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Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World by Mark Miodownik
charlietuna92's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting look at the materials that surround us and their histories. How did steel become the metal we rely on for our buildings and machines? Why does some paper yellow faster than others? How is chocolate made to be so smooth? These questions are not ones we often think about, but the answers are fascinating and definitely make you think twice about the materials all around you. The author is great at describing the science behind it all in a way that is informative, simple, and in no way condescending.
juneorgwen's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
2.5
A true two and a half stars. Not bad but a little below average. I left the book with less information than I'd hoped but also more bored than I should have been. Had the author given a bit more depth and less tangents/weird writing (I seriously had to skip the movie script parts of one chapter). Clearly the author is very intelligent, they may just need a co-writer or a better editor.
jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
4.0
I have never considered myself being a materialistic person but after reading this book I guess I am.
I liked that this book was not to academic but still full of fun facts. I learned a great deal reading it. Did you know that pink gold was pink because it contains copper and white gold was white because it contains silver ? I didn't knew but now if I ever I get this question during a quizz I will be able to brag about it.
Contrary to my expectation the reading was really light making it really enjoyable: the diversity of storytelling type reflecting well the diversity of materials. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about steel (indomitable).
I liked that this book was not to academic but still full of fun facts. I learned a great deal reading it. Did you know that pink gold was pink because it contains copper and white gold was white because it contains silver ? I didn't knew but now if I ever I get this question during a quizz I will be able to brag about it.
Contrary to my expectation the reading was really light making it really enjoyable: the diversity of storytelling type reflecting well the diversity of materials. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about steel (indomitable).
bobmcbobson's review against another edition
3.0
While I found the topics covered interesting, the prose was a little lacking for my taste. I found the book tended to drag. I also didn't really like the hook the author used (a photo of him containing the materials he was to explore) to link the topics together. I did like the fact that each chapter was self-contained, which allowed me to pick away at the book a chapter at a time over several months. It really couldn't hold my interest for more than one chapter at a sitting. Also, for what it's worth, I read this on a kindle and the diagrams were completely illegible in that format.
xzainaby's review against another edition
5.0
الكتاب مليء بالمعلومات القيمة عن مختلف المواد، كالزجاج، الخزف، الكاكاو والالماس .. الخ. اضافة الى ذلك ان الكتاب مكتوب بطريقة بسيطة جدًا حيث يسهل على اي شخص لديه معرفة محدودة بالعلوم ان يفهمه، واسلوب الكتابة غير ملل ابدًا. انصح به وبشدة 👍🏻
blaylocken's review against another edition
4.0
Nonfiction just isn’t my jam to read, but all things considered I finished this in about 3 less years than my last one so, pretty good! Right level of nerdiness with ‘plot’ if you will.
michaelgauchat's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0