Product Description
Is the universe infinite or just really big? With this question, the gifted young cosmologist Janna Levin not only announces the central theme of her intriguing and controversial new book but establishes herself as one of the most direct and unorthodox voices in contemporary science. For even as she sets out to determine how big “really big” may be, Levin gives us an intimate look at the day-to-day life of a globe-trotting physicist, complete with jet lag and romantic disturbances.Nimbly synthesizing geometry, topology, chaos and string theories, Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the big bang may one day reveal the size and shape of the cosmos. She does so with such originality, lucidity—and even poetry—that How the Universe Got Its Spots becomes a thrilling and deeply personal communication between a scientist and the lay reader.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 24 reviews)

Wonderful, insightful book by Craig Harris (Springfield, PA USA)

5 Stars
January 14, 2009
First, I read this back in 2003. I was talking with someone about science books (she is reading Bill Bryson's "Short History..."), earlier, and this book came to mind. I was about to forward her the link, when I decided to throw in my own two cents. Very briefly, this is a wonderful book about science and humanity, quantum physics and relationships. I was about halfway through the book before I realized that this book had basically been written as letters to the author's mom. So even if you could care less about whether the universe is shaped like an ever-expanding globe, or is a "jug-handle," this is a great personal drama (and a top-notch book on physics that you can use to explain it all to your mother... if she is really into it.)

Beyond Classification. by Kishan Yerubandi (Huntsville, Alabama)

5 Stars
January 07, 2007
A glance at the table of contents reveals a list of scientific topics, so one might expect to have found a popular science book. Flipping through the illustrations uncovers an assembly of star maps and human silhouettes in kaleidoscopic patterns -- so perhaps a fantasy novel? Reading a page unveils a discussion of decrepit London apartments, a failed relationship, and the internal monologue of a 30-something suddenly feeling lost in her life, as in an autobiographical work. So which is it? In truth: all of the above. As a work of pop-sci, Levin's book uniquely contributes to the preexisting canon, in that it deals with the notion of finite universes. No other pop-sci book considers this fascinating proposal as seriously or extensively. At the same time, it also covers the pop-sci basics, introducing the ideas of relativity and quantum mechanics in prose easily comprehensible to any literate adult with no background in science. There are also brief digressions describing the uncanny personalities whose names are shared with the relevant physical theories. While nothing in the book is fictional, the possible universes explored could easily be mistaken as such. The twisted topologies Levin walks the reader though are tantamout to a scientific discussion of an MC Escher painting brought to life. But the story told alongside the physics is not one that takes place on a Klein bottle or Mobius strip. The book is structured as actual letters from the author to her mother, letters that were never sent. Levin shares with the reader intimate details of her personal life, revealing the circumstances under which academic life takes place. Her gift for elegant prose is unique among scientists, and she uses her engagingly artistic writing to give the lay reader insight into the way a physicist's perspective makes life and the universe a place of unfathomable beauty. Given that the vast majority of popular physics books potentially shelved next to this one essentially just repeat each other in both content and style, you'd be doing yourself a tremendous disservice choosing any of them over How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space. [...]

Dissapointing End by George W. Schlossnagle (Cocoa Beach, FL)

3 Stars
November 10, 2006
Great beginnings but a poor end. The sceintist fails to take a position on her scientific observations and opinions, and tries to relate it to her personal life. Very good book, but dissapointing end. Yes, I am over age 13. My son is a theoretical mathematician, so I understand the peculiarities of the abstract thinkers.

Easy-to-read pop science by Timothy Corkery (Seattle, WA)

5 Stars
November 03, 2006
Some of the reviews of "How the Universe Got Its Spots" express disappointment that it's not a more comprehensive scientific text, and that, unfortunately, misses the point of the book. It's more a memoir than a reference work. Working in tech, I am frequently faced with the dilemma of having to explain to members of my extended family what I do for a living, and it's tough, especially when there's no context, no base knowledge. Levin's explanations are simple without being pandering or condescending. Her insights are not as deep as you'd find in a PhD dissertation, her histories not as well-researched as you'd expect in a historical tome, but again, that's not the point. It's a catching-up written by a daughter to her mother explaining what she does for a living, an attempt at explaining how she got to where she is, why she took her life in that direction, and why she loves what she does. The science is secondary, but wonderfully described. If you're looking for an overview of theoretical physics, look elsewhere. If you want a quick read that will educate you about the state of theoretical physics, math, and current ideas about our universe, written in an accessible, heartfelt manner, this is a great choice.

A good book. by Ken (Northeast Ohio)

4 Stars
October 19, 2006
A friend of mine recommended this book. He is a chemist and reads a lot of scientific books. This book is rather short (about 200 pages), but still worth picking up and reading. The subjects covered in the book are very theoretical but Ms. Levin makes them very readable and understandable. The book is a collection of letters written by Ms. Levin to her mother in an attempt to explain some of the ideas that she works with on a daily basis. I found Ms. Levin's writing to be very enjoyable. She explains complex concepts, and also part of her everyday life. This mix of physics and parts of her life are an interesting combination. They combine the abstract with the commonplace. Even though I was disappointed when I finished this book because I had reached its end, I think the length of this book contributes to its success. If the reader wants to pursue the subjects presented in this book further (like I plan to do), there are plenty of other books out there about physics.

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