What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
- First published 2014
- 354 pages
- English
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent the speed of light, or if the Earth suddenly stopped spinning? From Randall Munroe, the creator of the popular webcomic xkcd and a former NASA roboticist, comes a collection of thoroughly researched answers to the important questions you probably never thought to ask. Using computer simulations, declassified military memos, and complex physics, Munroe tackles absurd hypothetical scenarios with both scientific accuracy and a signature wit, revealing what would actually happen in situations ranging from the bizarre to the world-ending.
Each question is explored with clarity and humor, often accompanied by the simple stick-figure comics that have become Munroe's trademark. The book doesn't just provide answers; it embarks on an intellectual journey that breaks down complex problems and explores their often catastrophic, but always fascinating, consequences. It is an accessible and entertaining exploration of science that explains the laws of the universe in a way that will satisfy the intensely curious and anyone who loves to ponder the strange and improbable.
Each question is explored with clarity and humor, often accompanied by the simple stick-figure comics that have become Munroe's trademark. The book doesn't just provide answers; it embarks on an intellectual journey that breaks down complex problems and explores their often catastrophic, but always fascinating, consequences. It is an accessible and entertaining exploration of science that explains the laws of the universe in a way that will satisfy the intensely curious and anyone who loves to ponder the strange and improbable.
What readers say
4.13
202K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
Randall Munroe's book is widely praised as a highly entertaining and engaging read that effortlessly blends humor with serious scientific inquiry. Reviewers consistently highlight its cleverness, wit, and the author's remarkable ability to simplify complex scientific concepts, making them accessible even to those not typically interested in science. Many found the book surprisingly easy to read and difficult to put down, devouring it in a single sitting or over a few days, a rare feat for non-fiction. The distinctive tone, hilarious deadpan humor, and accompanying stick-figure illustrations are frequently commended for enhancing the reading experience and prompting genuine laughter. Readers appreciate how the book takes absurd hypothetical questions and uses scientific rigor to explore them, turning potentially brain-taxing subjects into a fun and informative journey.
Despite the widespread enjoyment, some readers found the book's format better suited for casual browsing rather than continuous reading, suggesting that consuming too many "what if" scenarios at once could become repetitive or annoying. A few reviewers felt that certain questions were either uselessly absurd or led to overly complicated answers that caused them to lose interest. Another point of contention for some was the book's frequent exploration of scenarios resulting in death, destruction, or apocalyptic outcomes, which a subset of readers found disturbing or anxiety-inducing rather than humorous. While the scientific explanations are generally lauded, a small number of readers occasionally found the technical details overwhelming or that the focus on absurdity sometimes overshadowed truly interesting and informative answers.
Overall, the book is overwhelmingly recommended as a unique and delightful exploration of science through the lens of extreme hypotheticals. It is considered a must-read for fans of Randall Munroe's webcomic XKCD, as well as for geeks, science enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a blend of humor, wit, and intellectual curiosity. The book particularly appeals to readers who enjoy imaginative questions and learning about the world through unconventional and entertaining scientific explanations. While some may prefer to dip into it rather than read it cover-to-cover, its ability to make science fun and spark wonder makes it an ideal choice for curious minds, including younger readers, looking for an engaging and thought-provoking non-fiction experience.
Despite the widespread enjoyment, some readers found the book's format better suited for casual browsing rather than continuous reading, suggesting that consuming too many "what if" scenarios at once could become repetitive or annoying. A few reviewers felt that certain questions were either uselessly absurd or led to overly complicated answers that caused them to lose interest. Another point of contention for some was the book's frequent exploration of scenarios resulting in death, destruction, or apocalyptic outcomes, which a subset of readers found disturbing or anxiety-inducing rather than humorous. While the scientific explanations are generally lauded, a small number of readers occasionally found the technical details overwhelming or that the focus on absurdity sometimes overshadowed truly interesting and informative answers.
Overall, the book is overwhelmingly recommended as a unique and delightful exploration of science through the lens of extreme hypotheticals. It is considered a must-read for fans of Randall Munroe's webcomic XKCD, as well as for geeks, science enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a blend of humor, wit, and intellectual curiosity. The book particularly appeals to readers who enjoy imaginative questions and learning about the world through unconventional and entertaining scientific explanations. While some may prefer to dip into it rather than read it cover-to-cover, its ability to make science fun and spark wonder makes it an ideal choice for curious minds, including younger readers, looking for an engaging and thought-provoking non-fiction experience.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- John Murray, 2023
- ISBN
- 9781399811149
- Language
- English
Original edition What If? Originally published in 2014 · English · Dey Street Books
