Review by Lucille27 -- Mysteries Of the First Instant
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Lucille27
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Review by Lucille27 -- Mysteries Of the First Instant
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mysteries Of the First Instant" by Daniel Friedmann.]
Mysteries of the First Instant, by Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon, is a book about the origin of the Universe. In order to explain and understand better this creational moment, it mixes two different approaches: science and the Abrahamic religions. The book is divided into two parts: a narrative one which explains the origins of the Universe from both perspectives, and a second one which explores those unanswered mysteries we still have about the creation of the Universe.
First, what I like about this book is its storytelling structure. The first part of the book is written as a dialogue between Seb and Daniel. They talk about Daniel’s perspective and how he conceives that both science and religion can explain the origin of the Universe together. There is no contradiction or discordance between those two. I like this part because, despite there being a lot of concepts and stories, there is a clear thread, and the dialogic scenario helps for understanding better. Also, each chapter includes a small story that introduces the topic to discuss. This makes the reading very easy-going and friendly with any reader. You do not need to have a background in either science or religion. Furthermore, the entire book is carefully edited and made. There are illustrations, tables, graphics, and other resources to understand the concepts and stories exposed. I like how the story and arguments develop. Friedmann intertwines and presents his ideas in a very clear and structured fashion. Also, he is respectful of everybody’s beliefs and does not have an imposing tone. He is showing what he believes and the conclusions he has had, but without being hard on anyone.
What I dislike about the book is the format. Throughout the book, there are many references to explain further the concepts used. However, these references are included until the end, and in the appendixes. In a printed edition this might not be a problem, but this can become a bit annoying in digital editions. This is a very personal and subjective opinion, and I think all the references are carefully ordered, so it was not entirely a problem.
The book was extremely well-edited. I could not find any typos, mistakes, or errors. Also, the list of resources, tables, appendixes, and glossary are very complete and ordered. I would love to congratulate the publishing team. It does not contain any profane, vulgar, or sexual content. However, religion is an important aspect throughout the book, as mentioned. It was hard to decide whether this is best suited for a certain group. I think everyone who is open-minded and curious could enjoy this reading. It mixes both science and religion—mostly Abrahamic ones—but from a place of respect and dialogue. However, maybe some conservative religious groups might not like the scientific approach, and, vice versa, some atheistic and more scientific groups might not appreciate the religious approach. Nevertheless, I strongly believe this book can be approached by anyone interested in finding answers and new perspectives on the origin of the Universe, and the book itself allows to create a respectful dialogue around it.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it surprised me. As someone who is not religious, I was scared that this would have a strong religious perspective, but it was not the case. It is clear that the author has some firm beliefs and wants to share them with the world, yet he does not impose, nor does he sound condescending. The book is also creative because it presents storytelling resources, and that makes it more narrative. There are some complex concepts, but it does not feel like a heavy narrative. It is quick-paced, but I would recommend to re-read the book slowly after the first time, so one can understand better all the concepts and events. Finally, I think the book is a nice starting point to create dialogue and understand better our origins. I would recommend this to curious readers and those who like to ask a lot of questions about why and how we were created.
******
Mysteries Of the First Instant
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Mysteries of the First Instant, by Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon, is a book about the origin of the Universe. In order to explain and understand better this creational moment, it mixes two different approaches: science and the Abrahamic religions. The book is divided into two parts: a narrative one which explains the origins of the Universe from both perspectives, and a second one which explores those unanswered mysteries we still have about the creation of the Universe.
First, what I like about this book is its storytelling structure. The first part of the book is written as a dialogue between Seb and Daniel. They talk about Daniel’s perspective and how he conceives that both science and religion can explain the origin of the Universe together. There is no contradiction or discordance between those two. I like this part because, despite there being a lot of concepts and stories, there is a clear thread, and the dialogic scenario helps for understanding better. Also, each chapter includes a small story that introduces the topic to discuss. This makes the reading very easy-going and friendly with any reader. You do not need to have a background in either science or religion. Furthermore, the entire book is carefully edited and made. There are illustrations, tables, graphics, and other resources to understand the concepts and stories exposed. I like how the story and arguments develop. Friedmann intertwines and presents his ideas in a very clear and structured fashion. Also, he is respectful of everybody’s beliefs and does not have an imposing tone. He is showing what he believes and the conclusions he has had, but without being hard on anyone.
What I dislike about the book is the format. Throughout the book, there are many references to explain further the concepts used. However, these references are included until the end, and in the appendixes. In a printed edition this might not be a problem, but this can become a bit annoying in digital editions. This is a very personal and subjective opinion, and I think all the references are carefully ordered, so it was not entirely a problem.
The book was extremely well-edited. I could not find any typos, mistakes, or errors. Also, the list of resources, tables, appendixes, and glossary are very complete and ordered. I would love to congratulate the publishing team. It does not contain any profane, vulgar, or sexual content. However, religion is an important aspect throughout the book, as mentioned. It was hard to decide whether this is best suited for a certain group. I think everyone who is open-minded and curious could enjoy this reading. It mixes both science and religion—mostly Abrahamic ones—but from a place of respect and dialogue. However, maybe some conservative religious groups might not like the scientific approach, and, vice versa, some atheistic and more scientific groups might not appreciate the religious approach. Nevertheless, I strongly believe this book can be approached by anyone interested in finding answers and new perspectives on the origin of the Universe, and the book itself allows to create a respectful dialogue around it.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it surprised me. As someone who is not religious, I was scared that this would have a strong religious perspective, but it was not the case. It is clear that the author has some firm beliefs and wants to share them with the world, yet he does not impose, nor does he sound condescending. The book is also creative because it presents storytelling resources, and that makes it more narrative. There are some complex concepts, but it does not feel like a heavy narrative. It is quick-paced, but I would recommend to re-read the book slowly after the first time, so one can understand better all the concepts and events. Finally, I think the book is a nice starting point to create dialogue and understand better our origins. I would recommend this to curious readers and those who like to ask a lot of questions about why and how we were created.
******
Mysteries Of the First Instant
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Zonas de quema by Jorge P. Newbery
