Book review-The Black Hole War

The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics by Leonard Susskind
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read some of Stephen Hawkings work before, I looked forward to reading a different perspective on black holes and quantum mechanics. Admittedly, this is a bit above me but Susskind presents the info in such a way that even someone with a limited knowledge of physics can understand what is being discussed.

The Black Hole War demonstrates that it is possible to both be destroyed by the horizon of a black hole and happily exist beyond it at the same time. At least that is how I understood it. As with other area's of theoretical physics, the absolute proof of what is being studied is a little challenging to prove. Unless someone can point me towards the writings of someone who has approached a black hole, crossed the horizon and come back, we will have to take for granted all this as fact. One thing that struck me throughout the book was the focus with which Susskind pursued Hawking and his theories in an effort to prove him wrong (or at least show that Susskind was more correct). This singular focus, although admirable in some respects, becomes a bit obsessive and it shows through in the book.

Having said all that, I enjoyed the fact that the information was written for the common folk. I also must note that I listened to the audiobook version of this and have to say that it was well narrated which can make a significant difference.

Overall, well written book with a very interesting subject that although there is no personal application for me (I'm not planning any trips into a black hole for my next vacation), it is always good to learn a little bit more about our universe, even when it is theoretical.

Favorite aspect: Complicated subject matter that is well covered for the everyday person. Plus black holes are kind of cool.

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