyable

[Aviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more humorous than educational. I loved the little scenarios and the extremely personal little snippets.