The Body Electric: Electromagnetism And The Foundation Of Life

by Becker, Robert
The Body Electric: Electromagnetism And The Foundation Of Life cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Technical
  • ID: 5042
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
biblio.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer found 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson readable and informative but superficial, with Bryson's condescending tone and lack of self-deprecating humor being jarring. The book felt dated, both in terms of technology and environmental awareness, and the reviewer expected more introspection from Bryson about his hiking experience.

The reviewer appreciated 'A Walk in the Woods' for its readability and informative content about the Appalachian Trail, but found it somewhat superficial. They noted that Bill Bryson's tone was occasionally condescending, particularly towards his hiking partner, Stephen Katz, which they found jarring. The book's focus on fast food and lack of reverence for nature felt dated, reflecting the different attitudes towards hiking and environmental awareness in 1997 compared to today. The reviewer also expected more personal reflection from Bryson about his experiences on the trail, beyond the physical challenges. Overall, they felt the book fell short of their expectations, likely influenced by their recent reads of more introspective nature writing.

Quick quotes

    Bryson was a bit condescending at times and lacked of self-deprecating humor.

    They engage into a project that consists in hiking a long and tough trail for which they are unfit.

    I expected more, probably because Pete Fromm and Rick Bass spoilt me with Indian Creek and The Book of Yaak.

bookdelivery.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
mixed 3.50

The reviewer found 'A Walk in the Woods' to be a semi-educational and semi-slapstick adventure, enjoying Bryson's sarcasm and the relatable narrative. However, they were disappointed by the decision to skip a major portion of the trail and found some of the humor to be mean-spirited.

The reviewer initially approached 'A Walk in the Woods' with skepticism, expecting a dull book about hiking. However, they were pleasantly surprised by the easy, conversational cadence and Bryson's sarcasm, which made the narrative relatable and enjoyable. The reviewer appreciated the sense of adventure and the desire to push comfort zones, as well as the humor and antics of Bryson's sidekick, Katz. However, they were disappointed by the decision to skip a major portion of the trail, feeling let down by the abridged version of the adventure. Additionally, the reviewer found some of the humor to be mean-spirited, particularly the jokes about people from Tennessee. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledged the book's moral about the depletion of natural habitats and the disrepair of the Appalachian Trail, and expressed interest in trying another book by Bryson.

Quick quotes

    The sense of adventure and the desire to mow over those comfort zones is intriguing and readers get into the escapade.

    What makes the narrative even more relatable is its easy, conversational cadence and Bryson’s sarcasm.

    The book does make you want to get out there thanks to the funny sides of a hard adventure, but its hardly all tweeting birds and fresh forest scents.

abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer found 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson to be a hilarious and engaging account of hiking the Appalachian Trail. They appreciated Bryson's humor and the way he mixed facts with comedy, making the book appealing despite its nonfiction nature. The reviewer also enjoyed the descriptions of nature and the dynamic between Bryson and his hiking companion, Stephen Katz.

The reviewer was initially drawn to 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson because of its travel-related theme, which is unusual for them as they typically don't get excited about nonfiction books. They found the book to be hilarious, particularly in the way Bryson pokes fun at everything, including himself. The reviewer loved the humor and the way Bryson mixed facts with comedy, making the book appealing despite its nonfiction nature. They also enjoyed the descriptions of nature and the dynamic between Bryson and his hiking companion, Stephen Katz. The reviewer felt a range of emotions while reading the book, from awe to exasperation, and even felt bad for both Bryson and Katz at different points. They particularly enjoyed the sections about Mary Ellen, which they found to be a laugh riot. The reviewer also appreciated Bryson's aversion to rain, which resonated with them personally. Overall, they found the book to be a fun and engaging account of hiking the Appalachian Trail and would recommend it to both travelers and non-travelers alike.

Quick quotes

    I was up before daybreak and sat by the window watching as a pale dawn grudgingly exposed the surrounding landscape.

    Rain spoils everything.

    I was done for by this one sentence.

phosphenepublishing.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
thought-provoking 4.50

The Body Electric explores the fascinating role of electromagnetism in life, offering a compelling perspective on its foundational importance. The reviewer finds the book thought-provoking and well-researched, highlighting its unique insights into the natural world.

The Body Electric delves into the intricate world of electromagnetism, presenting a compelling argument for its fundamental role in life. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough research and the way it sheds light on often overlooked aspects of nature. They find the exploration of electromagnetism's impact on living organisms particularly intriguing, as it challenges conventional understanding and offers fresh insights. The book's ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible is commendable, making it an engaging read for both scientists and general audiences. The reviewer also notes the book's potential to inspire further curiosity and study in the field of bioelectromagnetics.

Quick quotes

    The book's exploration of electromagnetism's role in life is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

    The author presents a compelling case for the importance of electromagnetism in the natural world.

    The Body Electric offers unique insights that challenge conventional understanding and inspire further study.

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