Undeniable

Evolution and the Science of Creation

By: Bill Nye

Narrated by: Bill Nye

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

Sparked by a provocative comment to BigThink.com last fall, and fueled by a highly controversial debate with Creation Museum curator Ken Ham, Bill Nye's campaign to confront the scientific shortcoming of creationism has exploded in just a few months into a national crusade. In this book, he expands the points he has made, and claims that this debate is not so much about religion versus science, as about the nature of science itself.

With infectious enthusiasm, he reveals the mechanics of evolutionary theory, explains how it is rooted in the testable and verifiable scientific method, and why it is therefore a sound explanation of our beginning. He argues passionately that to continue to assert otherwise, to continue to insist that creationism has a place in the science classroom is harmful not only to our children, but to the future of the greater world as well.

©2014 William S. Nye (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Great narration, but unfocused argumentation.

This is a good book, especially because Nye is a wonderful, passionate, funny narrator of his own work. But the content of the book is also all over the place. It reads much more like "Bill Nye's interesting musings on evolution and biology and earth history and stuff" rather than a focused engagement with those who deny evolution. The arguments were either too brief, mentioned only in passing, or very weak (for example, just saying things like "people deny evolution because they're scared of humans not being special anymore", which may be true but is speculation with a dash of ad hominem and isn't very effective as an argument). Otherwise all of the information in the book was interesting and definitely worth listening to (a gain, especially because of Nye's narration).

If you're looking for a book that's much more effective at arguing the case for evolution to a specifically religious audience, and addressing their concerns in a more organized and sustained way, I would read Francis Collins' "The Language of God."

Leasurly read for those who don't want equations

I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy. It was the best thing when my science teacher would pull the large CRT TV in front of the classroom and put in a Bill Nye VHS. I silently cheered "Bill! Bill! Bill!" along with the theme song of the show. It was great. That being said, I am not sure what I expected from this book, but, it's Bill Nye! So I spent my Audible credit on it. I do have to say, the beginning of this book was a slow start and seemed like it wasn't addressed to the audience but to a very specific crowd of Christians who thoroughly and unquestionably believe the Earth is only 6000 years old (is this crowd of people going to read a book about evolution?). As I am not a part of that crowd, I was beginning to think that there will be nothing for me on this book. I was wrong. There was. My science fiction and science fact spirit is happy. Bill talks about evolution, skin color, reproduction traits, astro biology, and space travel. I'm giving this book four stars instead of five because of the beginning of the book.

It's a Theory.

Right from the start he is passionately defending the theory as if it were proven science and not just speculation. The opposing view is not taken seriously; in fact, it is taken as antinationalist. Evolution is a belief, just like Creationism. I was rather hoping to be informed, not blatantly pressed to believe. I have my beliefs, thank you.

Started awesome then veered off course

Maybe my expectations were, but I expected more along the lines of fleshing out proofs of evolution and the debate with creationism. it did that in the beginning, but eventually turned into lectures about global warming, GMOs, abortion, and race. All important issues and peripherally related to evolution, but the latter part of this book felt like an opinion platform.

Great book

Such a well written interesting look into evolution . I recomend it to anyone compelled to learn about evolution.

Great book from a brilliant man!

Very well delivered information in an accessible form that most should be able to understand. There were also a few new bits of evidence presented here that I liked such as the skin color reasoning. Great book!

Inspiring

What did you love best about Undeniable?

The passion for which Bill Nye communicates science.

What other book might you compare Undeniable to and why?

Anything by Richard Dawkings, eg the Selfish Gene.

What about Bill Nye’s performance did you like?

Humor, Passion and interest in the topic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Easily.

Any additional comments?

His passion inspires my science studies, he is an amazing role model and this book transports you into his world.

Preaching to the choir

Would you listen to Undeniable again? Why?

I may listen to it again. Bill Nye has a good reading voice and there is actual information in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

All the ways science shows that evolution is true. Well thought out, with back - and forward references.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nye’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Bill Nye's other performances. I have listened to him on Star Talk Radio.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The anecdotes are great.

Any additional comments?

I really liked this book. It is more-or-less aimed at creationists, but I think it will end up to be more preaching to the choir. In general creationists have their minds made up. No evidence will convince them. Personally, if it were possible I would deny them all the gadgets and technologies that rely on the science they so heartily deny. 6000 year old earth? Okay, hand in your cellphones, your polyester clothing, your car, your fiberglass windowframes and your big screen tv. Why? Because they cannot exist with a 6000 year old earth.

SCIENCE RULES!!

What made the experience of listening to Undeniable the most enjoyable?

I've been a Bill Nye fan since childhood, though not as avid a follower had it not been for my religious upbringing. Since breaking away from that I have had my childhood enthusiasm and hunger for more science fully restored. I found this book compelling and very exciting.

What did you like best about this story?

It's easy to follow, friendly, funny and is less critical of religion than it deserves. I Think that makes it a great book for a gift to a religious friend or family member who may or may not have questions that the bible doesn't answer. If Bill Nye's debate points made you curious or excited, GET THIS BOOK! it's not all about the debate, but it does expand on several of his points as well as much much more.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nye’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I can't imagine there being another person alive who would not have fallen flat on their face trying to present it as Mr. Nye's words without losing his enthusiasm and nerdy humor.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Every chapter was exciting and I was disappointed that it wasn't longer. I did like the evolutionary explanation of human "races" and skin color.

Any additional comments?

I'd recommend it even if you have the physical copy.

...I'm about to start it again!

can't beat bill

His voice really gives the text life. very thought prevoking on a wide veriety of context.

My kind of booked

If you could sum up Undeniable in three words, what would they be?

Educational, witty, inspiring.

What did you like best about this story?

Facts not fiction.

Any additional comments?

Great book. Bill Nye is a wealth of knowledge. If only we had these kind of people running the show, the world would be a far better place!

Unmistakable enthusiasm and knowledge

Nye's approach to arguing in favour of the science-based, fact-led approach to understanding our existence is commendable.
He clearly juxtaposes the most prominent arguments deployed by both sides and, it must be admitted, with a degree of frustration and incredulity, dismisses much of what Creationists have to offer to the debate.
He ably deals with the misrepresentation of science, most prominently the Second Law of Thermodynamics, by those who see God's will in all acts, and relates, with some humour, various stories from his own experience of dealing with such people in real life.
He plants his flag firmly in the punctuated equilibrium side of the Stephen J. Gould et al/Richard Dawkins et al argument, proposing that Gould's work makes most sense to him given the evidence to hand.
This is probably one of the best quick studies of the this contentious debate available on Audible.

A very enlightening read

I found my self glued to every moment of this. Very much an educational works

bill nye

excellent the narrator is fantastic for any age group. Every Child should be encouraged to read this book. A great detailed account of the magic of the natural world we live in.. and more.

Great Book

Would you consider the audio edition of Undeniable to be better than the print version?

Yes, I haven't read the print version but Bill Nye actually narrating really helps you get into the book and adds humour in some places.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bill Nye because Bill Nye is Bill Nye.

Any additional comments?

Definitely worth a listen if your a fan of Bill Nye or if you want to understand evolution in simple, easy to understand chunks.

I couldn't put it down.

Brilliant, informative, fun and I learned a few things too! I listened to it at work from start to finish, I've only done that with a handful of books.
Excellent!

Brilliant

Another great, in depth and outstandingly well written and well read book. Both educational and a pleasure to read.

Brilliant in every way

Any additional comments?

There is a reason Bill Nye is the prominent figure in mainstream science that he is. He is extremely witty, humble and intellectual.
This is NOT the book (/audio book) to convince a disbeliever in evolution of its validity. It is less concerned with arguing contradictory claims, and more concerned with highlighting simple beauties that may not have been considered by an evolution lover/thinker/scientist. A delightful and thought provoking listen.
The science guy does it again

Very enjoyable

I read this after The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins. I probably should have read them the other way round as this was easier to follow.
Bill Nye has a lot of enthusiasm which comes across in his narration.
Very informative and interesting.

Excellent Popular Audio Book

If you could sum up Undeniable in three words, what would they be?

Great Science Book

What did you like best about this story?

Always interesting. One of the best audio books I have listened to in a long time. Some books I listen to are clearly padded, but this one is packed with thought provoking science themes on a wide range of earth science topics. Absolutely first rate!

What about Bill Nye’s performance did you like?

The narration is first class. He explains things in clear and simple ways.