Liquid Rules

The Delightful and Dangerous Substances That Flow Through Our Lives

By: Mark Miodownik

Narrated by: Michael Page

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Sometimes explosive, often delicious, occasionally poisonous, but always interesting: The New York Times best-selling author of Stuff Matters reveal the secret lives of liquids: the shadow counterpart of our solid "stuff".

We all know that without water we couldn't survive, and that sometimes a cup of coffee or a glass of wine feels just as vital. But do we really understand how much we rely on liquids, or the destructive power they hold? Set over the course of a flight from London to San Francisco, Liquid Rules offers listeners a fascinating tour of these formless substances, told through the language of molecules, droplets, heartbeats, and ocean waves. Throughout the trip, we encounter fluids within the plane - from a seemingly ordinary cup of tea to a liquid crystal display screen - and without, in the volcanoes of Iceland, the frozen expanse of Greenland, and the marvelous California coastline. We come to see liquids as substances of wonder and fascination, and to understand their potential for death and destruction. Just as in Stuff Matters, Mark Miodownik's unique brand of scientific storytelling brings liquids and their mysterious properties to life in a captivating new way.

©2019 Mark Miodownik (P)2019 Recorded Books

A decent listen

Liquid Rules is a decent listen about various liquids that impact our lives. It had some interesting information, but doesn't get too deep in the weeds. There is as much story telling as there is educational information. Overall I enjoyed it, but if you're looking for a deep dive into the chemical properties of various liquids this probably isn't the book you're looking for.

Fun & Educational Listening

I love the storytelling perspective. It relates everything about liquids to those common things around us we don’t necessarily think of being around us. The book is highly educational, yet fun, so attentive listening is a breeze. Highly recommended!

Water water everywhere

I never thought that liquids would be the answer to everything from roads to computers. Fascinating!

Liquids from a materials engineer

This book at times seemed odd as the author recounted his paranoid ideas concerning liquids on a plane. However, getting past that made the book rather interesting like how a ballpoint pen works. I remember the ills of being required to use a fountain pen in grade school. Ink everywhere!

Clouds and fog are also liquid as is tar and the Earth's core. Solid ground is comparatively thin compared to the core and has cracks that allow volcanoes to
form.

I recommend the book for the curious and this looking for topics to discuss at the next cocktail party

So much interesting information

The book was well written in a fun story format and segued into so many interesting topics about liquids. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, smiled and laughed often and learned LOTS!

Interesting book

A novel way to introduce how liquid rules our lives with an interesting twist at the end.

lots of fun and very informative

this is the type of science book that should be read in high school science classes. science can be so much fun and intellectually stimulating but the way it is taught you wouldn't always know.

What a remarkable trip!

Enjoyed Mr. Miodownik's virtual materials science class/transatlantic flight from the very beginning. was kinda sad when we landed, but won't forget a word!

I listened to this twice in a row

That's how entertaining and informative it is. I have recommended it several times. It's got that British dry sense of humor, and I love it.

An interesting and unusual look at liquids

Scientist and Engineer Mark Miodownik discusses the ways liquids work, are a part of our lives, and how they may be a part of our future.

Against a backdrop of a transatlantic flight, Miodownik discusses the ways liquids come to mind as he encounters different aspects of his journey. First, the pre-flight safety talk makes him wonder why the huge amount of fuel stored on the plane isn't addressed, instead focusing everyone on exit doors and safety belts. This leads him into the topic of petroleum.

Later, he ponders things like alcoholic beverages, clouds and rain (including the topic of cloud seeding,) the effects of air travel on coffee and tea, non-newtonian fluids, and soap. For each topic, he looks at history, discovery, and the science behind the type of liquid chosen. Miodownik uses mild humor, often self-deprecating, and anecdotes to entertain.

This was an enjoyable book, but far more information than I will remember since the author branches out in many directions.