Stuff Matters

When I first caught wind of this book in the New York Times Book Review some weeks ago, I added it to my wish list. Then I gifted it to myself for my birthday. (It's important to love yourself.) I intended the book as one to dip into when I wanted a break from the huge fantasy tome I'm in the midst of. But then I kept going back to this one and read it fairly quickly.

This is just the sort of science book I enjoy. Not too heavy for a layman, not so dry that it puts you to sleep, and filled with interesting things about the world, in this case, materials science. In eleven breezy chapters, University professor Mark Miodownik, explores some common and some not-so-common materials, from concrete, porcelain, and chocolate, to aerogels and implants. Fascinating stuff and told with witty verve. I wished it was longer.