13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries

By: Michael Brooks

Narrated by: Matt Addis

Science starts to get interesting when things don't make sense. Even today, there are experimental results that the most brilliant scientists can neither explain nor dismiss. In the past, similar anomalies have revolutionised our world: in the 16th century, a set of celestial irregularities led Copernicus to realise that the Earth goes around the sun and not the reverse.

In 13 Things That Don't Make Sense, Michael Brooks meets 13 modern-day anomalies that may become tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Is 96%of the universe missing? If no study has ever been able to definitively show that the placebo effect works, why has it become a pillar of medical science? Was the 1977 signal from outer space a transmission from an alien civilization? Spanning fields from chemistry to cosmology, psychology to physics, Michael Brooks thrillingly captures the excitement and controversy of the scientific unknown.

©2010 Michael Brooks (P)2011 Audible Ltd

A good listen

I very much enjoyed this book. It provides an insightful review of some very intriguing subject matter and then poses relevant questions to make the listener ponder the discussed mysteries. While I was already aware of most of the topics discussed, the book provided much background detail of which I was previously unaware. This may not a book for everyone, but I can certainly say those of you with any curiosity regarding our world will enjoy it.

Are you sure?

What did you love best about 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries?

Discussions around the challenges in life sciences, like characterizing life, placebo effect and homeopathy.

What other book might you compare 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries to and why?

The Next Fifty Years, edited by John Brockman.

Have you listened to any of Matt Addis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I did not. But he was really great.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This book goes like 13 different movies ...

Well worth a listen!

Would you listen to 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries again? Why?

Yes! I actually listened through the whole book, and when it completed, it looped back to the beginning... and I found myself gladly listening through for a second time! Michael Brooks delves into the history behind the science with a wit and style that reminds me of Bill Bryson! To me that's a huge compliment! If you enjoyed

What did you like best about this story?

The Author brings to light many interesting anomolies found in our world... things you may never have thought of, and presents them for you to ponder. I was surprised to find that one of my favorite parts of the book was the anomolly of death. We seem to take for granted that our bodies age and degrade over time... but did you ever consider that this is something we evolved? And how can you not be fascinated by the placebo effect? It surprises me to learn how little we really know about it! And... why are the Pioneer space craft veering off course? Is there something we don't know about gravity? If you're like me, these mysteries will excite you, and get you thinking.

Have you listened to any of Matt Addis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I had never listened to Matt Addis prior to this audio book... but his narration was superb! His voice seemed perfectly matched to the author's writing style. His performance made the material and the book even better.

Any additional comments?

This book is for the curious and open minded. Yes, some subjects will be more interesting than others, depending where your interests lie. But I only remember struggling through a small section of the book... and now that I'm writing this review, I can't remember what it was.

Interesting information

The writer sets the scene for each mystery with stories highlighting the work of a variety of scientist. The stories are interesting and full of details. Some of the details of the research discussed became a bit technical and dry such as the section on viruses and lost my interest until the next mystery was introduced. Some sections weren’t new to me such as the material on dark matter but I had no real knowledge on homeopathy and found that section particularly interesting. All in all a good listen with lots on details to create good images in your mind and to further your knowledge.

my favourit audiobook

I listen to all from biographys, humor to fantasy, but I allways find myself returning to this book.
The information is interresting and given in such a way as not being to boring or dry, I find.
I didnt know about dark matter, the mystery of death or many of the other mysteries here, and I truely enjoyed it.

Recomended to lightly science interrested people, who also want to be enterteined, like me.

If you want science dont bother

What would have made 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries better?

Unfortunately the author does not seem to understand the "Scientific Method"

What do you think your next listen will be?

David Deutsch "The beginning of infinity"

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

The concept of the book is fine. Unfortunately it seems to have been written by someone without any science education. It rambles along with vagaries and then degenerates into an advertising promotion for Homeopathy

Too much non-science for my taste.

I found myself rolling my eyes, quite a few times while listening to this. While talk of homeopathic succussion might be slightly interesting for a couple minutes, the author streched it out till it hurt. And he has an interesting take on cold fussion, but hardly a convincing story that anything about it was real. I found myself wanting to scream that scientists need to be held accountable for thier claims. If cold fusion appeared to happen, but could not be reliably reproduced, then that is what needs to be reported.

If the title of this book appeals to you, I'd recommend you check out "Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You" or "Death by Black Hole".