Air is the protagonist of An Ocean of Air, with the various scientists who discovered the various properties and functions of air cast as important but supporting characters. Air and the atmosphere it forms is in many ways presented as a superhero figure, a figure responsible not only for the emergence of larger life forms on this planet, but also for protecting the same life forms from the hazards of space. In some ways, to continue the dramatic metaphor, scientists play the part of the chorus that interrupts the narrative from from time to time to draw attention to or explain something important, or to warn us of impending danger. Where do we fit in, we the reader, the non-scientist? We are not merely the audience. We have been for too long. We have an important role to play. It is up to us, something made clear in the sections on climate change, to ensure that we protect the atmosphere that protects us. Even in this, Walker is not preachy. She merely tells us stories.
An Ocean of Air is a wonderful journey behind the science of air through a series of biographical narratives. This is a book for scientists and non-scientists alike. A useful book in a time when we finally are beginning to realize that we are all a part of nature, that our actions have consequences for the planet. This is a book to be read and re-read.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
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!
2 - Susan Jeffers
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!!
3 - Abram Bergen
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.
4 - duane
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.
5 - Abram Bergen
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.