The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins

I recently finished reading The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True by Richard Dawkins.  In this book Dawkins address several science topics and goes into detail in how our ancestors several generations ago explained these phenomena and compares them to how we explain them today with a much greater level of scientific evidence.  A few topics discussed are Earth's tectonic plates, evolution, the age of the Universe, tsunamis, etc.

Book cover of The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins.

Although I already understood much of the science Dawkins discusses, I still found it to be a wonderfully written book that does a fantastic job explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience.  I particularly enjoyed Dawkins' use of various religions to explain how our ancestors explained these scientific concepts.  What we know to be true today was not obvious several centuries ago.  Although it's easy to say today the Earth is round, picture yourself as someone living hundreds of years ago without the use of today's technology.  Determining the Earth is round is a much more difficult task!

This is a book I can see my kids reading in a few years and walking away with a general understanding of these scientific concepts.  Dawkins has written several books that go into great detail, but this book does a wonderful job explaining science to an audience that may not already have a background science.  If you, or someone you know, is a budding science enthusiast, this is a great birthday or holiday gift option!