Posts tagged graphic novel

ACTUAL BOOK

I’m a fan of the new trend of graphic novels, especially when more complex information like logic, mathematics, or quantum physics is concerned.  I fell in love with the life and stories of Richard Feynman ten years ago when his book Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman was recommended to me by a coworker.  It is one of my favorite books of all time and if you haven’t read it, please do so immediately.  Feynman is one of the most intelligent people to walk this earth, but he also had an uncanny ability to make the complex ideas and thoughts in this brain accessible to those of us who didn’t do so well in physics class.  This graphic novel is a quick look at parts of Feynman’s life from childhood through helping to develop the atomic bomb, to winning the Nobel prize, to his dealing with the cancer that ultimately killed him.  I enjoyed this take on his life, but I once again encourage you to pick up one of his self-written works (the before mentioned one or the follow-up).

ACTUAL BOOK

This is one of the odder books that I’ve come across.  Logicomix is a graphic novel that centers on the life and works of Bertrand Russell, one of the greatest logisticians who ever lived.  I was hoping that it would be a great introduction to Russell’s work, and the result is a mixed bag.  I found the story to be interesting and I followed most of the logic and mathematics in the story, but I didn’t totally like the way in which the book switches back and forth between the story and the authors as they discuss their project. I enjoy the graphic novel format in general and the artwork and flow here is pretty good (except for the odd jumps back and forth).  All in all, it’s an interesting idea and worth picking this book up at the library if it’s a topic you’re interested in, but I can’t recommend going out and buying it.  I wanted to like it more than I did, but I wound up disappointed.