Black Holes, Wormholes & Time Machines Review

by Jim Al Khalili

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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williampinn
Roseville, CA

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The science fact behind the science fiction.

a sci-fi buff

Pros

Fascinatiing read., Humorous at times.

Cons

Limited to 253 pages.

JUN

2008

Have you ever lay ensconced in your sleeping bag in the middle of a desert, and gazed up at billions of glittering rhinestone stars that lace a clear Indian summer sky? Have you ever wondered if it will ever be possible to travel light-years away to a Class-M planet, or back and forth through time?

Black Holes Wormholes & Time Machines shows that space and time travel could really happen in the future. The book reveals the science fact behind the science fiction books, TV shows, and movies, such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Back to the Future, and The Terminator.

Jim Al Khalili, an Iraqi born physicist who moved with his family to England when he was 16 years, wrote the book. He later became a co-host on the BBC's Flow of Time documentary.

If you are a layperson like me, you will be delighted that Jim's book does not talk over your head, nor does it talk down to you. When you read it, you do not need a book cover to hide embarrassing title words like Dummies or Idiot's Guide.

The pages are sprinkled with wit and humor, which kept me awake during the more technical sections. Even a professional physicist--who finds the material too elementary--will enjoy the book's humorous anecdotes.

Jim gives you plenty of descriptive examples and diagrams-he shows you rather than tells you the concepts he teaches.

The first two sections of the book, Space and Time offer you a primer on Einstein's theories of relativity, and quantum mechanics. Once you have the basics under your belt, the final section, Time Machines, then reveals the recipe for time and space travel: "Start with a wormhole and add a pinch of exotic matter..."

If it is a cloudy night, and you are done gazing at the stars, start reading this book (only 253 pages).

"Live long and prosper...and may the force be with you..."

Black Holes, Wormholes & Time Machines is recommended by williampinn

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Comments about williampinn’s Review

williampinn wrote on Jun 4, 2008 at 9:54PM

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In response to Fardreamer's comment from Jun 4, 2008 at 2:44PM:

Thanks. This is the first review I ever wrote. It has sentimental value, so I posted it here at Viewpoints.

Fardreamer wrote on Jun 4, 2008 at 2:44PM

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Good review, William.

williampinn wrote on Jun 3, 2008 at 7:59PM

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In response to LaurieM's comment from Jun 3, 2008 at 4:08PM:

It is totlally interesting. Fascinating and entertaining. Check it out and have fun with it. :)

LaurieM wrote on Jun 3, 2008 at 4:08PM

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This actually sounds quite interesting!

kid-kansas wrote on Jun 3, 2008 at 1:35PM

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Sounds like an interesting read, especially if you were laying out under the stars! ;)

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Key Information	Authors Jim Al Khalili Nonfiction Category Science Nonfiction Subcategory • •
Book Editions	Book Editions Paperback265October 01, 1999Inst of Physics Pub Inc5.5"(h) x 8.5"(w) x 0.75"(d), 1.35 lbs.9780750305600

Black Holes, Wormholes & Time Machines Review

by Jim Al Khalili

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