Post by: Helena Trooperman
Dated: 5th January 2025

Isbn: 978-0-393-35562-8
Title: Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman
Author: Richard P. Feynman
Narrated by: Raymond Todd

 

Unexpectedly amusing. An easy read. Totally inspirational.

I’m not a physics geek, but I do need an appreciation for my science fiction writing. It’s true, I hoped to get a better feel for the subject from this autobiography, suggested by my husband, Mr. T., who does have a degree in applied physics. Richard Feynman is his hero.

The Blurb

Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988) was a professor at Cornell University and Caltech and received the Nobel Prize for physics in 1965. In 1986 he served with distinction on the Rogers Commission investigating the space shuttle Challenger disaster.

Richard P. Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. In this lively work that “can shatter the stereotype of the stuffy scientist” (Detroit Free Press), Feynman recounts his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets—and much more of an eyebrow-raising nature. In his stories, Feynman’s life shines through in all its eccentric glory—a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah. Included for this edition is a new introduction by Bill Gates.

One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that “buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist” (Science Digest)

Get the book on Kobo

Book Review Time

Don’t put off reading this. Not even for one more minute. ***** READ AGAIN PILE

This is a glorious find.

Mr. Feynman was such a joker, born out of his interest in everything he did. His curiosity is contagious—in a phenomenal way. He loved to observe things. He marveled at his self-talk. He considered the conversations with himself enlightening. It was how he worked things out. He never used that voice to berate himself but to lift himself up. Totally inspiring.

The voice of reason.

I loved the way he created his own mathematical names for things because they made more sense to him. I was particularly interested in the way he admits he couldn’t get on with calculus in the usual sense (differentiation and integration.)  He was given a much older grass roots book on the subject, read it and used the older forms the book proposed. He kept these forms in what he called his tool box. Throughout his working life, he was often called on when other physicists or mathematicians with the narrower view on calculus, (commonly taught,) didn’t work. He loved solving their issues with the help of his tool box.

He went back to the standard naming conventions when he wanted to explain notation in a way others could understand. Feynman considered communicating with others, their way, important.

Super loving this book.

At the halfway point I stopped to consider the book so far. Very entertaining indeed. I was past the bomb talk and the many famous scientists he collaborated with. Feynman also described the censorship between him and his wife during her seriously illness in hospital with tuberculosis—he made what must have been a distressing time light hearted. His personal stories are amazing and he played tricks on people all the time.

I love the way the book is written. It’s one fact after another, and so on. A wonderful pacing. There’s an honesty about it. Fabulous. I started off listening to the audiobook but half-way through, I knew I had to have my own print copy.

Feynman was humble. I will read this and listen to it again. I’ve never been so sorry a book came to an end.

Is there anyone that wouldn’t like this book? I have to say, no. Even if you don’t know a thing about science, you’ll enjoy his relentlessness, his sense that he was nothing special, and his naughtiness.

Audio Performance

Raymond Todd’s narration was captivating. He really brought Feynman’s antics to life. The reading felt natural and authentic. Autobiographies and biographies are not really my thing… until this book. Performance is 11 hours 31 minutes.

***** Engaging Performance, Funny.

Get the audiobook at Audible

If you’ve read this story or know of any scientist autobiographies that are super inspirational or amusing, please leave the title in the comments and a line or two about the book. New suggestions are always welcome.

Until next time, keep calm and read on!

NEXT MONTH… Ed’s Pick (RHS) If you like pseudo science that’s super believable and a strong female lead that grows and grows on you, this coming of age story will hook you mighty fast. <Binge Warning>