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Storm in a Teacup

The Physics of Everyday Life

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Storm in a Teacup

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

Brought to you by Penguin

Our world is full of patterns. If you pour milk into your tea and give it a stir, you'll see a swirl, a spiral of two fluids, before the two liquids mix completely. The same pattern is found elsewhere too. Look down on the Earth from space, and you'll find similar swirls in the clouds, made where warm air and cold air waltz.

In Storm in a Teacup, Helen Czerski links the little things we see every day with the big world we live in. Each chapter begins with something small - popcorn, coffee stains and refrigerator magnets - and uses it to explain some of the most important science and technology of our time.

This is physics as the toolbox of science - a toolbox we need in order to make sense of what is around us and arrive at decisions about the future, from medical advances to solving our future energy needs. It is also physics as the toy box of science: physics as fun, as never before.

'A quite delightful book on the joys, and universality, of physics. Czerski's enthusiasm is infectious because she brings our humdrum everyday world to life, showing us that it is just as fascinating as anything that can be seen by the Hubble Telescope or created at the Large Hadron Collider.' - Jim Al-Khalili

©2016 Helen Czerski (P)2016 Random House Audiobooks Biological Sciences Biology Earth Sciences History & Philosophy Philosophy Physics Science

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All stars
Most relevant  
What a lovely book! If you like scientific facts, this is a Gem... So don't pass it by!

I hold a recent, Natural Science Degree, and so much of what this book discusses is not new to me; nevertheless, I found this audio-book to be riveting, informative, very nicely written, and beautifully read!

The writing is so brilliantly uncomplicated, it could easily be mistaken as a 'children's book', and whilst it may suit some of our younger science enthusiasts, its actually full of serious and fascinating scientific facts that will educate most adults - it's pitch should appeal to a broad range of readers/listeners.

Admittedly, I wasn't immediately attracted to this book myself as it seemed uncomplicated, and I only listened to it as part of a book club activity I'm participating in, but I'm REALLY glad that I did! Whilst its an easy listen for a scientist like me, it's certainly not tedious like so many science books at this level can be... In fact, it's probably helped me to look critically at how I might communicate complex science, to non scientists.

Packed with golden nuggets of scientific facts

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Great book. Will take a couple of rereads to grasp all the concept's , all interesting stuff.

Every day science explained well.

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What did you like most about Storm in a Teacup?

This is popular science of the highest order. Wonderfully lucid and entertaining presentation of the physics we encounter (usually without noticing). She has a truly remarkable gift for bringing concepts vividly to life. Ideas are introduced with the zest of a thriller and an economy and precision that verges on poetry. While much of the story is familiar, I have never heard it better told. Books on physics stand or fall on their ability to translate between the language of science (maths) and the language of the everyday. For me, Helen Czerski is the babel fish.

Thrilling circus of ideas. Expert ringmaster.

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Very interesting look at the world around us, from popcorn to continental drift. Narration was excellent too.

Very interesting

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An absolutely superb text, narrated exceptionally well. This opens up some of the most complex themes of physics in a thoroughly approachable manner. Well worth a listen

Excellent democratic science

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There is no better book on physics which relates the complex phenomena of everyday life to the principles of physics. Essential for those who expect to know how physics effects their life from tea and toast to weather and the environment. Inexplicably perfect.

Phenomenology

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Thoroughly recommended - explained what I'd always wondered without being condescending in any way and also reaffirmed and gave me a better understanding of what i thought I already knew. As a layman intrigued by physics, this book was perfect.

Thoroughly recommended -

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I don't think I've listened to a more enjoyable book. Scientific topics are made very interesting and easy to understand - what a great gift to be able to do that. Everything is related to everyday life - from stirring a cup of tea to waiting for the toast to brown. Absolutely fascinating. I was entertained whilst being taught. And I enjoyed every second.

Excellent

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Bought this as part of the daily deals and was intrigued by it. Not sure what to expect, it has certainly broader my horizons and filled the gap in some of life's questions

Very interesting

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this book. The author brings together so many different scientific principles and helped me to understand how many things interact in the real world. I wish I had had this book when I was a student, it answers all of the questions my teachers didn't, and many more I hadn't even thought to ask. I will never look at my toaster the same way again!

Fantastic book!

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