Alan J. Couch

Disturbing History

Revisado: 03-13-18

For a clear exposition of the evils that humans are capable, look no further. This well documented reading of Mackay’s work may alarm the astute reader, for there is nothing to indicate that this sort of folly can not again occur, despite modernity.

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Refreshingly Irreverent

Revisado: 05-27-17

Safran takes difficult and politically charged topics and tells a funny yarn in a very Australian way. Approaching even-handed, although his leanings are not entirely concealed, he pokes fun at both ends of the political horseshoe and the big religions to make many insightful observations. The real concerns of the large set in the middle of the horseshoe are necessarily omitted. In any case these are better dealt with by others, albeit without a trace of humour. The Strange a Death of Europe is one example. Some may not love Safran's voice but there is an authenticity coming from this author's narration of his own work.

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A Mind Boggling Endeavour

Revisado: 06-07-15

What a fantastic insight into the engineering process and human feelings of being involved with this epitome of human endeavour. While it gives a fairly simple description of the science outcomes to early 2014 they cover the spectrum of MSL instruments and give a very understandable account of them, even the sometimes dry geological findings.

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Couldn't put it down

Revisado: 09-06-14

What did you love best about The Martian?

Great story, mixed with interesting detail and a tour of Mars one could help imagine by following via Google Earth, Google/JPL Mars anyway.

What other book might you compare The Martian to and why?

I wouldn't - everyone else has said Castaway meets Apollo something. Or Robinson Crusoe on Mars. That'll do. But better.

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

Only one would be Watney of course. But Kappoor and Mitch were done well too.

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

Stand back when he opens his EVA suit.

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Forget the title; this is a seriously good work.

Revisado: 07-18-14

Where does Nonsense on Stilts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far the best book on the topic I have come across. Accessible but dense with meticulous research and history, it is a joy to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a fascinating journey citing work of great scientists and philosophers. It is clear yet rich, and offers new, and well justified, perspectives on a few well known historical exemplars.

What does Jay Russell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The maintenance of enthusiasm, the tone and the pace all work nicely with the story.

If you could give Nonsense on Stilts a new subtitle, what would it be?

I'd change the title. I nearly did not buy this as the first part of the title sound a tad 'silly' to me. That would have been a big mistake. "How to Tell Science from Bunk" would do it.

Any additional comments?

Thoroughly recommend. Particularly if you are keen to hear some history of science in the argument. Don't expect a 'how to' manual. Think of it as excellent background needed to inform your thinking which will in turn assist you in determining "How to Tell Science from Bunk".

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Loaded but Thought Provoking

Revisado: 05-19-14

What made the experience of listening to Beasts the most enjoyable?

Dripping with 'I am a vegan therefore I am better than you' subtext, this book inconsistently applies high standards. Expecting much from others and not always holding itself to the same. Highly rational in places, it embraces spiritual claptrap in others. Appropriately anthropomorphic in places, this book is then critical of others who have, albeit less sensibly, attempted the same. Despite the above this is a good thought provoking book. It is well written and well read, and brings life to many interesting facts from an eclectic variety of places. It's a good listen!

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of Peter Benchley's revision of his attitude to sharks and his admission of past ignorance is inspiring and noteworthy. But, many 'scenes' are compelling and hold one's attention even when they provoke a bit of cognitive dissonance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Outrageous attacks on Charles Darwin border on the bitter, and apply a moral relativism and arrogance usually reserved for the other side of campus. It glosses over some of the less palatable aspects of real world biology, and appears to lean towards how the author wishes the world to be rather than a dispassionate look at how life is.

Any additional comments?

I recommend you listen!

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