Nonfiction Annotation
TITLE: A Brief History of Time
AUTHOR: Stephen Hawking
PUBLISHING: Bantam Books, NY.
TOTAL PAGES: 256
ISBN: 9788498925142
GOODREADS: https://tinyurl.com/y62wfwom
SYNOPSIS: Dr. Stephen Hawking provides an introduction into all things time and space for those who have little or no prior logic about the subject of cosmology. Without the use of scientific jargon and difficult technicalities, Hawking has created an introductory guide for the everyman looking to learn something new. From the Big Bang to the existence of quarks and the theory of black holes' formulation, this best-selling introductory pieces invites the reader into the forces of astronomical nature and what awaits not only the human race, but the universe as a whole in the future.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT FIT INTO THIS GENRE:
"In working with nonfiction there are at least eight appeal elements to consider: pacing, characterization, story line, detail, learning / experiencing, language, setting, and tone." (Wyatt, 2019, p.10)
Dr. Stephen Hawking is careful not to unload too much information all at once. As this sort of subject, with a million and one sub-topics, often has entices the train of thought to trail away from its initial entry. To negate this lapse in pacing, Hawking separates each school of thought into its own chapter, even dedicating two entire chapters to black holes alone.
As previously stated, Hawking doesn't bore nor confuse the reader with jargon that only his fellow astrophysicists would understand. Instead, his detail is simplified to enough to lay a foundation, and his language remains largely conversational - much like the lecture in an introductory class's first day. It is a first step into a puddle that can be waded into until the reader themselves chooses to swim into greater depths.
"In working with nonfiction there are at least eight appeal elements to consider: pacing, characterization, story line, detail, learning / experiencing, language, setting, and tone." (Wyatt, 2019, p.10)
Dr. Stephen Hawking is careful not to unload too much information all at once. As this sort of subject, with a million and one sub-topics, often has entices the train of thought to trail away from its initial entry. To negate this lapse in pacing, Hawking separates each school of thought into its own chapter, even dedicating two entire chapters to black holes alone.
As previously stated, Hawking doesn't bore nor confuse the reader with jargon that only his fellow astrophysicists would understand. Instead, his detail is simplified to enough to lay a foundation, and his language remains largely conversational - much like the lecture in an introductory class's first day. It is a first step into a puddle that can be waded into until the reader themselves chooses to swim into greater depths.
READ-ALIKES:
Cosmos - Carl Sagan (nonfiction, science, cosmology)
The Elegant Universe - Brian Greene (science, introductory, cosmology)
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! - Richard P. Feynman (lighthearted, conversational, cosmology)
Cosmos - Carl Sagan (nonfiction, science, cosmology)
The Elegant Universe - Brian Greene (science, introductory, cosmology)
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! - Richard P. Feynman (lighthearted, conversational, cosmology)
REFERENCES
Wyatt, Neal. (2007) The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. (p. 10) Chicago, IL. ALA Editions.
This is a book I've never attempted because it seems like it would be too advanced for me. But your annotation definitely makes me think otherwise! Great job and full points on both your annotation and prompt response!
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