The Physics of the BuffyVerse
by Jennifer Ouellette
Since Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of my secret indulgences, and science has always fascinated, I jumped
at the chance to review The Physics of the Buffyverse. Now Ouellette is a serious science writer, so at
no time does she suggest Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a scientific marvel (though it appears Buffy’s spin-off
Angel comes closer to being a scientific marvel). But she does use the Buffyverse as a very cool way to
introduce a myriad of principles from the real world of science, including nifty bits about light, sound,
real-life animal biology, robotics, chemistry, and Newtonian kinematics. Plus, thankfully, the principles were
explained in a way that I could mostly follow - though, honestly, quantum physics seems way weirder than vampires.
I would like to point out that if you’re involved with any kind of martial arts or self-defense, the chapter on
the scientific basis for kicks and throws was fascinating and really could help you with your technique. I found
the book extremely interesting and for the non-science geek, it’s like a swim test for your brain - how far can
you get before you’re in way over your head? I can proudly say that I made it almost to the deep end, where string
theory vibrates up some big waves. How about you? |
The Book |
Penguin Books |
December 2006 |
Soft Cover |
0143038621 |
Nonfiction YA+ |
More
at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Jan Fields |
Reviewed 2007 |
NOTE: Reviewer Jan
Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of
stories and articles for the children's magazine market. |
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