"The Greatest Show on Earth" by Richard Dawkins

Publisher:New York ; Toronto : Free Press, 2009.
Edition:First Free Press hardcover edition.
ISBN:9781416594789
Characteristics: ix, 470 pages, 30 pages of plates :,illustrations (some colour) ;,24 cm

This book examines the scientific evidence behind the theory of evolution, and why it has gained acceptance throughout all the interrelated disciplines of science as the only logical explanation for how all the various flora and fauna on this planet came into being.

In the first part of the book Dr. Dawkins' delves into the details that explain why evolution is the only acceptable answer, and he does this by producing evidence based on plant biology, the breeding of dogs, and various other animals which have been done by humans for thousands of years. In proceeding this way it makes the evidence for human evolution all the more compelling, as we are animals too.

Following this he takes us on an examination of the various branches of biology, such as palaeontology, anthropology, etc. and shows how these fields have benefitted by their acceptance of evolution, and sub sequentially how each of these fields have confirmed the theory.

Unfortunately most of the hard-core believers in creation will be unlikely to be swayed by these well thought out and logically presented arguments, but then again it is unlikely anything would be able to turn them.

An enjoyable read, and one that is recommended to all.

"Revolt in 2100" by Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988)

New American Library

Copyright 1954

This book is actually a collection of three short stories / novelettes. The first is entitled "If this goes on -", the second is "Coventry", and the third is "Misfit."

"If this goes on-" tells the tale of a futuristic society centred in what is now the United States, that had been taken over a number of years earlier by a theocratic government. It goes on to tell how a small revolutionary force manages to overthrow this dictatorial government. The main character is a guard assigned to the Angels of the Lord - the personal bodyguard to the Prophet, who falls in love with one of the prophets harem.

"Coventry" tells the tale of a young man who is convicted of a crime (minor assault) and who has to choose between either being psychologically re-oriented (brain-washed into conforming), or being sent to a special reservation  known as Coventry where many criminals, and those who choose to live life in their own way now live. This story follows the first in this book by a number of years as the Coventry is now the law that governs the land and which was put in place following the revolution.

The third story "Misfit" in this book tells the tale of a young man who is a new member of the Space Marines, and who is part of the crew that is being sent to the asteroid belt with the goal of moving an asteroid into earth orbit so it can be mined. It follows the first two by an unspecified time period. This young man Libby, has a talent for mathematics, that does him a good turn.

All three of these stories are interrelated with each other, and form a a good read, that would be recommended to anyone who appreciates classic science fiction.

"Star Talk" with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Publisher:Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, [2016]
Copyright Date:©2016
ISBN: 9781426217272
Characteristics: 302 pages :,colour illustrations

"StarTalk" is the companion book to the radio show and television program. It is hosted by Dr. Neil Degrasse Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium in New York.

The book itself is not a transcript of what took place on the radio or television program. It is more of a coffee table style of book that touches on numerous subjects and gives very concise explanations with regard to why they are true or untrue, work or don't work, and it debunks a number of myths as a bonus.

It is separated into four major sections space, planet earth, being human, futures imagined. It each of these there are 5 to 6 different sub-topics. For example in the space section there are discussions entitled: What do I pack for Mars? What do I eat in space? Can we use wormholes to travel? Who goes there? And are we there yet?

Each of these subtopics is then broken down into smaller discussions with contributions from authors, experts in the field, celebrities and so on.

This is an extremely good book, that is designed to answer questions that a teenager or younger child will have about various topics related to science. It would also be a great resource for students up to high school to stimulate their curiosity, or give them ideas for research paper topics.

I personally have not listened to the radio program but the television program which is produced by National Geographic is extremely interesting and quite humourous at times as well.