Here is my reason (other than what is notated above):
This book deals with quantum biology, the application of the Quantum Theory, as well as quantum mechanics, to the mysteries of biology. Being that I just started my first true chemistry course this year (I'm in the 10th grade), I have not learned of this yet. And while I did essentially grow up in a laboratory with my father being a chemist, some of the things that were described where simply just too difficult to try and fully comprehend, which is a fault on no one's end.
HOWEVER...of what I did read of this book and understand, I thoroughly enjoyed it, being the lover of the sciences that I am. The authors do such an amazing job of trying to compare the weird world and qualities of the quantum world to everyday things that we come into contact with to help make it easier to understand what is happening.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars, for the reason listed above. Since I have yet to complete this work, however, I will be posting an updated rating and review once I get back around to reading it.
Book Cover and Synopsis:
Life is the most extraordinary phenomenon in the known universe; but how does it work? Even in this age of cloning and synthetic biology, the remarkable truth remains: nobody has ever made anything living entirely out of dead material. Life remains the only way to make life. Are we missing a vital ingredient in its creation? Like Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, which provided a new perspective on how evolution works, Life on the Edge alters our understanding of life's dynamics. Bringing together first-hand experience of science at the cutting edge with unparalleled gifts of exposition and explanation, Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe Macfadden reveal the hitherto missing ingredient to be quantum mechanics and the strange phenomena that lie at the heart of this most mysterious of sciences. Drawing on recent ground-breaking experiments around the world, they show how photosynthesis relies on subatomic particles existing in many places at once, while inside enzymes, those workhorses of life that make every molecule within our cells, particles vanish from one point in space and instantly materialize in another. Each chapter in Life on the Edge opens with an engaging example that illustrates one of life's puzzles - How do migrating birds know where to go? How do we really smell the scent of a rose? How do our genes manage to copy themselves with such precision? and then reveals how quantum mechanics delivers its answer. Guiding the reader through the maze of rapidly unfolding discovery, Al-Khalili and McFadden communicate vividly the excitement of this explosive new field of quantum biology, with its potentially revolutionary applications, and also offer insights into the biggest puzzle of all: what is life? As they brilliantly demonstrate here, life lives on the quantum edge.
Recommended? Yes, absolutely, to anyone who loves chemistry, biology, quantum physics, or even just science in general. It is such a captivating read. However, I do give an age suggestion of 15-16 and up, simply due to how complex the subject matter is.
Links:
Johnjoe McFadden
Jim Al-Khalili
This book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Well my book cubs, that is all for now! My next blog post will be my post for Christina Benjamin's "Lies" release book tour! EEP! I truly cannot contain my joy and excitement for this amazing book, and I can't deny my affection for Chrissy's awesome writing! Help me support this wonderful woman by subscribing to my blog to get more updates on releases, giveaways, and of course, book reviews and tours! I've got a surprise headed y'all's way so keep your eyes posted!
Much love,
The Book Lioness
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