2013 Hub Reading Challenge discussion

I'm the first to admit that I hate math and science, but this book reads more like a spy thriller than any book I've ever read about the Manhattan Project. I love that it brings the story full circle and tells about the reaction of the scientists when the "gadget" actually worked. A human spin on a scientific topic--awesome!

This one pairs beautifully with the graphic novel Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb. Between these two books, I understand more about the topic than I ever have!

And I agree - the spy thriller take on this subject makes it a perfect read for teens.

I totally agree about the Bomb/Trinity pairing, Pam! Your comment actually got me thinking about a fiction/nonfiction pairs display, too. Thanks!

This was a great piece of non-fiction. It helped me understand the whole process so much more. As well, I found myself referring to the 'Big Bang Theory' episode where Sheldon names his cats after the scientists involved, which is never a bad thing!
Review: http://loudlibrarianspeaks.blogspot.c...

This book works for the core curriculum. It opens discussion for junior high classrooms in their history studies of the Cold War. Well written,full of spies and interesting facts.

I think I liked this slightly better than Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb, mostly because that was such an American story, and this was international in scope. I also appreciated the descriptive passages. One that struck me in particular was when the Enola Gay was taking off (pp 191-192). It was much more evocative than the same scene as drawn in Trinity. I also loved the bit about Lona Cohen and the tissue box. Sheinkin is quite a writer!

I agree that Sheinkin is quite a good writer. He is able to pull together a suspenseful narrative out of a sea of events that occurred decades ago - in secret. I can't help but wonder what sorts of secret projects are currently in the works.

I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. while I got confused at times as to who was who, it was fascinating to. see how the Russians pulled that off without getting caught,

LOVED this book. Probably one of my favorites that I've read this whole challenge. I feel that I "get" what happened with the bomb in a way I never have before, not even by reading Trinity (which I did really like too!) I loved how he focused so much on the real-life characters. He was able to describe the many people who had a hand in this undertaking with such vivid details in just a few sentences.