Ever wondered why Africa is the dark continent? Why did the San people never invent the wheel or how did the Zulu people miss out on steam powered engines? If humans originated in Africa, surely these groups must have had a tremendous head start!

This book gives simple explanations for these (and more) questions. The central thesis is so elegant that it gives the “why didn’t I think of that” feeling. Lots of supporting data is given to complete the puzzle.

This story had me hooked from the beginning to the end. More addictive than the first book, but it times it seems to digress a bit from the main plot (although the side plots are not entirely unpleasant). Could probably be two thirds of the size.

Dawkins has thought a lot about genes and their effect on the behavior of organisms. This book gives counter intuitive explanations on why organisms (including humans) are the way they are. Very complex sets of behaviors are broken down into clear and simple explanations of replicators and natural selection.

The only reason I do not give the book 5 starts, is that Dawkins tends to digress from his main point too far and too often.

This book promises to be the start of a big epic journey. It has enough story in it to keep you interested, but enough unanswered questions to make you want to read the next one. Has a bit of a Western feel too it, but also a bit of the wonder of Middle Earth.

A lot of the books sounds really basic, but stick to it. There are some more interesting bits later on.

Also, even though it sounds basic, try to think how many times you have actually done this. Or do you tend to hack along happily even though you know better. This book just points out when you should know better!

The style is a bit corny. If the plot wasn’t set in futuristic space, it would have been rather shallow.

An the very complicated technology that even has a label to say “Don’t Panic” sounds not unlike my humble cell phone. I guess as the future comes closes the futuristic wares off a bit.