By Lisa Randall
Ecco, $29.99, 442 pages
ISBN 9780061723728
Lisa Randall’s Knocking on Heaven’s Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and Modern World is written in understandable terms. Randall deals with many modern concepts of physics and introduces them to the reader with ease. A preliminary background in science is given with a discussion of Galileo, his concepts, and theories. A brief history and discussion on molecules, as well as atomic theory is offered, up to the present day, which leads to a discussion in modern science and physics, specifically the Large Hadron Collider. The LHC is discussed in great length along with its hope to discover information on the origin of mass. Conflicting concepts of science versus religion are also briefly touched upon.

Randall’s book is well-written and gives the reader a lot of information not only about science, but the scientist as well. There are several illustrations, which are useful tools to further explain difficult concepts. Randall proves her writing skill in aiming this book for the general reader, without losing the complexity of the concepts. Her knowledge offers the reader a glimpse of the future to see the potential of science, in particular physics. The book makes for an enlightening and exciting read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ochs