SCIENCES

Taxi from Another Planet: Conversations with Drivers About Life in the Universe

by Charles S. Cockell
Harvard Univ. Aug. 2022. 228p. ISBN 9780674271838. $26.95. SCI
COPY ISBN
Cockell (astrobiology, Univ. of Edinburgh; The Equations of Life) provides a unique perspective on teaching science-related topics by opening each one with a random conversation with a taxi driver. His humorous conversations include the philosophical explorations of alien life and intergalactic space travel. Cockell’s approach is just a launching pad to introduce relatively complex subjects that involve a level of consideration and thinking that only a trained scientist could lend credibility. Most chapters begin under the guise of conversations but merge more into college-level astrobiology lectures. He provides an excellent recommendation list for further reading to explore topics in more depth.
VERDICT An interesting and humorous approach to questions about the universe with relatively in-depth subject exploration. Recommended to expand a science collection for general interest readers.
Reviewed by Gary Medina , Jun 01, 2022
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
by McKibben, Bill & Jaime Green
NONFICTION

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan
by Halteman, Matthew C.
NONFICTION

The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs
by Smith, Richard
NONFICTION

Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future
by Beiser, Vince
NONFICTION

The Church of Stop Shopping and Religious Activism: Combatting Consumerism and Climate Change Through Performance
by González, George
NONFICTION

Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating
by Williams, Apryl
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?