Leia reviewed What If? 2 by Randall Munroe (What If?, #2)
Solid Sequel
5 stars
The first book was more novel, but first books have a tendency for that to happen. Still an enjoy able read.
A second collection of Fermi problems so ridiculous that Fermi would be disgusted.
The first book was more novel, but first books have a tendency for that to happen. Still an enjoy able read.
Beautiful book physically, and otherwise exactly the same as Randall's first "What if" and his website of the same name.
It's much better in small doses, and I'm not sure it'll do well on a re-read but I've very much enjoyed learning whether the spiders on Earth have a greater gravitational attraction than the Sun, or how to heat the atmosphere with toaster ovens.
Unsurprisingly it's got a strong US focus!
Physics, Math, Chemistry used to solve often ridiculous questions. Unlike the first book, these questions and answers were not published in advance on xkcd, and the result is better for it. Many cartoons also help describe both questions and answers.
I've just learned the audiobook version of this is read by Wil Wheaton, and now I need to add this version to my "to be read" pile. How is that going to work? I look forward to finding out. Is there an audiobook version of the first book? Another good question to research.
I may seem like a fan boy, rating everything Randall has written as 5 star - but to date, that is the accurate rating. Go get this today - you should enjoy it!
A highly entertaining, educational read, with (at times disconcerting) questions brought to Munroe. Would have been nice if he added a few of his own ponderings, but at least I know the answers to a lot of things I'd be too sensible to deem possible. Granted, there was one question in there that younger, less jaded me had on her mind.
Enjoyable edutainment at some of its finest.
Excellent humor but also surprisingly educational. For everyone interested in science.