For a Whovian, 50 years of Doctor Who may just not be enough. If you think bowties are cool, have a bumper sticker that says, “My other car is a Tardis” and think your screwdrivers could be a little more sonic, then this is the book for you.
GM [Genetically-modified] Daleks aren’t all that different from GM potatoes.
The Science of Doctor Who features the popular science fiction show by setting aside the fiction and focusing on the real science behind the Doctor’s many adventures. Author Paul Parsons attempts to tackle every topic, from answering questions about the Tardis’s spacious interior to analyzing Dalek weaponry and their need to “Exterminate!”
Why is this on our bookshelf?
There are few things geekier than taking a popular science fiction television show that exists for entertainment purposes and taking a serious look at the scientific possibilities of the show.
That being said, it’s the Doctor. We couldn’t resist adding some Doctor Who to our geeky shelves.
Rating (3 stars)
Exploring the science behind one of my favorite TV shows sounds like an amazing book premise, but on occasions, I feel like Paul Parsons had to stretch things to make them fit in his book. Once I found out that handheld sonic screwdrivers were not feasible in the immediate future, I admit that I lost interest.
The Science of Doctor Who has its moments; some chapters shine. However, halfway through, the premise of the book starts getting tired, which is sad, because there are still interesting scientific applications that are covered in later chapters.
Although it was entertaining in places, I finished the book simply thinking, “meh, better skimmed than read.”
Read this book:
you’ve spotted a strange blue box in your neighborhood.
Don't Read this book:
You have your heart set on your very own handheld sonic screwdriver.
Once you're done, do this:
Re-watch your favorite Doctor Who episodes, armed with applicable scientific knowledge.
