So I’m getting stories all over the place that my book, Death from the Skies! is already available at bookstores, and lots of people have already received it in the mail if they ordered it online.
I have two requests:
1) I’m collecting comments and reviews on the book. If you post a review (positive or negative or meh), let me know! Send me the link; when I get enough I’ll post a list of them.
2) Once you’ve read the book, please go the Amazon page and leave a review. Be honest! I want to know what people think; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I just found out you can leave a video review too. That’s cool; go to the bottom of the Amazon page for more info.
The media blitz, such as it is, starts next week, and I’ll update my list of talks and interviews and post it here a bit later.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Bah, I posted in the other thread too quickly. Here’s a photo of your book that even Pharyngulites will be proud of…
http://dcowan38.smugmug.com/photos/396170280_df9vt-XL.jpg
October 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Well this wont be my official review because I have only read two chapters so far. Work gets in the way. But so far I like it. Chapter 2 has given me a new perspective on the Sun. I knew a few things that Phil talked about in the Chapter but, I came across a few new things that made me scratch my head( In a good way). Can’t wait to read more when I can. Thanks Phil
October 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I’d review it for you, I really would… but being a poor, struggling student and your book costing 17 dollars AND 13 cents.. that’s at least a months coinage
I’m down to using single squares of toilet paper and licking the insides of empty coke bottles for remnants of caffeine here.
How about an indebted student edition; printed on cheap rolls of paper towel or numbered napkins??
October 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I just drove 45 mins to a store in RI that had it after trying a couple in my area. I’ll def leave a review when I’m done with it. ( I left a comment on your flickr showing a friend of mine with your book)
October 17th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Here’s my review of death. It was quite painful. Of course, I died when I was hit in the side by a meteorite, I’m sure there are more pleasant ways. I’d always hoped for something involving a river of skittles (Augustus…NO!). Anyway, there was a bright light, there are loads of puffy white clouds, and in general a lot of people sitting around playing Yahtzee and eating those orange colored, banana flavored circus peanuts. I haven’t been here that long so I’ll check back when I know more. Right now I have to try and remember how to play Yahtzee.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
“Starts”?!? Phil, you’ve already been blitzing it to Death!
Not that I entirely blame you; when/if I ever publish a book, I’ll probably be rather effusive about it as well.
~David D.G.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I’m still reading ASP Conference Series Vol. 395 – Frontiers of Astrophysics: A Celebration of NRAO’s 50th Anniversary so I’ll have to tease myself with little bits of your book till I have enough of the ASP under my belt. I’ll get back to Dr. Tyson’s “Death By Black Hole” in due time… So many books, so little time.
Rich in Charlottesville
October 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I just pulled it out of the mail and read the first chapter; it’s hardbound, which is nice, but the texture of the dust jacket and pages isn’t quite the best I’ve ever held. As far as the content, it seems pretty interesting so far; anyone who likes reading Dr. Plait’s posts about death from the skies will probably like Death From the Skies.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
WOW! Justin I thought I was the only RI fan of phil lol you should have pre-ordered
October 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I got it two days ago, but its still in the box because it’s actually a birthday present my roomate got for me. I’ll have to wait until Nov. 10th to read it. Nuts, I should have told her NOT to get it for me, so I could have just bought it myself so I could be enjoying it now instead of posting this pointless comment.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I know but I though I would be able to get it easy enough when it came out. lol Oh well all the stores here in eastern ct didn’t have it in stock so I had to go to the providence place mall where they had plenty. It worked out cause I just drove a few mins more to fall river ma and said hi to the parents before heading back
October 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
amazon said to me that it is shipped to me…
I can’t wait to get it. I’m sure I’ll like it but you never know, I could hate it and burn it and all :O
October 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
So I can do a video review eh? Alright. Hmmmm “How well does Death from the skies protect you from…” Of course after all the testing using Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Thermal and Kinetic energy I’ll be out of a book–I better read it first.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
It is, indeed, in stores, one of my local Barnes & Noble outlets is holding it for me to pick up tonight after work. Sure am glad I have a relaxing weekend ahead!
October 17th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Was hoping to have one before I climb on a plane in the morning, but local stores didn’t have them in stock… yet… Heavy Sigh
October 17th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Amazon delivered my copy a few days ago and I’m about halfway through. I completely enjoy it!
October 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I prefer paperback books but since it’s you I have now ordered it from Amazon.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I got mine just today! I haven’t started yet, but if it’s half as good as BA I’ll be happy.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Well,
I “pre-ordered” mine from Amazon, and I got it like three days later!
I ain’t complainin’ but it’s totally available for purchase.
This is NOT a bad thing, BUY THE BOOK!!!
Just a suggestion,
rod
October 17th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I got mine in the mail yesterday (Amazon pre-order), and will read it this weekend. I’ve flipped through it a little, and it look like it’s gonna be an awesome ride! Will post review.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I wish there was a store I could buy it from in the UK.
Amazon it is then.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I wasn’t going to say anything, but I have to admit, that was precisely my first thought when I opened the book. It seems to be a step down in quality of materials from the previous softcover book, and I am wondering if it will last for years as is my expectation of a hardcover book.
Content-wise, however, I’m quite enjoying it.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Golly, you wrote a book? I had no idea. *snickers*
October 17th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
According to my local library there is a copy waiting on me to get there tomorrow morning at 9am. Sorry that I couldn’t buy a copy right now, but I will get one as soon as I can get the extra cash.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Whether you or I think our sites are relevant, is up to us; however, we both think they are. But, yet, I wanna giveth unto thee, my just and worthy liege, my blog, as I’m sitting here in my house, eating Newmans-Os, drinking skim milk, just got back from a 50 mile cycling journey, and praying alla the while that John McCain will git the ________ outta Iraq and start rebuilding our delapidated country without God. Of course! sed the Source! He’ll never win! The Illuminati sez so!! (they control the government) — So, if you ever need a place to stay, if the greedy banks ever foreclose on thy house, just look up my IP and stop on by, buddy!!! God bless you. Be at peace. For Jesus sez, “Be not afraid, my son. Be not afraid of them that destroy the body, yet, be afraid of him that can take thy soul” — IN HOC SIGNO + VINCES: Crux Sacre Sit Mihi Lux! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!!! Vade Retor, Satana! Ipse Venena Bibas, fatuus!
October 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I’m about half way through it myself. I’m going to try and finish it over the weekend. So far, lots of fun! I really like the way you make death and destruction sound like it’d be an enjoyable experience.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I just got mine a couple of days ago. I just started reading it and so far I think that it is a great read. Very invigorating subject. Looking forward to finishing it next week in between work and such. Good work Phil.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
My husband pre-ordered and totally surprised me with it a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, my 5 year old got sick and I have not even finished the 1st chapter. So far it’s got everything I expect from BA…humor, sarcasm, and science. Love it. Now, if I can only find a way to get it signed.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Let me know if you’re hitting Vroman’s on your signing tour. I’m starting to collect sigs.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Congrats on the new book. I want to see you on Colbert. Maybe you can blame the current demise of the Republican party on low sunspot intensity. Just gloss over that whole correlation/causation thing and point out that the Cheney’s Magneto-like power is suffering from a weak solar wind.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
@skepTick
If he wants to get on Colbert he needs to start butt kissing. Where’s the photo of Phil prancing about Galapagos in an Ambiguously Gay Duo t-shirt. Why didn’t he let Tek Jansen write the foreword for his book? When will we see a post on how awesome Bill O’Reilly is? How about a Bad Astronomer green screen challenge? Or better yet, a gamma ray screen challenge? He could even just murder Barry Manilow. I’m sure he wouldn’t even have to murder him the whole way, just a little bit will do.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Amazon Europe… *sigh*
Delivery expected: 1. December 2008 – 3. December 2008
October 18th, 2008 at 5:29 am
Got my copy and read the first chapter yesterday. I’ll probably be reading this for the better part of a week.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Pre-ordered from Amazon UK, promised 16th Oct.
Oct 16th Amazon UK says “don’t know when you’ll get it, we’ll e:mail you. You can cancel if you want”
Ah well! I’ll wait.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I’d love to review DEATH From the Skies & say it’s thegreatest book evar … But I can’t.
Why not?
I haven’t got mycopy yet that’s why!
(Sorry BA)
I plan to get it the old fashioned way : from the bookstore once it comes out there and when I’m a little less ..er .. “financially embarassed”. Don’t worry though, Dr Phil Plait sir*, I will definitely be buying it.
—–
*You were knighted on your trip to England weren’t you BA ?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I’d like to review Death from the skies too – but first I’ll need to be killed by something from the sky… & I’d rather NOT die.
Besides once I’m dead who writes the review – my ghost?
—-
Apparently a greek playwright – I think named Aeschylus (spelling?) actually died from being hit on his bald head by a turtle dropped by soem sorta bird of prey of which mistook his head for a rock which the bird planned to use to smash the tortoise open!
Really – no kiddin’ there.
Is * that * one covered in your book Phil?
PS. Yes, I too will be buying a copy.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:59 am
@Jose
“He could even just murder Barry Manilow. I’m sure he wouldn’t even have to murder him the whole way, just a little bit will do.”
MANILOOOWWWWW!
October 18th, 2008 at 6:20 am
YESSS!!!!
DIE Barray DIE!!
——-
Note to anyone incline dtotake this as other than asilly joke ie. as think a serious death threat or something : For Frakss sake, lighten up!
October 18th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Well you came and you gave without taking
but I sent you away, oh Mandy
well you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today, oh Mandy
October 18th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I was quite shocked when I got my book in the mail – I’ve had it for a week and I’m saving it to read on the plane on my way to Florida. I think it’ll be interesting to read a book with that title on a plane.
October 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Death arrived at my doorstep early, and I invited him in. Hah! I laugh at you Death. The book was enjoyable with very good explanations about the events that will not harm us, but could possibly harm our ancestors.
I have one question that I think may be an error…and I can’t find the reference in the book. It had to do with the speed of light. I understood that it takes light 8 minutes to reach the earth. 93 million divided by 160000 is approximately 8 right. But in the chapter on Black Holes, there was a reference to light travelling the 93 million miles in 15 mins? what was going on?
Math Teacher Geek
Gaithersburg H.S.
October 18th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I’ll put one up on my site. Hopefully I won’t write it on opposite day.
October 18th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Re: the folks commenting on the cover and page quality — I may be wrong, but… look at the name of this book. Look at the font used. Does it not hearken to days when such titles and/or headlines appeared on pulps? On publications of less-than-stellar (heh) quality? I noted the same thing these folks did, but assumed it was intended.
And, assuming it was… very nice. (If not, don’t admit it!)
October 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
there was a reference to light travelling the 93 million miles in 15 mins? what was going on?
Indeed, what is going on? I thought as a forward looking man of science, you would be using metric measurements in your book?
October 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I use metric on the blog, but the standard in US books is to use Imperial units. Oh well.
I don’t know about the speed of light issue, but as I’ll be going over the book again in the coming few days (I’ll be doing interviews all this week) I’ll see if I can figure out what’s going on.
October 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Well, maybe by the time it come out in paperback there will be a metric version so I don’t have to think too much while reading.
Living in UK for a few years, I have got used to Imperial units and that should see me through the hardback that will be arriving any day now.
October 18th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
2 chapters in, and it’s pretty good so far, but you want to take your pun medicine first. Pain in the Asteroid, forsooth.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Like the impact event that will kill us all, my own Death From the Skies still has not arrived. USPS tracking shows the book has been stuck in Arizona for four days now! Is McCain reading the book out loud to Palin or something?
October 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I just picked up my copy at the only Barnes and Noble in my area that had them early.
Photographic proof: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2952820066_7d96276834.jpg
Now… fun weekend reading!
October 18th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
And trying to explain it to Palin.
Also heard the book being plugged on “the Skeptics guide to the Universe” today.
October 18th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I dunno. I hear it’s so… final.
I never knew you wrote a book! How come it’s never been mentioned on here?
October 19th, 2008 at 7:38 am
IIRC it was on about particles being ejected near the speed of light to make the trip in 15 minutes vice 8 for light. I thought the paragraph was awkwardly worded, but not “wrong”.
In my opinion, in a book about science, USA notwithstanding, measures should be in metric with US-imperial equiavalents in brackets. There are two reasons for this. First and foremost, everyone who reads the book outside the USA has to stop and think about what the author is trying to say when the measures are in imperial. Second, as a science-related book, it should be encouraging the USA to join the 18th century from the 17th century where it is stuck, and go metric with the rest of the world.
I’m almost done the book now, and really, those are the only two (well, three my earlier comment about production quality of materials as well) negative things to say.
I really enjoyed the style in which the book was written. It made me think of Phil doing the contents of the book as a lecture series – it came across in a relaxed, friendly sort of tone that made it easy to read and made me want to keep reading. Despite the subject matter, the book was not alarmist – I think it would be difficult for some end-of-the-world yahoo to use the book as a platform for spreading bollocks around.
Odds are, i’ll be buying a few more copies to give as gifts for celebration of mid-winter greed this year.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I will be buying it for my Kindle, unless someone tells me it’s much better on paper. However, I’m still reading Alexander von Humboldt’s “Journey to the Equinoctal Regions…”, and an Iain Banks book, so it will take me awhile.
October 19th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Phil,
I just finished the book. Overall, its a good read and would definitely recommend it to others. You have a way of explaining complex topics in a way that makes them understandable. I loved it.
The only significant criticism I have is that compared to “Bad Astronomy” the tone seems less “chatty”. I really enjoyed that aspect of your first book. That one read like you having a personal conversation with the reader. This one reads more like a lecture from a fun Prof.
Both styles work, but I liked the first one better.