Books most popular in the United States●Physics

Release date: 2023-04-11 $13.99

Release date: 2022-09-20 $14.99

Release date: 2018-05-08 $13.99

Comments

1. Jaw-dropping. - The facts told in this book are eye-opening. This book gives the reader an idea of how far science and physics has gone in this generation and how we still have so much more to discover. Very hard to read if you are not a physicist but keep reading as I did and you will love this book.
2020-10-01

Release date: 2016-03-01 $8.99

Comments

1. Inaccurate - I feel compelled to write a review. I thought this book will give me some ideas on how to explain complex concepts in simple words, but I was stunned by the factual inaccuracy. Didn't get beyond the first lesson. For example, the author says that Einstein became a renowned scientist right after publishing his first papers with multiple offers from prestigious universities. This couldn't be more untrue. I understand that this book is not Einstein's biography, but I feel disturbed that such factual simplification and inaccuracy was allowed to get published. Do not recommend this book, especially for younger readers.
2016-10-16

Release date: 1997-08-01 $9.99

Release date: 2023-01-17 $19.99

Release date: 2022-08-09 $15.99

Release date: 2017-01-24 $9.99

Comments

1. A wonderfully challenging book - For someone like me with a modest science background but high level of interest in learning about the structure of the universe, this book was challenging but highly rewarding. Not a light read, but Rovelli does an incredible job of making quantum gravity theory as accessible as possible to the educated layperson. Highly recommended.
2021-03-15

Release date: 2020-08-04 $12.99

Comments

1. The cosmology book you really want to read - Katie Mack is brilliant, fun, entertaining, funny and relatable all in presenting an incredibly complex and deep topic. She makes cosmology accessible to anyone interested and makes it fun to read. The geek-humor is endlessly entertaining. If you love exploring cosmology or just want an introduction, read this. And I can’t wait for her next book...
2020-11-03

2. Katie Mack - The End of Evertyhing - Katie Mack is brilliant, and this book, considering the beginning and possible end(s) of our universe is a worthy successor to Carl Sagan, in that deep astrophysical and cosmological material is both accessible to the layperson, as well as the science literate...all dosed with her signature humorous asides. Cannot recommend highly enough!
2020-08-09

Release date: 2019-09-10 $4.99

Release date: 2011-05-03 $14.99

Release date: 2015-01-06 $11.99

Release date: 2010-02-08 $13.99

Release date: 2020-10-16 $7.99

Release date: 2010-03-19 $20.99

Release date: 2021-03-30 $10.99

Release date: 2016-05-10 $14.99

Comments

1. Terrible - Author is so patronizing in his assumption that all readers are absolute morons I had to listen to the Audibook at x speed. Even at such speeds, the tone of the author, which is that of a grown up speaking to a child, along with its slowly developed written counterparts, makes this book and what small intellectual gems it might hold unbearable to pursue for anyone that is scientifically literate. Because of this, as I'm sure Caroll is aware, the book has sold exceedingly well. Hooray for science.
2016-11-09

Release date: 2021-05-25 $12.99

Release date: 2017-05-02 $14.99

Comments

1. From the Beginning - I have believed for sometime now that mankind has suffered from a crisis of meaning for some time that has fed and deepened a general disconnectedness among us. No religion, social structure, or economic incentives are enough to bind us all universally. It may be that we need to look to the universe and our place in it to find that connective tissue and define a comprehensive mission towards understanding it better that can evoke a meaning to being like nothing else. Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s primer on Astrophysics triggers this reflective philosophical thinking. It reminds you how little we know of our Earth and Universe and ultimately ourselves. From the beginning of everything to what we know now and the scientific process that filled in the gaps along the way. We learn that everything that makes us what we are is what makes the bodies of the universe what they are as well. Making us a part of a bigger picture; an image of existence so large we cannot see it all at once. These sorts of ideas and the instruction on astrophysics makes this a must for anyone who loves science or wants to dive deeper in it without melting their brain. The audio format is perhaps the best so you can enjoy Tyson’s documentarian smooth radio voice and candor on all manner of topics. In a world where science and scientific research are under attack, it helps to have tools like this for arming yourself ahead of your next debate. More importantly, a bigger perspective on what we have in common more than what divides us.
2022-05-09

2. Tough, but worth it - For those who have no prior expertise in astrophysics (like myself), this book is a tough read. But, it is still great!! While some of the topics and subjects you may not understand right off the bat, with a couple extra minutes of re-reading the material, you will begin to understand enough to get you through the book. It is % worth it and really explains the basis of the universe and puts the universe in great perspective!
2021-01-10

3. Stays true to the title - Tyson does a great job of making complicated theories and physics understandable to the layman, all while keeping it interesting. Truly gives you a brief lecture of dark matter, dark energy, and your place in the universe(among a few others) while keeping you entertained. Loved it and can’t wait for the next book!
2020-04-24

4. Fascinating - I expected this to be another rehash of Stephen Hawking’s Brief History, but it is entirely different and speaks of discoveries that probably weren’t even made at that time. Very open-ended, leaving room for discoveries being made as we speak. Opens up the universe for the layman, although one probably needs some prior knowledge for it to make sense. While our knowledge is growing exponentially, this book makes me realize, more than I did before, how little we really do know of what there is to be learned. The more that is learned, the more we realize we don’t know. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in what’s around them.
2019-04-21

5. Dr. Tyson has a wonderful way of looking at the universe - I enjoy the way Dr. Tyson frames the world and the universe. It is a very entertaining read and true to it’s title was a great read for a person who is usually in a hurry and doesn’t have time to read a whole book in one sitting. / would read again!
2019-01-01

6. A thoughtful read - If I’m honest, I did not understand every chapter in this book! That said, it made me feel connected to humanity and space and the universe. Made me contemplate my smallness is a very good way. I have gone back and reread several chapters, and know I will come back to this again and again.
2018-09-12

7. Astrophysics - I bought this on a whim, and I am so glad I did! The science is incredibly accessible and enjoyable -- the author utilizes great analogies and common language without condescending to non-scientifically astute readers. He creates an astounding picture of the power, the enormity, and the connection between every aspect of the fabric of space-time fro earth through the solar system, the universe, and beyond. Part science, part philosophy, an amazing read I highly recommend for everyone! This will be my Gift Book this year for my family and friends!
2018-05-09

8. Journey to the stars - Neil embodies and represents the true scientist. His writing takes you on a quick, yet extravagant and beautiful journey through the vast Universe. From the smallest, to the vastly gigantic and dangerous phenomena that have transform and created what we see before us, today. Neil is the man. I was hooked!
2018-02-10

9. People in a hurry - If I were to read my first book on this subject, this would be the perfect primer. The author gives relatable analogies for the complex workings of the universe(s). If this was my first book it would leave me with wanting to to know more. If that was the author intent which I believe it was, then mission accomplished.
2017-12-06

10. Review of A for P in a H - Taking vast amount of information, intricate, proven, assumed, and interpret in such a way as to allow the average person to make sense and understand was impressive. With the coincidence or the solar eclipse, I took the time to read this book, listen to his course in Great Courses titled My Favorite Universe, and to listen to his podcasts. Neil's style include humor, with everyday thoughts process Love it. Would like to know Dr. Tyson's thoughts on the book by Deepak Chopra, You Are The Universe. Same information, different conclusion.
2017-09-01

11. Interesting, but not a holistic book. - Each of the several chapters was a standalone essay. Together, the sum was less than the total of the individual parts. Think of it more as a collection of essays, some of which are very interesting, and a few of which are loaded with interesting pieces of information. But the universe hangs together, so why can't the parts of the book together? Each of the chapters was moving away from the others at the speed of light...
2017-08-13

12. Exceptional book for any curious mind - This book is a great book for the curious people that wonder about the meaning for our place in the cosmic scale. The chapters take you on a journey in which the narrative captures your curiosity but using very understandable phrases that are easy to follow for all readers, regardless of their scientific background.
2017-07-21

13. Great science no need to bash religion - Great explanations on how advances in equipment help us understand universe. He bashes religion while trying to make pure science into a new religion with his own code of ethics at end of book. Science and religion can be two great tools. No need for conflict... Read lonely man of faith to see how that works out,
2017-06-30

14. Very Insightful and well written - I came from a background in technology but without the formal technology background. I've always been interested in physics and space and how did the universe all begin. Finally I can get so many details and explanations that I've never had and it filled in a lot of gaps. Probably the most insightful book I have ever read. JC
2017-06-14

Release date: 2014-01-14 $11.99

Release date: 2013-01-22 Genre:Science & Nature $14.99

Comments

1. Not so elegant egg heads - I thought this book would give some amazing insight into incredibly complex and confusing mysteries, but I was wrong. It felt more like the authors were writing to each other, each failing to find simplicity in explanation. I'm very sympathetic, as so few have the ability of Einstein to paint a picture that gives so much understanding. This crowd, while undoubtedly all brilliant, just aren't in that class.
2013-03-11

Release date: 2014-10-26 $13.99

Release date: 2022-10-07 $3.99

Release date: 2016-02-13 $12.99

Release date: 2020-01-08 Genre:Science & Nature $21.99

Release date: 2018-08-18 $3.99

Release date: 2016-10-18 $3.99

Release date: 2009-06-16 $1.99

Release date: 2023-03-21 $14.99

Release date: 2011-01-25 $6.99

Comments

1. Fascinating...Greene does it again! - The book is wonderfully written and Brian Greene has continued his success for writing and expressing deep scientific concepts and theories in a manner that many non-scientist can enjoy and understand like myself. I would highly recommend this book and Green's other works if you have even just a slight interest in the subject matter...you'll walk away from the book with a much more appreciation for how far we have come to understanding the universe, spark the imagination and make you question what reality really is. Thanks, Brian for yet another wonderful journey.
2012-01-13

2. The full Monty - Mr. Green takes the time to expose the full view of multiverse options for non-scientists. While many books and series try to corral participants to a specific theory or concept, this book allows and expects you to think for yourself. Thank you Brian for putting a popular presentation with a technical reference appropriate for the arm chair scientist in all of us.
2012-01-03

Release date: 2023-02-28 $17.99

Release date: 2021-01-12 $8.99

Release date: 2016-03-29 $12.99

Comments

1. Interesting, but very focused on the personalities - Interesting history of the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). But be aware that the book is mainly focused on the key personalities and their conflicts. It almost felt like an internal project history at times rather than a widely published popular science book. I could have used more science interspersed with the personal stories. Still, an interesting read, and an unusual window into the world of big science.
2016-06-07

Release date: 2005-02-15 $8.99

Release date: 2013-04-23 $17.99

Release date: 2018-10-18 $11.99

Release date: 2010-04-12 $52.99

Release date: 2013-03-14 $49.99

Release date: 2022-03-24 $6.99

Release date: 2008-04-21 $14.99

Release date: 2021-09-02 $3.99

Release date: 2013-02-06 Genre:Science & Nature $14.99

Release date: 2018-03-22 $1.99

Release date: 2009-09-15 Genre:Science & Nature $34.99

Release date: 2017-11-20 $6.99

Release date: 2011-03-15 $4.99

Comments

1. Physics of the Future - This book was very disappointing. I expected a scientifically based extrapolation of where we would be in years. Although the author does this to a credible extent for the next years, he begins to depart from a scientifically based prediction and devolved into a rambling, internally inconsistent view of the world in the latter / of the book. Anyone who is reasonably well read on scientific issues (I.e., who reads the Science Times each week), will learn little and be very frustrated by this book. If you fit this category, don't buy it.
2011-04-20

Release date: 2011-04-04 $12.99

Comments

1. The Raw Underbelly of Living in Space - Hilarious Mary Roach goes where no "man" has gone before (well few investigative reporters at least). With eloquent humor she investigates the "ins" and "outs" of eating in space, life without bathing, "space sickness", and all of the the other things seldom discussed by the NASA PR machine. A good read for space enthusiasts and space history buffs. This book should be required reading for wannabe "space tourists".
2015-04-24

2. Accessible fun - Mary's book is informative while light-hearted and makes the extreme difficulties associated with manned spaceflight accessible to the layman. A must-read for anyone interested in long-duration spaceflight and definitely anyone who wonders why space travel is so expensive and dangerous.
2011-02-24

3. An Interesting Lunchtime Read... - I have an interest in space, that is large as... well, space; as such the subject of this book was very appealing to me. If you feel the same then this will not disappoint. In addition, the book will probably gross you out. That said, it all is amusingly written and beyond fascinating. As mentioned before, I read it all during my lunch breaks and it was quite an experience considering how obsessed NASA is with things inside you and how things get in and out of you. This book is well researched and well written with a easy-going style that makes it an easy read. Maybe I will take back the space aficionado and say that anyone would dig this book.
2011-01-05

4. Author! Author! - Fascinating, hilariously funny and wonderfully insightful, Packing for Mars is a rivetingly entertaining book I could not stop reading. I have three words: buy this book. Now. Mary Roach is wonderfully warped, a marvelously witty, funny storyteller. She peels away the glamour of space travel,and shows what a challenge it is, both for the heroic astronauts and for countless people on the ground who make it possible. And she does so in a way that is neither insulting nor condescending, but always entertaining. If I ever gave to travel deep into space, Mary Roach would be a great fellow astronaut. Packing for Mars is A-OK. That's a Roger. Out.
2010-10-06

5. Packing For Mars - what a hoot! - Always informative, highly readable, completely comprehensible - high school class books should be written in this style - and occasionally (well, often) belly-laugh funny. I grew up during the Space Race - I have drunk Tang while imagining myself on an EVA, eaten Space Food sticks - so my memories of that era probably enhanced the enjoyment, but even those of a (ahem) more recent vintage will find this material very approachable.
2010-09-08

6. An out of this world read - I saw the author on The Daily Show and sought out the book. I found her telling of the history of space travel to be quite engaging and appreciated her sense of humor. The book seems well researched and the various anecdotes of the individuals she encounters send the reader through the gamut of emotion as their successes, failures, fears, and losses are laid bare on the page... Er iPad.
2010-09-02

7. Now I know the rest of the story - It isn't often that find a book that gives me a real feeling of "the way it really was" with a wonderful touch of humor that will spark a uncontrollable laugh. While reading this on my last flight, my sporadic chuckle was enough to spur everyone's curiosity to what I was reading (probably wondering if I'm nuts or just comparing NASA food with airline food). Hummmm Thanks for a great book.
2010-08-29

8. No Tang! - Enjoyable read about the science, history, and evolution of accommodating the needs of the human body in space. The author has plumbed the annals of NASA and the space contracting community to bring insightful and sometimes funny accounts. Occasionally things get too clinical and slow, but still worth your money.
2010-08-12

Release date: 2010-10-11 $13.99

Comments

1. Great overview of the cutting edge. - The one thing Mr.Green does even better than shining some photons into some otherwise very dimly lit spaces is convey his own sense of wonder at these very same matters. A nice thing to see from a scientifically brilliant man. A reminder that such understanding does not dull our humanity but deepens it. Admittedly this subject is more massive than a Black Hole but Mr. Green makes it as comprehensible as it could possible be. Even a dim witted git like myself comes away with a vague sense of the taste of the universal broth and for that I wish to offer a sincere thank you. I know the hole just seems to get deeper the more we dig but the hole is not the point the digging is. Great book Brian!
2013-01-05

2. Very Informative!! - This is a very well written book and a good complement to his more recent "Fabric of the Cosmos". Aside from an uncanny knack for citing analogies that greatly simplify various complex issues making them crystal clear, Greene also is very good at summarizing the bottom line at the end of a topic such as in The Elegant Universe he recalls Einstein saying "The agent of gravity is the Fabric of the Cosmos" which very neatly synopsizes the warping of spacetime by gravity's impact whereas Newton only conjectured that there was some unknown agent behind the force of gravity.
2012-01-21

3. Mind blowing - Took me about months to get through this book. It's really not something you can read straight thorough. It'll will make your head explode if you try. Lol. I sometimes had to take several days off from reading this book because my brain just could not handle or process anymore. I am glad I am finally done reading this book but know that I will have to read it a few more times before I can even grasp the basic concepts of M-theory.
2011-04-10

4. Well written, but not for everyone - Greene is a very good writer who can convey complex ideas with simple analogies. In this book he explains Relativity and Quantum Mechanics in about as understandable way as I've ever read (I'm not a scientist or mathematician). Unfortunately, String Theory is so mathematically complex that even Greene is left to merely give a very general description. In addition, there have been some advances since this book was published in . Having said that, this is a great book to start with if you are interested in what may become the standard for Physics. Greene admits that there is still a lot of work and it may turn out to be wrong, but I enjoyed the blend of science and the history of its development.
2010-10-11

Release date: 2008-03-11 $12.99

Comments

1. Highly stimulating - Picked this up after browsing through this and Kaku's other titles. Great read and I will be sure to look at his other works now. Topics covered were all very interesting and broadly chosen. Michio's narrative style I have seen from television comes through well as an author. With the exception of the last two chapters, I found them all to be quite understandable and great at getting the juices flowing and a thirst for more secrets to be revealed. The chapter on potential extraterrestrials was unlike anything I have seen or read before. Totally logical and incredibly straightforward. He rides the balance between scientist and entertainer flawlessly. Thanks for the read!
2012-04-21

2. Fascinating read - This is definitely a fascinating read! Mr. Kaku does an amazing job of making complex and often boggling theorems understandable through appropriate examples. A large number of topics are covered from the easily acceptable to the sometimes crazy. This book is well written and enjoyable!
2012-04-05

3. Sci Fi gets a reality check and boost! - Great read! Everyone wants to know about forcefields, teleportation, and robots. This book injects the rational truth about what is physically possible and impossible, and attempts to explain how these sci-fi technologies might actually take form. Readable and intelligent!
2011-04-03

Release date: 2014-11-07 $20.99

Comments

1. Space Travel - You can expect a heady but well written dive into multiple scientific disciplines in this one. Kip Thorpe paints a more wholistic perspective of a film that was already sweeping in scale and scope. You finish with a new found respect and appreciation for the cast and crew for their preparation and commitment to making a film grounded in real science. Though some sections will have you questioning your basic intelligence, it’s enlightening to see what we really know and what remains to be discovered. Likewise optimism abounds at the potential of what future generations can discover if the current ones don’t ruin it for them. How fitting it was then that the first images from the James Webb telescope came out at the same time I finished this book. Those majestic vistas of the heavens will hopefully motivate many to pick up books like this one. That said, this breakdown is accessible to them but having a primer in basic physics and astronomy principles doesn’t hurt. The best part is that no matter what you don’t understand, the beauty of the film can fill in your imagination for you. Such a wonderful pairing this book and the movie.
2022-07-13

2. Worst book I have ever seen!!! - I purchased the audio version of this book to listen to on a long flight home. I was convinced to purchase on based on my love of the movie and the books great review...boy did I get suckered!!! The author drones on and on with trivial details about completely speculative ideas and theories. The book was boring and painful to listen to. The description and reviews of this book state that it fills in the gaps in the movie, much as using deleted or extended scenes...this it doesn't do and I gain nothing more about the movie except maybe a headache from enduring such boredom!!! After listening to the book, I watched "The Science of Interstellar" extra on my copy of the movie. The extra was done in a documentary style and was quite fascinating with multiple speakers, visuals and most of all not spending to much time on trivials. Do yourself a favor and watch this instead of reading or listening to this book!!!
2015-05-02

3. Fascinating book - Although I freely admit that I didn't understand all of it, it was a fascinating read that explained many advanced concepts. The book was easy to follow and moved quickly without getting bogged down. Just thinking about some of the theories and ideas will keep you up late at night wondering what is possible. I highly recommend this book as well as the incredibly entertaining movie it was based on.
2015-04-10

4. Will make you want to go and pick out the details in the movie again and again. - I applaud Kip Thorne for his outstanding work in helping the Nolan brothers put together a great movie deeply rooted in actual science and math. I am a theoretical science hobbist and found this book to be both approachable as well as fascinating. Understanding where they drew the line between science fact and science fiction (based on some scientific license) makes me crave more movies like Interstellar. Excellent read and can’t wait for a sequel… C’mon Chris, please!!
2015-04-03

5. Better science books out there - If you're an astrophysics nerd like myself then you won't get much new information. And if you're new to astrophysics then I don't think the explanations are clear enough. The author jumps around from topic to topic, which makes it hard to read. I'd skip this and grab one of the many science masterpieces out there.
2015-01-17

6. Amazing book! - This book was beautifully written. It is absolutely mesmerizing in every way. Kip Thorne manages to explain some of the world’s most difficult and mind bending theories in a way for the average person to understand. The illustrative style of his writing is just breathtaking. If you are curious about the mysteries of the universe, this is the book for you. Kip will take you form the hard fact, to the educated guess, to the pure speculative, but never into a world that can be ruled out through scientific theory. That is the best part of this… it very well may be all possible!
2014-11-17

7. Beautiful illustration of how art and science can influence one another on a grand scale. - I loved the film, and it is just made exponentially better reading this book after watching it. It does a great job to show how ambitious all of these ideas were, and how they were still tackled scientifically. It is also a beautiful illustration on a grand scale of how art and science can influence one another in facsinating ways that are mutually beneficial.
2014-11-11

8. Ready for the Movie! - I bought this book as a primer to help me understand the science before I watched the movie. It’s helpful to know the movie is science fiction and not fantasy … there’s no sense writing a book to explain fantasy as “anything goes”! Reading the book allowed me to enjoy the movie without straining to understand the movie … that will come later after I’ve had a chance to discuss it with my movie-going partner.
2014-11-10