I was fortunate to receive a copy of ‘ASAP Science: Answers to the World’s Weirdest Questions, Most Persistent Rumours, and Unexplained Phenomena’ in a Twitter competition run by Scribe Books. Jointly written by Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown, it is available in both hardback and paperback. It is available to buy here in the UK and here in the US or direct from the publisher.

This is a great book for adults and older teenagers (with a word of caution about the chapter ‘Hot Sex and Other Amorous Pursuits’), scientists and lay folk alike. Credit for its success must partly be given to Jessica Carroll who, along with the writers, helped produce the cartoon illustrations that help bring the text to life. The unifying blue, black and white colour scheme and the excellent balance of white space make this a book readers can dip in to for instant entertainment whilst being educated.

There are seven sections to the book where all kinds of scientific aspects are explored. I especially liked the comments about sleep, given that I never seem to get enough and I had never heard of ‘brain farts’ before! I think everyone wants to know about the age-old question ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’ So, In essence, there’s something here for everyone.

Many of the features are written in a quirky and erudite style so that there is real humour as well as science presented here. As an aspiring author I loved the section on ‘The Science of Procrastination’. Who knew that wasting time on Twitter, Facebook et al is hyperbolic discounting? Now I know why I procrastinate and what to do about it, but you’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘ASAP Science’ (and I haven’t done science since O’Level biology over forty years ago) as did my husband to whom I gave it (and he has a PhD in Chemistry) so I think there really is something for everyone in this smart, accessible, witty and entertaining book.

You can find out more about ASAP science by subscribing to the Youtube account here  as well as following Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown  on Twitter.