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A Periodic Tale
How did a shy Polish immigrant kid - Karl Sven Woytek Sas Konkovitch Matthew Kruszelnicki - evolve into the fabulously eccentric Dr Karl?
Shortlist ABIA Biography of the Year 2025
The only child of Holocaust survivors who fled to Australia in 1950, Karl has always forged his own destiny in an idiosyncratic way. Before he became one of the world's favourite scientific storytellers, he ambled through a convoluted cacophony of a career.
In the 1960s, he got his start as a physicist at the Port Kembla Steelworks and promptly joined the Steel Industries Auto Club, racing modified rally cars on Wollongong's deserted back roads. In the 1970s, he entered his self-described 'drug-crazed hippie years', making a living as a long-haired, dope-smoking taxi driver. After he applied to be a NASA astronaut in the 1980s and 'failed', he ended up live broadcasting the first space shuttle launch on Triple J instead. Unexpectedly, that blasted off his media career, and from there it was a stratospheric rise from radio to TV, books, newspapers, speaking, podcasts and the internet.
Karl's story teaches us that you don't have to know all the answers, as long as you ask the right questions. He has wandered down more than a dozen career paths, from being a TV weatherman (really) to a professional four-wheel drive tester in the outback (really) to being a roadie for Bo Diddley (really). All of these seemingly random experiences have helped create the Karl we know today.
In this long-awaited memoir, you will learn that it's okay to not take a linear path through life, and that by following our curiosities and our passions, we can bend the universe to our liking.
Shortlist ABIA Biography of the Year 2025
The only child of Holocaust survivors who fled to Australia in 1950, Karl has always forged his own destiny in an idiosyncratic way. Before he became one of the world's favourite scientific storytellers, he ambled through a convoluted cacophony of a career.
In the 1960s, he got his start as a physicist at the Port Kembla Steelworks and promptly joined the Steel Industries Auto Club, racing modified rally cars on Wollongong's deserted back roads. In the 1970s, he entered his self-described 'drug-crazed hippie years', making a living as a long-haired, dope-smoking taxi driver. After he applied to be a NASA astronaut in the 1980s and 'failed', he ended up live broadcasting the first space shuttle launch on Triple J instead. Unexpectedly, that blasted off his media career, and from there it was a stratospheric rise from radio to TV, books, newspapers, speaking, podcasts and the internet.
Karl's story teaches us that you don't have to know all the answers, as long as you ask the right questions. He has wandered down more than a dozen career paths, from being a TV weatherman (really) to a professional four-wheel drive tester in the outback (really) to being a roadie for Bo Diddley (really). All of these seemingly random experiences have helped create the Karl we know today.
In this long-awaited memoir, you will learn that it's okay to not take a linear path through life, and that by following our curiosities and our passions, we can bend the universe to our liking.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2024
123 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Karl Kruszelnicki
53 books176 followersKnown popularly as Dr Karl.
Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids' Hospital in Sydney.
In 1995 he took up the position of the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, spreading the good word about science and its benefits.
His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is.
Dr Karl's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) site:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/
http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/conten...
Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids' Hospital in Sydney.
In 1995 he took up the position of the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, spreading the good word about science and its benefits.
His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is.
Dr Karl's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) site:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/
http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/conten...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 22, 2024
So many facts throughout the book but the key takeaway from Dr Karl’s life is that your life’s course is never set, you never know where you’ll go as long as you’re open to let it take you there.
October 21, 2024
I am studying for my PhD today because Dr Karl’s podcast inspired me to pursue science when I was a teenager. This book was an absolute treat, it reminded me to ‘trust the process’ and that you can have many careers in your life. Looking forward to the 49th book!
December 1, 2024
I’ve told everyone I’ve come into contact with since starting this book about it. Dr Karl has had such an interesting and varied life. His outlook on life seems to me both enlightened and grounded in practicality. My main takeaways are 1) that Dr Karl does and continues to live life to the fullest, and 2) a reminder to be grateful for our life, health and loved ones. What a special soul!
January 12, 2025
Love dr Karl and now even more his life was so random he did so many different things and still loves working which is so cute
And I love how one of his big messages is to stay curious and if you don’t know something be honest and you’ll be able to learn more from admitting what you don’t know
And I love how one of his big messages is to stay curious and if you don’t know something be honest and you’ll be able to learn more from admitting what you don’t know
October 18, 2024
My one brush with fame and Dr Karl was when he stood in front of me at a Jack River concert: bloody tall bastard!!
He once came to address a principal’s conference I was attending. He was on the go the whole time he was there, working away on his computer while waiting to speak. The moment he finished his speech he was out the door and gone to his next engagement. Without wanting to sound disrespectful I am sure he has a touch of ADD, OCD and is on the spectrum. Nevertheless, I admire him greatly for various reasons. His work on JJJ in simplifying science and being so joyous about the marvelous process of learning is one strong reason for loving the work he does and the man that he is. He has made knowledge cool.
Kruszeinicki’s memoir has a 2004 doppelganger in the form of Peter Skrzynecki’s ‘Sparrow Garden’. The memoir of a Polish/Ukrainian boy fleeing war torn Europe who arrived in Australia in 1949. He grew up in the western suburds of Sydney, suffered racist taunts and humiliations and whose father worked on the waterboard, and then became a well known author and academic.
Reading memoirs by people of a similar age, identity, interests etc often leads to looking into a mirror. My own drug use ran on similar lines as Kruszeinicki. I warmed to his chapters describing when he was a taxi driver. In the late 70s I drove for Taxis Combined, worked similar shifts and had similar experiences, having an accident, working a “semi” on Sunday’ getting punched in the face, but not knocked out like K. We might have even been in same queues at the illegal gambling casinos.
The early chapters are a lengthy reminescant of his somewhat misspent youth, Wollongong Uni, steel works, PNG, taxi driving, music industry, car maintenance, running the City to Surf in 60 minutes, his discovery of mangoes (better than sex!), numerous jobs, share houses and squatting. Being of the same baby boomer generation I could reflect knowingly on many of these escapades. Not sure that would be the same for later generations.
My esteem for Dr. Karl rose to planetary heights when I read about his friendship, and work with Fred Hollows, one of my all time favourite Australians.
His memoir moves onto his years of study as a medical student, his father’s unsurprising disappointment in the fluidity of career choices, my father held similar sentiments of me. Then, the launching of his multi-media career of radio and TV presenter and book author. He writes at length about his work on JJJ, where he still broadcasts till this day.
The section on the death of his father (a Rennaissance Man) and his mother are most personal and moving. The description of his mother’s dementia makes me hope that I don’t inflict that on own loved ones. His line that he was, “swimming, not drowning in grief” is one that I will remember. He later wrote so caringly and passionately about his own children.
I liked his description of that social media pandemic known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. If there is an opposite to this syndrome then Karl undoubtedly suffers from it.
I am glad the author made such a strong and forceful comment about climate change and it's effect on the Planet. Karl said he first spoke about greenhouse gases in 1981. I remember first teaching the concept in 1988. Climate scientists are still receiving death threats.
In the latter part of his memoir Kruszeinicki touches on his fortunes and failures of his life in the media. There are some enjoyable anecdotes where some names are mentioned, and some aren’t.
Reading his pages on AIDS brought back the very sad story of Eve van Grofhorst and the public panic, hysteria and humiliation she and her family suffered.
Karl’s last two stories tell of his role in saving the life of a young pedagogue and then his isolated and sun filled marriage. He proclaims his fulsome love for his now wife, Mary and their children. In his epilogue he asks all these questions about what could have happened in his life. I would ask what would have happened if there had been no Mary.
Karl certainly gives meaning to the words autodidact polymath. He always saw learning as a worthwhile challenge. In these days of instant experts on social media espousing their brilliance in climate change, dietary behaviour, green energy, epidemology, it is re-assuring to listen to a man who has a wide knowledge over much scientific knowledge and has completed serious study in many areas, but, who will readily admit to things he doesn’t know the answers to. In his memoir he is open to admitting to his mistakes and failures. He aknowledges and recognises the brilliance of others, especially his father.
His memoir is a potted history of Australia from the 1970s through till today and his minor but important role. If you lived during this time there will be much that you will be able to relate to. Maybe Millenials not so much so. I enjoyed his story immensely and if I met him I would tell him so, but I would never stand behind him at a music concert.
He once came to address a principal’s conference I was attending. He was on the go the whole time he was there, working away on his computer while waiting to speak. The moment he finished his speech he was out the door and gone to his next engagement. Without wanting to sound disrespectful I am sure he has a touch of ADD, OCD and is on the spectrum. Nevertheless, I admire him greatly for various reasons. His work on JJJ in simplifying science and being so joyous about the marvelous process of learning is one strong reason for loving the work he does and the man that he is. He has made knowledge cool.
Kruszeinicki’s memoir has a 2004 doppelganger in the form of Peter Skrzynecki’s ‘Sparrow Garden’. The memoir of a Polish/Ukrainian boy fleeing war torn Europe who arrived in Australia in 1949. He grew up in the western suburds of Sydney, suffered racist taunts and humiliations and whose father worked on the waterboard, and then became a well known author and academic.
Reading memoirs by people of a similar age, identity, interests etc often leads to looking into a mirror. My own drug use ran on similar lines as Kruszeinicki. I warmed to his chapters describing when he was a taxi driver. In the late 70s I drove for Taxis Combined, worked similar shifts and had similar experiences, having an accident, working a “semi” on Sunday’ getting punched in the face, but not knocked out like K. We might have even been in same queues at the illegal gambling casinos.
The early chapters are a lengthy reminescant of his somewhat misspent youth, Wollongong Uni, steel works, PNG, taxi driving, music industry, car maintenance, running the City to Surf in 60 minutes, his discovery of mangoes (better than sex!), numerous jobs, share houses and squatting. Being of the same baby boomer generation I could reflect knowingly on many of these escapades. Not sure that would be the same for later generations.
My esteem for Dr. Karl rose to planetary heights when I read about his friendship, and work with Fred Hollows, one of my all time favourite Australians.
His memoir moves onto his years of study as a medical student, his father’s unsurprising disappointment in the fluidity of career choices, my father held similar sentiments of me. Then, the launching of his multi-media career of radio and TV presenter and book author. He writes at length about his work on JJJ, where he still broadcasts till this day.
The section on the death of his father (a Rennaissance Man) and his mother are most personal and moving. The description of his mother’s dementia makes me hope that I don’t inflict that on own loved ones. His line that he was, “swimming, not drowning in grief” is one that I will remember. He later wrote so caringly and passionately about his own children.
I liked his description of that social media pandemic known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. If there is an opposite to this syndrome then Karl undoubtedly suffers from it.
I am glad the author made such a strong and forceful comment about climate change and it's effect on the Planet. Karl said he first spoke about greenhouse gases in 1981. I remember first teaching the concept in 1988. Climate scientists are still receiving death threats.
In the latter part of his memoir Kruszeinicki touches on his fortunes and failures of his life in the media. There are some enjoyable anecdotes where some names are mentioned, and some aren’t.
Reading his pages on AIDS brought back the very sad story of Eve van Grofhorst and the public panic, hysteria and humiliation she and her family suffered.
Karl’s last two stories tell of his role in saving the life of a young pedagogue and then his isolated and sun filled marriage. He proclaims his fulsome love for his now wife, Mary and their children. In his epilogue he asks all these questions about what could have happened in his life. I would ask what would have happened if there had been no Mary.
Karl certainly gives meaning to the words autodidact polymath. He always saw learning as a worthwhile challenge. In these days of instant experts on social media espousing their brilliance in climate change, dietary behaviour, green energy, epidemology, it is re-assuring to listen to a man who has a wide knowledge over much scientific knowledge and has completed serious study in many areas, but, who will readily admit to things he doesn’t know the answers to. In his memoir he is open to admitting to his mistakes and failures. He aknowledges and recognises the brilliance of others, especially his father.
His memoir is a potted history of Australia from the 1970s through till today and his minor but important role. If you lived during this time there will be much that you will be able to relate to. Maybe Millenials not so much so. I enjoyed his story immensely and if I met him I would tell him so, but I would never stand behind him at a music concert.
October 21, 2025
5 / “Dr Karl, you’re such a trip!”
Reading about his family, his hippie days, careers and his resilient approach to life is truly inspiring, colourful, and smile-inducing.
Be prepared to learn some more of Dr Karl’s classic sciencey stuff and also to ask yourself the question, “What have I been doing with my life?”
So if you’re not one to be inspired by others' achievements and prone to wallow in self-pity instead, that’s ok, just keep reading and like Karl, keep moving forward and don’t stay down too long, I think you will still enjoy the book.
Dr Karl was filled with dread about writing his own autobiography. He mentions, “I still feel a deep sense of anxiety about what parts of my life story would be of use, or interest, to anyone else.”
I can say for sure, Dr Karl, you have absolutely nothing to be anxious about, besides you’ve got way more important things to be doing!
I lost count of the times I exclaimed “wow” out loud while reading, this is definitely going on my to read again shelf.
Below are a few of my favourites
“Dad’s compassion and optimistic hope that change would come for the better had a great influence on me and my outlook on life.”
“It was slightly illegal, in the sense that it was totally illegal.”
“Serendipitous lucky breaks have been woven throughout my life, always completely unplanned and unexpected. I guess the message is that learning is never a waste of time, because you just don't know what could be useful for you down the track!”
“Some had lived one year of life and repeated it nineteen more times, but some had lived twenty different years of life. I learned the lesson of 'right here, right now' - living each moment and not just going through the motions.”
“I want my life to be driven by curiosity, generosity and optimism.”
5 ⭐️ Kindle Edition
Reading about his family, his hippie days, careers and his resilient approach to life is truly inspiring, colourful, and smile-inducing.
Be prepared to learn some more of Dr Karl’s classic sciencey stuff and also to ask yourself the question, “What have I been doing with my life?”
So if you’re not one to be inspired by others' achievements and prone to wallow in self-pity instead, that’s ok, just keep reading and like Karl, keep moving forward and don’t stay down too long, I think you will still enjoy the book.
Dr Karl was filled with dread about writing his own autobiography. He mentions, “I still feel a deep sense of anxiety about what parts of my life story would be of use, or interest, to anyone else.”
I can say for sure, Dr Karl, you have absolutely nothing to be anxious about, besides you’ve got way more important things to be doing!
I lost count of the times I exclaimed “wow” out loud while reading, this is definitely going on my to read again shelf.
Below are a few of my favourites
“Dad’s compassion and optimistic hope that change would come for the better had a great influence on me and my outlook on life.”
“It was slightly illegal, in the sense that it was totally illegal.”
“Serendipitous lucky breaks have been woven throughout my life, always completely unplanned and unexpected. I guess the message is that learning is never a waste of time, because you just don't know what could be useful for you down the track!”
“Some had lived one year of life and repeated it nineteen more times, but some had lived twenty different years of life. I learned the lesson of 'right here, right now' - living each moment and not just going through the motions.”
“I want my life to be driven by curiosity, generosity and optimism.”
5 ⭐️ Kindle Edition
August 24, 2025
brilliant autobio liked how well organised and sectioned it was
June 10, 2025
Karl is life goals
November 21, 2025
Dr Karl is one of a kind, a quirky polymath with a gift for communicating tricky concepts and processes in such a way that the rest of us can understand them. He credits his extraordinary career to randomness, having a go, failing and dumb luck. I’d say a work ethic inherited from his holocaust survivor parents, high intelligence and an insatiable curiosity are also contributing factors. Also a general restlessness and some sort of favourably manifested ADHD/ spectrum “disorder”. Oh and he lived in a squat with practically no living expenses for eight years with free university education, that helped too.
This was an entertaining and very interesting story peppered with scientific, mathematical and medical explanations (because he can’t help himself). Listening to Dr Karl on the radio and TV over the years and being so impressed by his knowledge but I guess also a bit suspicious made me want to read his memoir. In this book he’s pulled different parts of his life (and there are many parts) into an explanatory and satisfying order.
This was an entertaining and very interesting story peppered with scientific, mathematical and medical explanations (because he can’t help himself). Listening to Dr Karl on the radio and TV over the years and being so impressed by his knowledge but I guess also a bit suspicious made me want to read his memoir. In this book he’s pulled different parts of his life (and there are many parts) into an explanatory and satisfying order.
December 29, 2024
As memoirs go this was a terrific one. The narration appeared to be aimed to communicate to readers of any age. Not surprising since Dr Karl has been a science communicator for decades in Australia. I've still kept the books of his that my son's read when they were growing up. My grandson will probably enjoy them.
I was surprised by the numbers of different turns his career has taken, often having to make a change rather than compromise his values. I can relate. It was interesting how he grounded what he was going through with notable events or technological milestones, either in Australia or worldwide.
It was funny learning about his sometimes alternative lifestyle as a Sydney squatter.
As always very entertaining Dr Karl!
I was surprised by the numbers of different turns his career has taken, often having to make a change rather than compromise his values. I can relate. It was interesting how he grounded what he was going through with notable events or technological milestones, either in Australia or worldwide.
It was funny learning about his sometimes alternative lifestyle as a Sydney squatter.
As always very entertaining Dr Karl!
August 21, 2025
5+ stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow what an incredible, intelligent, inspiring and interesting man… Another great life story that makes me excited for my future!!
I absolutely loved this audiobook and listening to his story, whilst also interweaving scientific knowledge. He highlights many serendipitous moments that has made his life what is today.. or as he says “random noise from the universe that changed everything”.
His optimism and zest for life is inspiring, and reminds us to never stop being curious about everything. Knowledge is power. So essentially, never stop learning, reflecting and connecting with others as it can lead to profound growth and a fuller life, but also have fun along the way.
He has a mix of a go with the flow attitude towards life, whilst also having ambitious goals, which I can totally relate to. This is evident from his hippy and free spirited adventures in his youth, to studying multiple degrees, including medicine and then becoming a media personality!
My biggest takeaways are that he uses stories to remember facts, which is why he is the Dr Karl we all know and love. Also that life is all about the journey, not the destination and emotional connections with other humans is incredibly important, even if you’re an independent soul!
Lastly, I loved his tales of growing up in Wollongong and Port Kembla as I also grew up there!
I highly recommend this as an audiobook as his storytelling is so engaging and uplifting, even when he talking about harder topics. He can inspires us to never stop living and like he says “we all start and end the same way, but it’s the journey along the way that makes life great.”
My favourite audiobook of 2025 so far ….
Wow what an incredible, intelligent, inspiring and interesting man… Another great life story that makes me excited for my future!!
I absolutely loved this audiobook and listening to his story, whilst also interweaving scientific knowledge. He highlights many serendipitous moments that has made his life what is today.. or as he says “random noise from the universe that changed everything”.
His optimism and zest for life is inspiring, and reminds us to never stop being curious about everything. Knowledge is power. So essentially, never stop learning, reflecting and connecting with others as it can lead to profound growth and a fuller life, but also have fun along the way.
He has a mix of a go with the flow attitude towards life, whilst also having ambitious goals, which I can totally relate to. This is evident from his hippy and free spirited adventures in his youth, to studying multiple degrees, including medicine and then becoming a media personality!
My biggest takeaways are that he uses stories to remember facts, which is why he is the Dr Karl we all know and love. Also that life is all about the journey, not the destination and emotional connections with other humans is incredibly important, even if you’re an independent soul!
Lastly, I loved his tales of growing up in Wollongong and Port Kembla as I also grew up there!
I highly recommend this as an audiobook as his storytelling is so engaging and uplifting, even when he talking about harder topics. He can inspires us to never stop living and like he says “we all start and end the same way, but it’s the journey along the way that makes life great.”
My favourite audiobook of 2025 so far ….
March 19, 2025
Dr. Karl has been a mainstay of Australian radio, TV and internet for years. As a fan of "knowing stuff I've loved Dr. Karl's capacity for exploring complex things, and more importantly, his ability to explain them in a way that makes them approachable for the everyman.
This autobiography takes a closer look at Karl's life and the circuitous path that has led him to where he is today. Physicist, roadie, taxi driver, engineer, doctor and public educator! Karl's life has taken many turns, and the story of his parents is equally amazing!
One of the interesting side-notes in this autobiography is that Karl appears comfortable with coopting faith oriented & other "non-scientific" type language. One interesting element to this book is that Karl lands with a desire to capture a sense of wonder, being part of something that is bigger and more wonderful than we can really comprehend, but at the same time, he is keen to deny any sense that there might be a God as the centre of all of this. Some interesting contradictions...
This autobiography takes a closer look at Karl's life and the circuitous path that has led him to where he is today. Physicist, roadie, taxi driver, engineer, doctor and public educator! Karl's life has taken many turns, and the story of his parents is equally amazing!
One of the interesting side-notes in this autobiography is that Karl appears comfortable with coopting faith oriented & other "non-scientific" type language. One interesting element to this book is that Karl lands with a desire to capture a sense of wonder, being part of something that is bigger and more wonderful than we can really comprehend, but at the same time, he is keen to deny any sense that there might be a God as the centre of all of this. Some interesting contradictions...
March 18, 2025
To be honest, this was not what I had expected from Dr Karl’s Autobiography. Knowing him from listening to Triple J, I would have assumed that he had lived a modest lifestyle, attending university after school to obtain his qualifications in science. I was well and truly wrong, and the stories within this book are incredible. What a life Dr Karl has lived! This book contains some amazing stories of struggle, perseverance and overcoming obstacles to live such a happy and fulfilling life. This book really shows that it doesn’t matter what path you take at the beginning, as long as you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve what you want in life. Kudos to Dr Karl on his 48th book, and what a special one it was. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Dr Karl and his background. I would also read this again, however I do have a lot of other books to read currently, so I will leave it for a little while.
January 24, 2025
Listened to Dr Karl read this as an audiobook and it was so good! This guy has lived a life. So many crazy stories, so well told, so easy to listen to. I mostly found the sciencey bits throughout interesting as well. I’ve lost count of the number of times in the last 2 weeks that I’ve relayed anecdotes from this book to people in conversation. It’s a long book but a good one to listen to! Dr Karl is his usual engaging self in the way he reads it
January 26, 2025
I really really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect blend of science/memoir/just felt like you were reading a story. We watched Dr Karl talk at lost paradise so I feel like I could hear him speaking when I read this book. He’s done sooooo much random stuff in his life and had so many career changes. I love the message that none of it was a waste of time because he always learnt something from a certain career or study that he used again in a random way.
Read
November 21, 2024I love Dr Karl, this was nice easy reading and kind of comforting whilst I’m about to make some life decisions in the coming weeks
December 7, 2024
Dr Karl is such a clever and interesting man. This book barrels through his life. Not didactic but plenty of food for thought about life choices, purpose and happiness.
September 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It is a witty and honest biography that reflects the author’s personality. He must have been brought up with tremendous love from his parents, escaping war-torn Europe. He is a lucky man to be surrounded by people who love him because he has such a positive attitude towards life and humanity. His desire to discover the unknown and his problem-solving skills resonate with me. His writing is very smooth and easy to follow.
February 27, 2025
Dr. Karl you absolute gem
October 2, 2024
I love a good memoir, and this one was fantastic. Dr Karl has always been super fascinating, but reading this has given me a real appreciation for how much stuff he has packed into one life so far!! Makes me want to take more chances and take things less seriously sometimes.
October 11, 2024
This is an amazing read. It's entertaining, informative, insightful, and interspersed with great science! It's great to hear a unique view on the world through the eyes, ears, and mind of someone with such varied life experience.
November 8, 2025
What a rambunctious rollicking good listen. So fabulous to listen to Dr Karl narrate his own life story - I wonder whether he read what he actually wrote - as the “oh my gosh’s” and the “would you believe” interjections sounded just like him talking off the cuff as he has done so for years on his radio and tv programs. I really loved the ramblings, the energy, the honesty and the frankness. He is definitely an advocate for living life to the full and taking the chances that come along without overthinking the possible path - a man who has lived in the moment and gone with the flow to great success. His love of science is infectious and his gift of the gab one I’m so glad he shares. I’ve grown up with him on our airwaves and his voice is so distinctive that you can’t help but stop and listen. One great thing about this book comes from the fact that Dr Karl’s life has had many twists and turns and so is not singularly focused like many other autobiographies ( eg Andre Agassi’s Open which has naturally a tennis flavour). What a fantastic man. I’ve learnt a lot from listening to this book - not just science stuff - but truly how great life can be if you have the capability to take it as it comes.
January 8, 2025
Wow! What a phenonmal read by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki! I listened to this one on Spotify, and I loved hearing Dr. Karl genuinely say "wow!" about a variety of topics he found interesting. I think Dr. Karl is just so cool 😎
I loved hearing about about Dr. Karls life, such as all the different uni degrees he had done with a whopping 16 years in total studying. Dr. Karl shares about his earlier earlier life as a "drug crazed hippy" and how he lived in a squat for 8 years in Glebe, Sydney. Dr. Karl really drives the point home that it's OK to start new careers and to live your own unique and different life and that nothing is ever wasted, and it is all for a greater purpose.
Dr. Karl often mentions how his father disapproved of his life choices in terms of continually returning back to study. A parents disapproval is something we all experience and so glad that Dr. Karl continued on HIS path despite his father's disapproval and became the science man many Australians love today!
Thanks for the great memoir, Dr. Karl, you definitely did not disappoint!
I loved hearing about about Dr. Karls life, such as all the different uni degrees he had done with a whopping 16 years in total studying. Dr. Karl shares about his earlier earlier life as a "drug crazed hippy" and how he lived in a squat for 8 years in Glebe, Sydney. Dr. Karl really drives the point home that it's OK to start new careers and to live your own unique and different life and that nothing is ever wasted, and it is all for a greater purpose.
Dr. Karl often mentions how his father disapproved of his life choices in terms of continually returning back to study. A parents disapproval is something we all experience and so glad that Dr. Karl continued on HIS path despite his father's disapproval and became the science man many Australians love today!
Thanks for the great memoir, Dr. Karl, you definitely did not disappoint!
January 6, 2025
I have always loved Dr Karl as a media personality and it was fascinating to see the twists and turns that led him to become the presenter I know. I admired the structure of the book - the bite-sized sections made it an accessible easy-to-read memoir. It was bold, simply told, honest and heartfelt. It had me think about how it is to move through the world differently, seemingly at odds with societal norms and expectations, and the impact on those whose lives are connected. I enjoyed the boxed “science” texts explaining how things work. It feels to be a voluminous book with perhaps an excess of stories to continually hold interest (I found myself skipping over some, easily done with the structure); and the abundance of exclamation marks irked me, even appreciating that they reflected Dr Karl’s hallmark enthusiasm. Tiny gripes silenced by a worthy story of a circuitous life.
March 30, 2025
I always love an auto biography, and this has to be one of the best I’ve ever read. Dr Karl has so many amazing stories, he really has lived a life. Made me feel comfortable with the idea of career changes, seeking change and following your passions. His story has altered the way I look at the world I loved it so much
October 7, 2025
Very easy to read and provided a great insight into Dr Karl’s life and upbringing, with random science facts plotted throughout.
Only potential downside was that some parts of the book jumped back and forth quite a bit between topic and time period which made it harder to follow.
Nonetheless, a pleasant read.
Only potential downside was that some parts of the book jumped back and forth quite a bit between topic and time period which made it harder to follow.
Nonetheless, a pleasant read.
February 19, 2025
What an amazing man and book. Loved this so much.
May 18, 2025
3.75 stars. A very easy to read memoir with lots of informative parts as well as reflective storytelling. Karl is humorous, humble and compassionate and has lived an extraordinary life.
September 19, 2025
A brilliant reminder that life is long and that you can change your career many times over. A career is not set in stone in your 20s or your 30s or your 40s, and every experience is just another skill in your toolbox.
You simply need to be open to the opportunities that come your way.
You simply need to be open to the opportunities that come your way.
December 27, 2024
I just loved this book. I used to listen to Dr Karl On JJJ- I still loved listening to him and loved listening to him about his life
I would highly recommend
I would highly recommend
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