[.ca] How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time ... (ISBN 1400032725)

thought provoking, different:
Levin attempts to describe in lay terms a foundation for cosmology, including the big bang, finite-vs-infinite size of the universe, and geometrical shape of the universe. It is a formidible challenge given the nonmathematical approach. She writes her book as a compilation of letters to her mother, with supplemented diagrams that are nonmathematical. Her argument for a finite universe is persuasive. She also writes about her life as a physicist/mathematician/artist including her relationship with a boyfriend musician. They break up in the book, with him resurfacing as an "appendix" in the end. I met author Levin in a book signing event in Milwaukee and she updates us...she is married with a newborn. The book is well written, lucid with many personal touches. A female physicist is a rarity and subsequently, this book, with its emotional touches and relationship referrals, is distinct and unique. But this aspect is refreshing and not distracting to the reader. I recommend Levin's book as a refreshing "4" stars and my only criticism, mildly, is the short address of string theory and future predictions on astronomy research.

All of a sudden I realized how big our universe might be:
The author is an astrophysicist and has all the right credentials in the scientific world to perpetrate her theories on the nature of the universe. However, she has targeted this book to a broader audience. Had I not seen her promote her book in a local bookstore I might not have had my interest piqued. Also, my book discussion book selected this as its monthly choice and I was determined to read it even though, at first glance, some of the scientific diagrams seemed impossible to me as I have no background whatsoever in this area. Wisely, though, the book is constructed as a diary of her personal life as well as explanations of her work in a letter format. She actually wrote these letters to her mother, and therefore I thought her descriptions would be simple. They weren't. However, by pushing myself to read every word, even though much of the theory was difficult, I made a discovery. All of a sudden I was introduced to concepts that I had never heard of before, no less understand. Although I'll never remember the details, I learned about Einstein and the theory of relativity, how the topology of the earth makes it a lot more complex than a perfect sphere and what the concept of "infinite" really means. And, most important, I realized just how big our universe must be and how we humans are just a tiny part of it. As this is probably the only book I will ever read about the world of physics, I must thank the author for taking me on a journey to new and unexpected places in the small universe that is my own personal mind. The book is not an easy read, but for anyone willing to explore new frontiers, I definitely recommend it.

sparked my intrest in cosmology:
I had never studied this subject until I bought this book on a whim. This book opened up the universe for me. She makes difficuilt concepts a little easyer to understand, while grounding you a bit with her own personal experiances, and posing questions I had never had the fortune to ask, or even know could be asked.

nothing quite like it:
This is a unique blend of a deeply personal diary and heady science. Although a scientist, I don't grasp Janna's explanation of the topology of the universe. Her explanations are simple yet complete. Drawings and inferences from our observable world help but it doesn't compute. That's O.K. It doesn't have to. That's the beauty of this work...whether or not we fully comprehend topology, black holes, or the uncertainty principle doesn't change the fundamental truth of each. It's like trying to understand relationships between the sexes, which she also shares in all its painful and unknowable twists & turns. The PROCESS of how she thinks through these mysteries is more interesting than the answer. This is the best attempt I've encountered at illustrating the musings of a true scientist--the highest accolade I can proffer. This work is a treasure to scientists and non-scientists alike. Very highly recommended.

Spotty:
Janna Levin has a real talent for explaining some big ideas from physics in a clear and simple way. This book is at its best when she is doing so. Unfortunately, it's merely boring and annoying when she is agonizing over her wimpy boyfriend, the dreary British weather, the overcrowded London Tube, and so on. The transitions between the two threads are always abrupt and often contrived. It's as if two different authors wrote different books, then shuffled the pages together. If Levin had left out the schoolgirl-diary stuff this book would be half as long but twice as good.