Review by JodieW1 -- Mysteries Of the First Instant

[JodieW1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mysteries Of the First Instant" by Daniel Friedmann.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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I have to say that I am usually a fiction type of reader. The plots of fiction are structured in such a story-telling way that is designed to keep the reader engrossed and invested in the outcome of the story i.e. the climax. This usually varies from a non-fiction book which is arranged to present a true or factual event (or events) usually, in the attempt to answer a question. Therefore, most people who read non-fiction have, at one time or another, asked why and, are genuinely interested in learning the answer. When I read the blurb about Mysteries of the First Instant, a non-fiction book written by Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon, it was the first time I was compelled to ask that particular question. I had never before been interested in learning what occurred before The Big Bang Theory as such, this piqued my interest sufficiently to get me reading.

The authors’ aim in writing this book is specifically to highlight the answers about the beginning of the Universe that science has not broached.

To do this, they structure the book into two parts. The first part, which entails thirteen chapters, talks about the answers that science does answer or attempts to; that is, The Big Bang Theory. The Big Bang Theory purports that the entire Universe was created by a small singularity that then inflated over the next 13.8 billion years leading to a world we all know. All of this, science has theorized by using mathematical formulas and models and by viewing the echo of the expansion known as the Cosmic Microwave Background. The book’s first part addresses how Scientists got to that theory in the first place. To do this, the main author uses a sort of story-telling method that shows himself and his son in the present-day discussing his own theories of the beginning, which are tied into his Jewish beliefs. He tells the stories of the Scientists who, in the past, each contributed towards the discoveries and confirmations made throughout history about The Big Bang Theory. The second part, which is mainly four chapters, compares Scientific versus Biblical answers; some of which agree with each other while others create doubt or further questions. The author then wraps it up in the final chapter by highlighting the unity in nature.

The significant contribution that the authors make to the theories of The Big Bang and the First Instant is that of the Biblical answer to the questions raised. They show how the twenty-two Hebrew letters tie in with the Jewish beliefs about the creation of the Universe, as well as, the significance that they play in deciphering scripture about the very beginning; specifically, as told in Genesis.

I enjoyed reading the book as it offers a lot of insight into the theories of the creation of the Universe that I had not thought of questioning before. The stories about the Scientists who contributed to one discovery or another were enthralling, at times prompting me to read more about them online. In this way, the book is quite informative and thought-provoking. I have never read about the Jewish’s views on the Scriptures and the importance of the Hebrew letters to their fate. So this was quite eye-opening. The writer breaks down his explanations further by using charts, diagrams, and tables to ensure the reader can visualize the key information. A summary is also given after the first Part which is useful for anyone who is still lost after reading the preceding chapters. Appendices and a Glossary are also included for further information.

The only negative thing I found, personally, is that the writing sort of acts on the premise that the reader already knows certain key aspects about the Jewish fate and the Hebrew letters’ significance. This is not touched on until a few chapters in. So for a person reading along it might be hard to imagine alphabetic letters having more significance than just for the purpose of communication.

All in all, I rate this book, four out of four stars as it professionally edited with no obvious errors; the authors follow a systematic approach to laying out how they connect The Big Bang Theory with the Jewish beliefs on the topic. The book is suitable for various ages.

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Mysteries Of the First Instant
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[MsH2k]

I read another book by these authors, and I was amazed at how much information they shared without overwhelming the reader. The charts, diagrams, and tables certainly helped. I may have to add this book to my list. Thank you for your thorough review.