omar107's Full Review: Michael Paterniti - Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Acr...
Michael Paterniti is a journalist at heart. He writes his book like a quirky features article, trying to place some truth in the midst of actual events. He rarely overdramatizes or plays up the story for more than it could possibly be worth. He truly cares about all of his characters, except for himself who he tends to make somewhat bland. Overall, this book would be just an average work if it weren't for one character whose presence pervades every page, and whose ideas guide this work's every idea; that character is, of course, Albert Einstein.
In "Driving Mr. Albert," the author embarks on a two week long cross-country trip with Thomas Harvy-the scientist who is known mostly for having, while autopsying Einstein's body, stealing his brain for "scientific purposes"-and the brain in the trunk in a tupperware jar. While describing the experience of traveling from one ocean to another, and getting to know this truly odd and intriguing man, Paterniti gives us a thorough overview of Einstein the scientist, Einstein the person, and Einstein the phenomenon. His theory of relatively is lucidly described in a clear but not patronizing manner, his vacillating between pacifism and helping the navy build better torpedoes (and of course that whole atomic bomb thing) is analyzed, and his influence over just about every aspect of our existence is contemplated.
This book is funny, well-written, and truly entertaining. Thomas Harvy is an amusing yet lovable character in the tradition of Falstaff and Huckleberry Hound. The book's only shortcoming (if you can call it that) is that it feels at times to be a bit too breezy. Once you finish it, you don't feel like you've read this monumental work that will change your life; although, for some reason, you almost you feel it should have done just that. Instead, you realize you have read a musing on our existence and our motivations that will stay with you as much as it will exit your conscious thoughts and become a fleeting concept.
...basically, it's a light read about Einstein! The fact that someone was able to do that well is reason enough for this book to garner checking out.
Albert Einstein s brain floats in a Tupperware bowl in the trunk of a Buick Skylark barreling across America. Driving the car is journalist Michael Pa...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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