Status
Available
Call number
Description
Stories of amazing coincidences and the mystery and mathematics that lie behind them.
Genres
Publication
Gardners Books (2004), 308 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member hailelib
Not much substance to this book. Just a pleasant diversion on a rainy day when I didn't feel like thinking.
LibraryThing member LarsTheLibrarian
A great blend of facts, science, experiments, and anecdotes.
The first half of the book deals with the science behind so called "coincidences", discussing possibilities both very scientific and metaphysical. The authors also devote a good part of the book to the psychology behind why humans need
The second half of the book is devoted to anecdotes, the authors admit up front that the best thing about coincidences is that they make for great stories, and take advantage of that by giving us lots of stories. The one thing I had trouble with is that the organization of the book groups like stories together, making me a little "burnt out" by that type after a few. Also, they mix together ones that they have a good explanation for with the ones that they don't.
Altogether, though, I was thoroughly spooked while reading, that delightful shiver down my spine. Quite a good read, and very quick for a nonfiction book.
The first half of the book deals with the science behind so called "coincidences", discussing possibilities both very scientific and metaphysical. The authors also devote a good part of the book to the psychology behind why humans need
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coincidences, why we are so excited to see them, why we like a great big universal "YES" saying "you are important!" etc. The tone is very conversational and interesting, and very respectful whether you believe in angels creating these events or you believe that crazy people are making it up.The second half of the book is devoted to anecdotes, the authors admit up front that the best thing about coincidences is that they make for great stories, and take advantage of that by giving us lots of stories. The one thing I had trouble with is that the organization of the book groups like stories together, making me a little "burnt out" by that type after a few. Also, they mix together ones that they have a good explanation for with the ones that they don't.
Altogether, though, I was thoroughly spooked while reading, that delightful shiver down my spine. Quite a good read, and very quick for a nonfiction book.
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Original language
English
Physical description
292 p.; 8.07 inches
ISBN
1840465344 / 9781840465341