What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 15:25:27
25 copies available
U.S. only
How to Build a Universe:
Not yet published
Expected 9 Mar 27Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 15:25:27
25 copies available
U.S. only
From one of the most exciting and accessible voices in physics, an eye-opening look into the strange and wonderful world of quantum physics and how it is revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
What is the universe made of, and how do we know? For decades, physicists have been zeroing in on this question, examining the most fundamental yet enigmatic building blocks of our world, descending to a level below even atoms to probe the mysterious subatomic particles and fields that make up the quantum realm. This astonishing world is the key to understanding the workings of the universe, but it has held its secrets close, spurring on fantastic leaps of innovation and opening the door to even deeper mysteries as scientists attempt to map its terrain.
In How to Build a Universe, celebrated astrophysicist Katie Mack pulls back the curtain on these discoveries, presenting the most cutting-edge picture modern physics has to offer of the structure of reality. Mack takes us through our current, and thrillingly accurate, understanding of how the subatomic world works and why, despite this, we may be on the precipice of a monumental breakthrough—one that could shatter everything we thought we knew about the foundations of existence. Rather than presenting physics as an enshrined set of facts, the book foregrounds the process and wonder of discovery, detailing the false starts, the conceptual leaps, and the passionate debates that shape scientific knowledge. Taking us to the edge of the map and beyond, How to Build a Universe is a front-row seat to some of the most mind-bending and exciting developments in physics and cosmology, as the fields themselves undergo a revolution, informed by the smallest and most alluring particles that make up the universe.
What is the universe made of, and how do we know? For decades, physicists have been zeroing in on this question, examining the most fundamental yet enigmatic building blocks of our world, descending to a level below even atoms to probe the mysterious subatomic particles and fields that make up the quantum realm. This astonishing world is the key to understanding the workings of the universe, but it has held its secrets close, spurring on fantastic leaps of innovation and opening the door to even deeper mysteries as scientists attempt to map its terrain.
In How to Build a Universe, celebrated astrophysicist Katie Mack pulls back the curtain on these discoveries, presenting the most cutting-edge picture modern physics has to offer of the structure of reality. Mack takes us through our current, and thrillingly accurate, understanding of how the subatomic world works and why, despite this, we may be on the precipice of a monumental breakthrough—one that could shatter everything we thought we knew about the foundations of existence. Rather than presenting physics as an enshrined set of facts, the book foregrounds the process and wonder of discovery, detailing the false starts, the conceptual leaps, and the passionate debates that shape scientific knowledge. Taking us to the edge of the map and beyond, How to Build a Universe is a front-row seat to some of the most mind-bending and exciting developments in physics and cosmology, as the fields themselves undergo a revolution, informed by the smallest and most alluring particles that make up the universe.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 9, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for the eARC!
Since I loved the author’s last book so much, I was excited to read this one. As someone who is very interested in physics (but has never taken a physics class), I’m always on the lookout for books that help me gain a wider understanding of the topic.
How to Build a Universe wasn’t as easy to read as the author’s previous book. This is largely due to the fact that quantum/particle physics confuses the hell out of me. So many different (and wacky) named things. Like I’m still not entirely sure what a quark is (but it’s a fun word). Honestly, the truly wild names physicists give stuff amuses me (particle zoo, strange/charm quarks, etc). Plus, I liked hearing about all the different theories about how the universe works (basically, we know lots but also, nothing…kind of).
Overall, I really liked How to Build a Universe even if some of the concepts were a little harder for me to grasp. I also enjoyed the author’s humor, especially in the end notes. When this gets published, I’ll probably get a physical copy so I can make notes and refer back to stuff. Starting this book, I didn’t know much about quantum physics (I mostly read books about astrophysics because space is cool). After finishing, I feel like I have a (slightly) better grasp of the topic (but further reading may be required in the future).
Since I loved the author’s last book so much, I was excited to read this one. As someone who is very interested in physics (but has never taken a physics class), I’m always on the lookout for books that help me gain a wider understanding of the topic.
How to Build a Universe wasn’t as easy to read as the author’s previous book. This is largely due to the fact that quantum/particle physics confuses the hell out of me. So many different (and wacky) named things. Like I’m still not entirely sure what a quark is (but it’s a fun word). Honestly, the truly wild names physicists give stuff amuses me (particle zoo, strange/charm quarks, etc). Plus, I liked hearing about all the different theories about how the universe works (basically, we know lots but also, nothing…kind of).
Overall, I really liked How to Build a Universe even if some of the concepts were a little harder for me to grasp. I also enjoyed the author’s humor, especially in the end notes. When this gets published, I’ll probably get a physical copy so I can make notes and refer back to stuff. Starting this book, I didn’t know much about quantum physics (I mostly read books about astrophysics because space is cool). After finishing, I feel like I have a (slightly) better grasp of the topic (but further reading may be required in the future).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Physicist Kate Mack created an extremely accessible book about theoretical quantum physics and how it relates to our universe. Everything is written in a way that the general public without much of a science background can understand along with interesting examples.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Reviewing for Library Journal. My Goodreads rating is unrelated to my professional review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews