Stuff Matters: The Strange Stories of the Marvellous Materials that Shape Our Man-made World - Mark Miodownik - ★★★★.¾

AUTHOR: Mark Miodownik

GENRE: Science

PUBLICATION DATE: March 6, 2014

RATING: 4.75 stars.

Take a look around you. You might see a television set, a smartphone, your sofa set, a glass coffee table, maybe some plant pots, a newspaper, the walls of your room, some paintings,.... This list can go on and on, simple routine things in our day-to-day lives that we just take for granted.

Ever stopped to ponder what makes these things the way they are? Why is a steel razor blade sharp and yet a spoon made from the same material totally harmless? How can you eat chocolate, and also drink it? How does a seemingly dull powder such as cement result in such sturdy skyscrapers and bridges?

If you ever consider the "what has gone into this" for all things around you, you will realise the impact that materials have had on our lives. And one of the best possible ways of knowing more about this in an absolutely enjoyable way is this book. When I had purchased it, I was in two minds, and once it was delivered, I was further confused whether to keep it or return it. But I am glad I stuck with my instinct and kept it. I never thought anyone could make a subject like material science so interesting.

An absolute must-read for science lovers as well as amateur dabblers in nonfiction. It will certainly start making you look at things differently.