Stuff Matters

Exploring the Marvelous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World

By: Mark Miodownik

Narrated by: Michael Page

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Why is glass see-through? What makes elastic stretchy? Why does a paper clip bend? These are the sorts of questions that Mark Miodownik is constantly asking himself. A globally renowned materials scientist, Miodownik has spent his life exploring objects as ordinary as an envelope and as unexpected as concrete cloth, uncovering the fascinating secrets that hold together our physical world. From the teacup to the jet engine, the silicon chip to the paper clip, the plastic in our appliances to the elastic in our underpants, our lives are overflowing with materials. Full of enthralling tales of the miracles of engineering that permeate our lives, Stuff Matters will make you see stuff in a whole new way.

©2014 Mark Miodownik (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Miodownik's infectious curiosity and explanatory gifts will inspire [listeners] to take a closer look at the materials around them." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

Understanding the material world

Where does Stuff Matters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to many great audiobooks and this is among them.

Any additional comments?

I would urge anyone who is studying chemistry, or anyone who wishes to develop a better understanding of the material world in which we live to listen to this book. It is amazingly straightforward and engaging, illustrating the mechanisims of our material existance. I was amazed by how little I knew about the physical world around me and the basic materials that I handle and use on a daily basis. I wish all my audiobooks were this intersting and informative.

Surprisingly interesting and concise - Excellent

On occasion I'll buy a business book or self-help type book only to put it down after an hour due to the repetitiveness of the material and the terrible narration. This book is neither repetitive or hard to listen to. The material is really interesting and the narrator does a great job of conveying the material in a light hearted - fun manner. I've found myself saying "Hey did you know..." Graphite and glass were my favorite materials.

Wish it was longer

I really enjoyed the mix of information and personal anecdotes. I wish there were more hopefully there will be a follow up.

Fascinating

The author/narrator has a fascinating way of speaking, coupled with amusing and intriguing anecdotes. It's extremely informative and a fun read.

Far more interesting that you might think

We don't give much though to the materials that surround us and from which our lives are shaped. Mark Miodownik does a fantastic job of bringing those ordinary bits of our world to life. Each chapter tells about a different material, giving insight into its discovery and how it attains its usefulness. It certainly gave me a new appreciation for the stuff around me.

Fascinating!

Any additional comments?

A great collection of stuff that's just really neat to know, and full of things you'll find yourself telling people about at cocktail parties. What makes stainless steel stainless? What makes chocolate so special? Miodownik is totally absorbed in his subject, and it is infectious. Reminded me of how I thought about science as a kid: just one interesting thing after another. I have only a passing understanding of chemistry and physics, but the technical aspects were essentially quite comprehensible. I could get the gist of his point, though a more knowledgable person would get a bit more detail from it. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Fantastic Surprise

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started listening to this book, but I assure you it wasn't what I got! This book is a funny and fun look at some of the materials that make our world work. It includes a very accessible amount of the science behind the materials, along with personal anecdotes, and some downright goofy examples. Hearing about the author nearly coming to blows over his indignance about plastic not getting its due was wonderful! The only thing I wish was that it was longer! I hope this author keeps writing more. Performance was pretty good at capturing what I think was the author's original tone, too. A fantastic audio book that everyone should have in their library!

Fantastic

I'm a mechanical engineer and orthopedic surgeon, but the author makes this subject interesting and enjoyable for everyone. Great descriptive writing with just enough technical overview to make it interesting but avoid the boredom and fine detail of engineering texts. His selection of materials to talk about was varied and interesting. He delves into the history of the materials, their uses, and refinements. I have requested my teenage son and wife to read this, and they have added it to their reading lists.

Surprisingly interesting...

At first, it was difficult to listen to the book and stay focused as I would put it on while I was trying to go to sleep. Then I realized this book contained a lot of very good content pertaining to real life materials, which I should listen to while I was attentive and not trying to fall sleep.

If you are of an engineering mindset, or are fascinated with learning how things work, then I’d recommend you give this book a listen.

Not my favorite narration, but fascinating topic

I was sold after an interview on NPR, and the chapters on stainless steel and cement alone are worth it. Could have been a little better at stressing connections that are only really made out loud in closing, but highly recommend.