The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True

eye-opening mesmerizing bravo

In a class of its own; a master and beloved teacher who is well known for his searing intellect and scorn for those who discount the collective intelligence of evidential science in favor of subjective and ancient woo, disarms himself in order to speak with gentle, unblinking clarity. Ostensibly he does this to honor his own commitment to spare youth from propaganda and unfair use of rhetorical flourish. But that technique is tremendously alluring for us grown-ups too. Here Richard Dawkins plays the wise uncle, mentoring our species to grow up and see the real world for what it really is: amazing

Their narration is more professional and alluring than that of most of the professionally narrated books I have listened to via Audible. I also loved the refreshing pattern of male and female voices taking turns.

No.

If any book could give me hope that our species might actually make it through the necessary transitions, it is this one -- provided it is widely read and listened to. I first read the hardcover, gorgeously illustrated, but was surprised I loved it far more as an author-read audiobook by which I create the pictures in my own mind while dear Uncle Richard and Aunt Lalla are reading to me!

Having not read the print version, I wouldn't know. But I liked the tag-team narration.

I dug the emphasis on the importance of science.

Not especially.

I really don't know how to review this book because I honestly don't know if it was meant for children. If it was, then I would add a star. I thoroughly enjoyed the juxtaposition of the mythological with the scientific. However, I did not care for the condescending tone of the text, or the narration when it came to addressing Christianity. As an atheist even I could feel Dawkins' contempt for "the Hebrew God" and I think it took away from the objectivity a bit (if that isn't ironic enough to say). All in all it was my seventh grade Earth Science text book, peppered with some mythology and anecdotes to make it mildly more engaging. I say mildly because I found my seventh grade Earth Science text book QUITE engaging as written!

I mean this book is "for kids" in the best way possible, because I would actually buy it for MY kid. It's good for adults too, but pretty much sums up Dawkins' other books. I always feel a few IQ points smarter when I read his books. This one makes GREAT analogies that allows the listener to easily understand some of the more complicated subjects. Highly recommend for anyone new to Dawkins.

I thought this was a nice review of reality, bringing the big picture into a small space for everyone to think about in one sitting.

The concepts were painstakingly easy to follow.

The performers played well off of each other, lighting the text up with their exchange of roles.

Yes.

That Dawkins proves once again that reality is awsome, that we need to stop inventing supernatural stories to explain life in the universe. Life is super just as it is.

They bolied down some very complex theories and made them simple for anyone to understand. His model of the immensity of the universe (foot balls and perpercorns) is a great example.

The awe that these seasoned verteans feel comes out in their voices, this is not a dry text but a love affair that they have with our planet, our galaxy, our universe.

Science and scientist are often painted with the brush that they are cold, heartless and unemotional, Lalla and Richard prove that in their case at least, this characterization is a cosmos from the truth.

For anyone seeking to know more about our universe, how we got here, and why reality is more fulfilling and amazing than any myth or holy book, this is for you.

If facts and evidence don't matter to you, this book will do nothing for you. Then again, no book will do anything for you.

Although the target audience is adolescents, you will almost certainly learn a thing or two as well. Even if you don't, the very skillfull and engaging narration by Dawkins and Ward makes for an enjoyable listen.

This is the book God would have written if there were one!

A good introductory science text with an emphasis on explaining away myths.I have listened to a couple of Dawkin's books and overall agree with what he and his partner have to say. I found the introductory chapters did a good job of explaining how science views and explains what reality is and the differences between data and observational based reality versus myths and beliefs based on misunderstanding and outright distortions. The latter chapters become a bit repetitious.

Although Dawkins and Ward do an adequate job of narrating, I think that the narration would be better done by professionals. Normally I like it when authors read their works, but in this case I am not so sure.

Yes. I would recommend it to younger people who would want to better understand how science views reality.

Pretty basic stuff if you are a science buff. However, pass this one along to one of those adults who really didn't pay attention in school, or to an adolescent that you care about. A great superstition-buster.

I love Dawkins in general but this is pretty much just a rehashing of previous work.

Great for a "first Dawkins book" reader.