Student Book Review: What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you swam in a spent nuclear fuel pool? How about what would happen if someone’s DNA vanished? Me neither. However, the book What If? answers these and even stranger questions in a way that’ll make you wonder why you never thought of asking them before. The author, Randall Munroe fills his explanations with accurate science mixed with hilarious cartoons and pop culture references. I was quickly sucked into this fun book. 

At the beginning of it, I was a little unsure if I was going to be able to read through it all. I mean, it’s a book about science. I was worried it was going to be one of the drier pieces of literature I was ever going to voluntarily read. However, as I got into the first question, I quickly forgot about that. It was scientific but in the most enjoyable way. Cartoons, gremlin references and humour introduced me to this author’s unique style. 

After reading it, I would give this book five stars. The writing was clever and witty and made me enjoy learning a few things. Even if you don’t enjoy reading about science, you should read this book. It’s entertaining, full of facts, and short chapters make for easy reading. 

This book was read & reviewed by an anonymous student reader in grade 11. Are you interested in writing for our blog? Email allison.girard@learn68.ca with your best writing about books you love, hate or what you’ve been reading lately to be considered for publication on our Library Blog.