The Disappearing Spoon

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean

On the library stacks: Adult Non-fiction

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ever wanted to know how the periodic table came to be? What about how once the scientists figured out there was a rhyme and reason to how the elements appeared on the table, who won the races to fill in the "gaps" by discovering the missing elements? Where in the world the elements have been found? How truly rare are some elements? How valuable are different elements and how has their value changed through the years? Which elements are toxic to us and which elements we would die without? What happened to the scientists who made their discoveries? Who was slighted for a Nobel Prize? Who had to hide from the Nazis?

This book will answer all those questions and many more I never even considered before. I never took a chemistry class...ever. So I was certainly intimidated going in. But I give 5 stars to the author for writing this brilliant book, and 5 stars to me for finishing it (and actually understanding most of it).

It's a book I'm glad I have on my shelf and I know it will be referred to for many years to come. Plus, I'll get to annoy my family and friends with all of my new found knowledge and trivia. :) This is a book that is well worth the effort it takes to read it (and don't forget the notes and errata at the back...great stuff!)

Also reviewed by: 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Source: Gift