The Big Splat, or How Our Moon Came to Be by Dana Mackenzie

The Big Splat, or How Our Moon Came to Be

by Dana Mackenzie

Review: On the surface, this is a book that looks like it's just going to explain how the moon originated and the currently accepted theory that it happened after a massive collision with another astral body nearly the size of Mars. This book is much, much more than just that. Dana Mackenzie takes us ALL the way back to early Greek philosophers and how they viewed the moon and theorized it's existence. He then takes us step-by-step through time and human history to trace all major theories (okay - some minor ones too), scientific players, and general societal views about the moon.

Well over half of the first part of the book deals with the history of the science of the moon. That worked perfectly for me because The History of Science is in the top ten list of things I'm never tired of learning more about. The Big Splat ranks right up there with some of the best history of science books I've read. He talks about many famous scientists that nearly everyone has heard of, and discusses what they had to do with lunar studies and if/how they advanced the field. Some of the big names she hits are Aristotle, Galileo, George Darwin, Newton, and Kepler. Mackenzie also takes time with lesser known scientists and philosophers that have played a part in the story of the moon.

The last portion of the book brings us into the 20th century and our current understanding of lunar origins.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and more importantly, I learned a TON. Ever the magpie collector when it comes to knowledge, this one gave me many new insights, facts, and things to ponder and store away in my head to mull over later.

Here is a splendid little 3 minute video from The History Chanel showing and explaining the Thea collision theory:

Millionaire: The Philanderer, Gambler, and Duelist Who Invented Modern Finance

My Review: This is completely the type of biography I wouldn't normally pick up. I bought it on a whim from Amazon, and was REALLY glad I did. Not only is Jon Law incredibly interesting in himself, but the people surrounding him were just as fascinating. The author does a superb job of telling the story without flourish, but keeping it constantly interesting. I absolutely abhor history/biography books that are 50% or more conjecture. It means that you never once can actually believe the author, and so you truly have no idea how much you actually learned about the subject of the book. Then you hate using even a bit of the information when discussing things with others because you don't know if the thing you think you know is a fact or something the author recreated in their own mind. This book has none of that junk.

Absolute bonus points for this book because the author obviously knows her Voltaire. She intersperses quotes and references from Voltaire's own work throughout, and I could tell she leaned heavily on him when creating this biography.

My Goodread's Review

No Stone Unturned: The True Story of the World's Premier Forensic Investigators

My Review: Some of the best parts were involving the description of the science involved. I enjoyed listening to them work through the entire scientific process to figure out different problems posed. There were many scientific first in this book, and I absolutely love hearing about the first time a scientist finds a questions, and then goes about discerning the truth in the best way they can.

I think this narration by Pierce was right on point. He has the right kind of cadence and inflection for a book focusing on science, case studies, but also the stories about the people behind the science. It was articulate throughout, and I never once had a problem understanding everything he said.

I found the entire book packed with interesting science and stories. The backstories about the people involved were just as interesting as the science itself. The only part that kind of slowed me down and I didn't enjoy as much was the second to last story about the meth dealers - The author spent WAY too much time setting up the entire scene, and by the time the actual forensic got involved it was over in a couple minutes. I would have cut this story and included one that was more science focused.


I received the audible version of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting Links for further study: http://necrosearch.org/

What Others Have Said About NO STONE UNTURNED :

"The book covers the group's quirky beginnings and digs into its most important cases suspensefully; Jackson's sharp eye misses nothing in the painstakingly rendered details. A must-have for true crime fans, it should also be of great interest to anyone fascinated with the practical applications of science."--Publisher's Weekly (starred review) 

"No Stone Unturned" delves into cases that would make good novels, but they're real. Furthermore, he describes a group of uncommon people performing uncommon tasks, and he does it with respect, accuracy and genuine style."--Ron Franscell, bestselling author of The Darkest Night. 

"True crime author Jackson has created a fascinating account of a group of extraordinary people who volunteer their time and expertise to locate hidden murder victims for the police and prosecutors. ... From this meeting, NecroSearch International was eventually born. Recommended for public and academic libraries."--Library Journal 

"Jackson's account of the development and crime-solving uses of forensic science may be grim, but it is also a fascinating, macabre journey sure to entrance true-crime buffs and police-procedural detective fiction fans."--Booklist 

 My Goodread's Review

Of course, I'd love to have you add me to your friend's list on Goodreads. Here is a link to my profile: Daphne's GR profile