Blogcritics Comments on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Comment by Abram Bergen on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 20:58:55 EDT

Duane, I understand your wariness. There is all too much focus on personality, especially in the media, but also, increasingly, in books. I did not feel, however, that the author's intent was to make her science interesting by showcasing interesting scientists. The science is indeed fascinating on its own and does not need the help of colourful characters. In a culture of decreasing attention spans and ever increasing stimuli, her narrative technique, I feel, makes the science more digestible for the lay reader. The narratives showcase not so much the lives of the scientists, but rather how, by whom, and under what circumstances specific discoveries were made so that we may see the trajectory of scientific discovery. Her focus was mostly on the science, not the personality. Glad you enjoyed the review. I appreciate thoughtful feedback.

Comment by duane on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 16:14:47 EDT

An excellent writeup, Abram. Sounds very interesting. I'm always a little wary of books or articles that delve into the personal characteristics of scientists. They're generally a pretty ordinary bunch, with the exception that they know a lot of science. Many readers are prone to judge science by the traits of its practitioners, which is a big mistake. Science is inherently fascinating. Scientists are inherently like your next door neighbors. But if it helps the medicine go down, I guess it's understandable. Again, nice job.

Comment by Abram Bergen on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 15:42:28 EDT

Hi Susan, glad you enjoyed the review, and nice to hear the dramatic metaphor of super-hero protagonist and scientist chorus resonated with you. For me it was the narrative style, ultimately, that made the reading experience so special.

Comment by Susan Jeffers on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 08:44:47 EDT

Thanks so much for your review. I'm almost done reading this book. It's really captured my imagination, but I was having trouble putting my finger on what made the experience so special. Your paragraph describing air as the super-hero protagonist and the scientists as the chorus resonates for me -- thanks!!

Comment by Natalie Bennett on Book Review: An Ocean of Air - Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmosphere by Gabrielle Walker

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:35:43 EDT

This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net , which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and to Boston.com. Nice work!