Living Elements Review

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 · 214 ratings  · 34 reviews
Start your review of The Elements We Live By: How Iron Helps Us Breathe, Potassium Lets Us See, and Other Surprising Superpowers of the Periodic Table
Caro the Helmet Lady
Melting Brain Review!!!
It means it's going to be short and not too intellectual! Melting Brain is not just a name! It's a quality brand! And I mean it!
So - very good book, interesting, informative and simply fun. I wish my chemistry and geography teachers could present their lessons like this. But being all that the book is also environmentally conscious. We don't just learn where does the gold, for example, come from - we also learn how exactly the nature is suffering because of that and what w
Melting Brain Review!!!
It means it's going to be short and not too intellectual! Melting Brain is not just a name! It's a quality brand! And I mean it!
So - very good book, interesting, informative and simply fun. I wish my chemistry and geography teachers could present their lessons like this. But being all that the book is also environmentally conscious. We don't just learn where does the gold, for example, come from - we also learn how exactly the nature is suffering because of that and what we do - or don't do - to prevent the pollution and damages. I learned many things I didn't know. 6 stars!
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Alicia Bayer
Jun 08, 2020 rated it it was amazing
This is a fascinating look at how elements have shaped our world, physically and historically, and how they will continue to. While it's written for adults, I plan to use it as a science read-aloud with my kids for homeschool next year. I know my 13 y/o in particular will really enjoy it.

I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

This is a fascinating look at how elements have shaped our world, physically and historically, and how they will continue to. While it's written for adults, I plan to use it as a science read-aloud with my kids for homeschool next year. I know my 13 y/o in particular will really enjoy it.

I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

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Erin
Nov 05, 2020 rated it liked it
Describes how several different elements are used in the human body and technology.

It started out interesting but devolved into more of a diatribe about how we are using resources and got very dry.

Steve
May 17, 2020 rated it really liked it
Broader than just chemistry: an interesting look at elements

I enjoyed this book. I liked the conversational tone and simple explanations. The book is broader than just chemistry. It also includes discussions of mining, production, and markets. I also enjoyed how author Anja Royne puts herself into the story as this helps create a bond between reader and writer. The only downside of the book was the detour into a discussion of energy where the tone of writing became slightly preachy. Nonetheless,

Broader than just chemistry: an interesting look at elements

I enjoyed this book. I liked the conversational tone and simple explanations. The book is broader than just chemistry. It also includes discussions of mining, production, and markets. I also enjoyed how author Anja Royne puts herself into the story as this helps create a bond between reader and writer. The only downside of the book was the detour into a discussion of energy where the tone of writing became slightly preachy. Nonetheless, this book is well worth the read.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

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PelÄ—da
This book was very informative, I though this book will be an introduction to chemical elements, but it took me by surprise that so much of this book was about how Earth resources are connected to our economy, how economy should work out so our resources last for our future generations.
I would recommend this book for people who wish to understand how resources are connected to humankind's well being. This book will show how we should take our actions carefully and how much we should be careful
This book was very informative, I though this book will be an introduction to chemical elements, but it took me by surprise that so much of this book was about how Earth resources are connected to our economy, how economy should work out so our resources last for our future generations.
I would recommend this book for people who wish to understand how resources are connected to humankind's well being. This book will show how we should take our actions carefully and how much we should be careful about what we consume and what consequences there will be in future generations.
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Elle
Dec 17, 2020 rated it really liked it
Can't wait to read this to my kids when they are older. Can't wait to read this to my kids when they are older. ...more
Ravi Warrier
A misleading subtitle (again). I thought this book was on biological processes on how certain elements to help us live and grow, but the book is about various elements and how they are mined or harvested and how to human civilization utilizes them for daily lives.

It was a good read, just with mismatched expectations.

The incorrect subtitles seem like click-bait tactics by publishers and it is a little annoying to start reading a book only to realise it's not about what you thought it was about.

A misleading subtitle (again). I thought this book was on biological processes on how certain elements to help us live and grow, but the book is about various elements and how they are mined or harvested and how to human civilization utilizes them for daily lives.

It was a good read, just with mismatched expectations.

The incorrect subtitles seem like click-bait tactics by publishers and it is a little annoying to start reading a book only to realise it's not about what you thought it was about.

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Grettel
Jun 18, 2020 rated it liked it
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Before anything else, I would like to say that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning besides being very appropriate for the content of the book. I especially liked that the book does not read like an encyclopedia entry for every element, but as a natural history of the element in our world with the author's personal experienced interspersed. This book works well for readers like me, who are interested in learning more about

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Before anything else, I would like to say that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning besides being very appropriate for the content of the book. I especially liked that the book does not read like an encyclopedia entry for every element, but as a natural history of the element in our world with the author's personal experienced interspersed. This book works well for readers like me, who are interested in learning more about the topic; i also think it can work really well as recommended reading in high school.
I have read other books bout chemical elements before, but what sets this book apart is the fact that the author included information that made me pause and reflect about our environment and practices several times. This book is thought-provoking and informative, without being alarming. The author signal what needs to be addressed if we want sustainability but does so with insights of hope and validation from a researcher perspective.

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Angela
Jun 15, 2020 rated it liked it
I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Elements We Live By is an interesting read that connects common elements to our everyday use. Background information is given on each element before discussing how we obtain/use it, and how it is involved in our greater environment. The book can be read as a whole or can be taken by chapter. I see this being a good book to use in a science or english course. Reference information is provided, but directs t I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Elements We Live By is an interesting read that connects common elements to our everyday use. Background information is given on each element before discussing how we obtain/use it, and how it is involved in our greater environment. The book can be read as a whole or can be taken by chapter. I see this being a good book to use in a science or english course. Reference information is provided, but directs the reader to more social articles and blogs than to research papers. ...more
John
Mar 25, 2021 rated it liked it
Reviewed for Foreword Books INDIES awards.

There's nothing inherently bad about this book, and overall it's a fine read. But my main problem is that there's absolutely nothing new or novel about this book. I've read these same "what we're made of" books time and time again, so I was hoping to get something more original here.

Also, I'm really sad for this author that their publisher decided to submit it in the Ecology & Environment category; it's far, far more a Science & Technology book.

Reviewed for Foreword Books INDIES awards.

There's nothing inherently bad about this book, and overall it's a fine read. But my main problem is that there's absolutely nothing new or novel about this book. I've read these same "what we're made of" books time and time again, so I was hoping to get something more original here.

Also, I'm really sad for this author that their publisher decided to submit it in the Ecology & Environment category; it's far, far more a Science & Technology book.

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John Fredrickson
This is a very approachable and informative book. The author takes the reader on a tour of some of the common elements, and discusses not only where they come from, and how they are obtained, but also the unique properties that make them useful to us. The latter is often considered from the perspective of the human body itself. The book wraps up with a consideration of the notion that some of these elements could be effectively used up over time, but this section is a bit light in comparison wit This is a very approachable and informative book. The author takes the reader on a tour of some of the common elements, and discusses not only where they come from, and how they are obtained, but also the unique properties that make them useful to us. The latter is often considered from the perspective of the human body itself. The book wraps up with a consideration of the notion that some of these elements could be effectively used up over time, but this section is a bit light in comparison with the rest of the book. ...more
Stan
Mar 30, 2021 rated it liked it
A basic introduction to various chemicals and processes upon which life and society depends. Mainly an overview showing how important these things are, followed by a look at the means taken to extract or utilize them. A little more context in some places would benefit - such as in the chapter on plastics. When describing nitrocellulose the author doesn't mention the substance fell out of favor because it had the bad grace to explode.

Also, not everything described are elements of the periodic tab

A basic introduction to various chemicals and processes upon which life and society depends. Mainly an overview showing how important these things are, followed by a look at the means taken to extract or utilize them. A little more context in some places would benefit - such as in the chapter on plastics. When describing nitrocellulose the author doesn't mention the substance fell out of favor because it had the bad grace to explode.

Also, not everything described are elements of the periodic table. "Energy" is not an element, neither is plastic or oil.

...more
Julien Desrosiers
Very interesting book to understand how atoms and molecules form(ed) and work.

And it is fascinating how it presents some of the Elements of the Periodic Table (such as Gold, Iron and Potassium) that we take for granted but are of enormous value to our life(style).

I learned a lot of things while consuming this book in audio format.

Mel
Sep 25, 2021 rated it it was amazing
I've found this book interesting and easily readable. The author has done a great job covering a variety of topics including natural history, physics, mining processes and economics (the growth model), whilst seamlessly outlining the interconnections between these topics. A good read for anyone who would like a macro level understanding of the world we live in. I've found this book interesting and easily readable. The author has done a great job covering a variety of topics including natural history, physics, mining processes and economics (the growth model), whilst seamlessly outlining the interconnections between these topics. A good read for anyone who would like a macro level understanding of the world we live in. ...more
Julie
Nov 16, 2020 rated it liked it
A concise overview of the material and energy needed by today's society. I learned a lot about subjects I had little knowedge before reading this book, but wanted more on subjects I was familiar with. Several chapters echoed passages I have read before in an altered form. A concise overview of the material and energy needed by today's society. I learned a lot about subjects I had little knowedge before reading this book, but wanted more on subjects I was familiar with. Several chapters echoed passages I have read before in an altered form. ...more
Carrie Jensen
Mar 20, 2021 rated it really liked it
Super interesting! Royne breaks down major issues of physics and chemistry into easily understandable form. Ultimately, it touches on the scarcity of natural resources and why we should be better informed on where the objects that make up our daily lives come from. A must read!
Boiling
Apr 17, 2021 rated it really liked it
3.8/5

A very informative book about all the elements we use in our daily lives. It makes you aware of how even renewable sources of energy use fossil fuels indirectly and mining of elements for building equipment.

Nathan Vassiliades
It was okay. There are other books on the subject that I have enjoyed better. Not sad that I read it. I wound not read it again or recommend it to anyone looking for a book on elements.
Lisa Konet
Fascinating but nothing new just different views and observations about how the elements are all around us. There was a different book I read last year I found more appealing called the Illustrated guide to the elements. I respect the knowledge and education of what this author is trying to portray to other readers but didn't get me.
Anja Royne is a scientist and lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Oslo. A physicist with a background in solar energy, Royne has also researched geological and geochemical processes and is now working on creating materials with biotechnology.

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Living Elements Review

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52408425