The New Scientist Book Club has been testing its collective brain power in September with Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’s The Edge of Space-Time. Subtitled “particles, poetry and the cosmic dream boogie”, this sees the New Scientist columnist and theoretical physicist set out to explain our universe, from the quantum to the inner workings of black holes. That’s a lot to get through, but as Chanda writes in her book, it is worth the effort: “We should bother with physics because it is, in part, how we as a species learn to use our minds.” She went further in an exclusive essay for book club members, challenging us to get to grips with the quantum nature of space-time.
It is, as member Dee55 put it, a “wild ride”, in terms of both the physics and the in-depth conversation that members have been having about the book over on our Discord channel. I really enjoyed this book. I am someone who didn’t manage to finish Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, but who, thanks to Chanda’s friendly, encouraging and (most importantly) clear writing, emerged at the end of this book a little more knowledgeable about physics.
I liked how Chanda slipped in multiple references to literature and popular culture to help make her points, as well as how she told us firmly: “This is supposed to be fun, and there is no test at the end.” She reiterated this in our interview: “[Part] of welcoming people into the material is saying, this isn’t something that only… a lone genius can think about. You’re entitled to this as well. This is your universe, too.” Many book club members were similarly enamoured.
It’s like sitting down and spending time with a good friend who is way cleverer and more intelligent than I am while she tries to explain what it is she does, why she does it and what drives her onwards.” This book is packed with literary allusions, and with Chanda’s strongly expressed political perspectives – not everyone appreciated this. I prefer straightforward scientific information and explanations,” wrote Lowenna, while Katita2026 found that Chanda’s politics and her subjective takes intruded on the physics a little too much. Prescod-Weinstein is an incredible storyteller.
I absolutely love how she brings the cold, intimidating world of astrophysics right down to earth. Explaining cosmic inflation through a TR-808 drum machine, or bringing Missy Elliott and Wu-Tang Clan into a physics book, is just brilliant science communication,” wrote Katita. But “as much as I’m enjoying the read, I find myself struggling when she tries to make the physics fit her politics”.
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’s new book is a mind-expanding trip to space-time This was a question picked over with great sensitivity by book club members. She many times explains the sheer wonder and joy that she experiences as a physicist, and that this is finding out about an objective reality.” DavidCl felt similarly: “The explanations are peppered with her personal viewpoints and politics but that’s ok because her passion and occasionally sweary outbursts are all part of painting a compelling picture.” All in all, I think this was a (challenging) hit with book club members – on to the next one. When you make a purchase via the links on this page, we receive a commission.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
