Even if chemistry left you bored at school, The Disappearing Spoon will fill you with enthusiasm and knowledge. It's exactly what you want from a popular science book: not dumbed down, not simplistic, but an enjoyable read where the only prerequisite to understanding it is a basic interest in the subject matter.
The text trips off the page, and you'll find yourself devouring the whole book in a handful of sittings. Sam Kean's writing style is upbeat and vibrant. Without a strict chronology, you are hopping back and forth a little, but it's never confusing. By basing it around the elements, there's a strong backbone to the tales, but the end result is enticingly original. Only a handful of the anecdotes will be familiar, even if you read a lot of popular science books. You'll be intrigued by the spoon that melts in a cup of tea (gallium melts at 29C, you see), conflicted by the bad reputation iodised salt has in India, and faintly scared by 16yo David Hahn's backyard nuclear reactor. It's absolutely fascinating, packed with information, and eminently readable.
We're taken on a tour through the periodic table, hearing exciting tales of scientific discovery and marvel. As far as popular science books goes, it's got all the umm. If the disappearing spoon of the title doesn't pique your interest, the subtitle is bound to get your juices flowing: and Other True Tales of Madness, Love and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. The writing and content are top notch, making The Disappearing Spoon a must-read. Summary: A fascinating journey through the periodic table, with plenty of anecdotes and intriguing facts.
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