53 pages • 1 hour read
Randall MunroeWhat If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
What If? by Randall Munroe humorously addresses unusual scientific queries, exploring the real-world implications of hypothetical scenarios such as the consequences of the Earth ceasing to spin, a baseball pitched at nearly light speed, and constructing various extreme structures. With illustrations from Munroe’s webcomic xkcd, each chapter delves into bizarre yet scientifically sound answers to these strange questions. Some physical effects on humans are graphically described.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
What If? by Randall Munroe is celebrated for its humor and accessibility in tackling scientific conundrums, making complex topics understandable and entertaining. Readers appreciate the witty illustrations and thorough research. However, some critics note that the whimsical tone may not appeal to those seeking more formal scientific analysis. Overall, it’s an engaging read for science enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
Who Should Read What If??
A reader who enjoys What If? by Randall Munroe is curious, loves science, and appreciates humor. They likely enjoy exploring hypothetical questions with a mix of rigorous scientific explanations and witty commentary. Fans of A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson or The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios would find it captivating.