Today is the official publication date for How to Teach Physics to your Dog!
I've got another reason or two why dogs should love quantum physics that I'll probably post later, but if the ones posted so far haven't sold you on the book, how about a really nice review from Cory Doctorow at Boing Boing:
Chad Orzel's How to Teach Physics to Your Dog is an absolutely delightful book on many axes: first, its subject matter, quantum physics, is arguably the most mind-bending scientific subject we have; second, the device of the book -- a quantum physicist, Orzel, explains quantum physics to Emmy, his cheeky German shepherd -- is a hoot, and has the singular advantage of making the mind-bending a little less traumatic when the going gets tough (quantum physics has a certain irreducible complexity that precludes an easy understanding of its implications); finally, third, it is extremely well-written, combining a scientist's rigor and accuracy with a natural raconteur's storytelling skill.
Woo-hoo! (This wasn't a surprise, as Cory wrote a cover blurb for the book, too, but it's really cool to see it live on the blog.)
There's still time to pick up a copy as a gift for the winter solstice observation of your choice...
I haven't seen a copy in stores yet, because it's 8 am, and even during December the stores aren't open this early. I'll be going to some stores today, after I get the oil changed in my car, because, really, how could I not? This will be another of the rare cases where I regret not having a camera phone, because I'd like to be able to take a picture of the first time I see it on the shelf, but I'm not dorky enough to drag my great big DSLR to Barnes and Noble. Of course, I'll also be awfully dispirited if none of the local stores has it out, so maybe it's better not to have a camera, just in case...
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Humanities & Social Science
Comments
Yesterday my little sister asked if there was anything I wanted for Christmas. I told her there was a book. She wrote down the title, had me spell your name, then walked to the other room to tell Dad to take her to the book store today. B&N says my local store has it in stock. So, I think I know one of the things I'll be unwrapping Friday morning.
Posted by: marciepooh | December 22, 2009 10:38 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Wilson | December 22, 2009 11:04 AM
So cool!
Posted by: Kenneth G. Cavness | December 22, 2009 12:42 PM
Awesome, Chad. Congratulations!
Posted by: Michael Nielsen | December 22, 2009 2:11 PM
My copy arrived today! w00t!
Posted by: Coturnix | December 22, 2009 6:07 PM
Too late for Hannukah, not too late for, "this isn't a Christmas tree, it's a Hannukah bush."
Posted by: tcmJOE | December 22, 2009 9:39 PM
But how does Emmy feel about that cover?
Posted by: Kurt | December 22, 2009 11:39 PM
hey i din't see the book in any book stall here
Posted by: pavan | January 18, 2010 4:17 AM