What book on String theory or LQG is recommended for pleasure reading?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for pleasure reading on the topics of String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG). Participants share their experiences with various books and authors, seeking suggestions that are engaging yet not overly lengthy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a book for pleasure reading on String Theory or LQG, having already read "The Elegant Universe."
  • Another participant suggests Brian Greene's latest book, noting it should be an easy read and suitable for a class assignment.
  • Some participants express enjoyment of Greene's writing style, mentioning his ability to make complex topics accessible.
  • Lee Smolin's books, "The Life of the Cosmos" and "Three Roads to Quantum Gravity," are proposed as alternatives that might provide new ideas.
  • One participant mentions "The Fabric of the Cosmos" as a good but lengthier option compared to Smolin's work, suggesting it covers similar ground to "The Elegant Universe."
  • Another participant notes that "The Fabric of the Cosmos" offers a different perspective but ultimately revisits themes from "The Elegant Universe."
  • A participant expresses having a collection of books on String Theory and Quantum Physics that they have yet to read.
  • Discussion includes a suggestion for "Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed" by Jim Al-Khalili, which has received positive reviews.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the merits of different books, with no clear consensus on a single recommendation. Some favor Greene's works while others lean towards Smolin's, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the length and content of the suggested books, highlighting that some may reiterate concepts from previously read works, which could influence their recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in accessible literature on String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity, as well as those looking for engaging science writing that bridges complex ideas with general understanding.

Tom McCurdy
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What book should I read for pleasure... that's not too large hopefully about either String theory or LQG. I have already read the Elegant Universe. I have to read a book for class.
 
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Tom McCurdy said:
What book should I read for pleasure... that's not too large hopefully about either String theory or LQG. I have already read the Elegant Universe. I have to read a book for class.

the only thing I can think of the might fill the bill is Brian Greene's
latest

I remember you enjoyed "Elegant"
so you like his style and can read the next book for pleasure
it should be an easy read, compared with books about LQG I can think of,
it is about String (thus hits one of your two targets)
you can read it for class, and do a book report that both the teacher and some other students will understand
so it seems like the only choice.

I can't give a direct recommendation because i haven't read any Brian Greene.

If you want something less usual, there are two books by Lee Smolin:

The Life of the Cosmos

Three Roads to Quantum Gravity

either would probably fill the bill and you might get some new ideas in the bargain
 
I read both the elegant universe and his latest one. I forget the name right nowl..

I do like his writing style, he always seems to work homer simpson in ;p He can reach the common man lol
 
The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene is pretty good, but it's lengthier than Smolin's Three Roads to Quantum Gravity. I would recommend Three Roads to Quantum Gravity. It gives you a little taste of something other than string theory.

Paden Roder
 
thanks, I also have been reading reviews on fabric of the cosmos and people say it just restates what the elegant universe did.
 
Fabric of the Cosmos ends up with a rapid survey of what's in Elegant Universe but from a different perspective, and it does the history of twentieth century quantum theory which a lot of other books do too. I found that Greene's insight is a reason to read the book, but not a reason sufficient to make me want to buy it.
 
Oh I already bought the book, I have a large collection of books I have yet to read that I bought on String theory and Quantum physics

i'll be back with a list sometime
 
What would people think about reading

Quantum: A guide for the perplexed
Jim Al-Kahalili
 
It seems to have awesome reviews at amazon and I already own it so I think I am going to start reading it.
 

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