Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (2014)

The acclaimed Rovelli- a theoretical physicist with a predilection for the loop quantum theory, an ambitious aim to combine general relativity and quantum mechanics, publishes the indubitably well-known, prominent book Seven Brief Lessons on Physics. Indisputably the shortest physics book at a paltry 80 pages, the reader desires to be accessible and indeed dives into particle theory, the Standard Model, and fundamental pillars of quantum mechanics well.

Nevertheless, the lessons focus on modern physics, with few background theories on the development and only a scanty note on how the 20th-century scientific theories differ from the Newtonian era. Various elements are superficial, including the third chapter being simplistic (and somehow the mere one to contrast to pre-Einstein physics), and the author's relentless penchant for the fact that time passes somewhat faster on hills than (despite failing to clarify that is a diminutive difference until the author's next book, The Order of Time, in which Rovelli once again reiterates this). The author's tone is vexatious, striving to combine somewhat philosophical theories into a decidedly short physics book, with a nebulous and relatively poor ending that does not seem to concentrate such a lengthy chapter compared to the scanty information in the rest of the book. Finally, the book is devoid of references, which could seem acceptable as Rovelli is a seasoned specialist, and the ideas explored are straightforward, notwithstanding, The Order of Time contains some, hence, it is further nebulous. In conclusion, a thoroughly serviceable book, but ultimately both enhanced and marred by its shortness. ( )

I'm writing this many books away from when I read this at the start of the year, but any time I can I'm going to say read Carlo Rovelli's works. Seven Brief Lessons of Physics is a much easier pick-up/set-down book than some of his others, but they're all wonderful gateways to expand your vantage on the wild ways in which the components of our world - and worlds beyond - work. Personal order is: The Order of Time, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, Reality Is Not What It Seems, Helgoland. ( )

Because I listened to the audiobook, my attention kept going in and out. I'll probably have to read the book. ( )

After reading the Hegoland book I went on a bit of a Carlo Rovelli spree. Like his other writings this subtly espouses his particular view of quantum mechanics, but is not force-feeding it. A bit short on rigor in my opinion, but not without it's good points. I would recommend to interested non-technical readers. ( )

Nothing new under the sun. This book is more or less a recapitulation of the big picture in science, which ends up focusing on the problem Mr. Rovelli's institute in Marseille is trying to solve. The author tried to be a little too touchy feely in the last chapter. By the end of the book I did not feel that I understood any more or learned something that I didn't know before I read the book. ( )