Blue Machine cover art

Blue Machine

How the Ocean Shapes Our World

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Blue Machine

By: Helen Czerski
Narrated by: Helen Czerski
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

FINANCIAL TIMES 2023 HIGHLIGHT

All of the Earth's ocean, from the equator to the poles, is a single engine powered by sunlight - a blue machine.

In a book that will recalibrate our view of this defining feature of our planet, physicist Helen Czerski dives deep to illuminate the murky depths of the ocean engine, examining the messengers, passengers and voyagers that live in it, travel over it, and survive because of it. From the ancient Polynesians who navigated the Pacific by reading the waves to permanent residents of the deep such as the Greenland shark that can live for hundreds of years, she explains the vast currents, invisible ocean walls and underwater waterfalls that all have their place in the ocean's complex, interlinked system.

Timely, elegant and passionately argued, The Blue Machine is one of the biggest stories ever told. The understanding it offers is crucial to our future. Drawing on years of experience at the forefront of marine science, Helen Czerski captures the magnitude and subtlety of this complex force, showing us the thrilling extent to which we are at the mercy of this great engine.

©2023 Helen Czerski (P)2023 Penguin Audio Biological Sciences Biology Earth Sciences Ecosystems & Habitats Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Polar Region Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

In this captivating and urgently-needed book, Czerski weaves a wonderful, watery spell, entwining spectacular science with poetic awe as she expertly guides readers through the workings of a vast, unfamiliar world. Moving and thrilling, The Blue Machine tells us about the seas but also makes us care: an epic love story that captures the ocean's beating heart. (Jo Marchant, author of Cure and The Human Cosmos)
I love Helen Czerski's writing, and this is her richest work yet - as clear as springwater, yet as filled with fascinating things as the ocean itself. (Sarah Bakewell, author of How to Live and Humanly Possible)
JUNE BOOK OF THE MONTH: 'Physicist Helen Czerski offers a very different perspective on the ocean in her revelatory book... Published ahead of World Ocean Day on 8th June, it unlocks a treasure chest of enthralling stories; from the navigators of ancient Polynesia, and the marvels of plankton, to John Steinbeck's Cannery Row and the copious tears cried by turtles. (Caroline Sanderson)
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I listen to a lot of science audiobooks and this really stands out. All sorts of interesting information I have never come across and would really like to know more.
Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, thanks very much and more please.

Excellent, well written, extremely interesting

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Helen book really takes you into the oceans of the world both on a science based journey and
at the same time wonderful stories woven in-between. Remember if we care about the survival of our beautiful earth the oceans are vital to that. As Helen points out first become clear of our values then from there we can do the science that will best help!! This is a very important book. Thanks Helen
Tobias pedersen

please everybody realize the importance of the blue machine

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Not only is this story beautifully told and one learns so much about life and our oceans, Helen is able to connect this with us humans in the most magnificent way.
I love her voice and the passion she is able to express when reading this book.
To me it is a master piece.

The most stunning book

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Really interesting not the usual science or “eco” book. It’s well worth it. I had the audio version which had very good narration but I’m sure book version is good too.

I was addicted to this!

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The narrative is excellent and so refreshing to hear the voice of the author. Her materials span the history of oceanography which is a relatively young science, but ever so fascinating and diverse. I have learned a lot from this book and feel considerably enriched by it.

This is a truly amazing illumination of what the oceans have done for us and continue to do.

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A fascinating, passionate, well written, erudite guide to how the ocean works and why that knowledge is important.

How the ocean works

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Best book I have ever read / listened to.
Intriguing, interesting and informative
The punchline much like many natural history subjects nowadays is beyond worrying but needs to be heard all the same.
Loved it. Must read

Brilliant!

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a really wonderful book and fascinating to listen to. I've learned so much! great narrator, good pace and easy to follow

absolutely incredible and so insightful

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Just amazing, the author is clear and concise on a big subject, leant a lot and loved it!

Knowledge

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Sometimes could have benefitted from delving even more into the science but I loved the cultural aspects !

Lovely style. Beautiful, engaging and informative.

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