Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Richard Conrad Dieter's "Reflections on a Surprising Universe" is an intriguing blend of science and philosophy, taking the reader on a journey through the mysteries and wonders of the universe. Dieter presents complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, making this book a thought-provoking and enriching read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of our existence. One of the strengths of this book is its ability to seamlessly integrate scientific theories and philosophical ideas, creating a cohesive narrative that encourages readers to contemplate the nature of reality and the meaning of life. Dieter's writing style is clear and concise, making even the most abstract concepts easy to understand. The book covers a broad range of topics, from quantum mechanics to the nature of consciousness, and explores them in a way that is both comprehensive and thought-provoking. Dieter's unique perspective on these topics provides the reader with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of the universe. Overall, "Reflections on a Surprising Universe" is an insightful and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in the intersection of science and philosophy. While some of the concepts may be challenging for readers with little scientific background, Dieter's clear explanations make this book accessible to a wide audience. ~ Renwick McConaghy (Reviewer), NetGalley

5 out of 5 stars: I enjoyed Reflections on a Surprising Universe very much. I have a strong interest in science and have read a lot about the topics covered in this book, so I'm clearly not its intended audience. It has been written for the person who has an interest in these topics without much of a background. That being said, though, it is a delight to read and gives a beautiful "bird's eye" view of much of what has always fascinated me about science and the universe. It is quite approachable, easy to read and presupposes no prior knowledge of the topics covered. I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing curiosity about the wonders of our universe. ~ , Amazon

5 out of 5 stars: “Reflections on a Surprising Universe” by Richard Conrad Dieter has the subtitle, “Extraordinary Discoveries Through Ordinary Eyes.” In one sense, the title accurately describes this short, easy read: a summary of the surprising physical universe in which mankind finds herself. With the help of ever more powerful telescopes and microscopes – and searing human intellectual pursuit – we now purvey a world that has previously only been grounds for speculation by the Greek philosophers through Newton, and even through Einstein. But this book also successfully expands the notion of ordinary eyes. Through carefully worded introductions and segues, ordinary eyes expressly include people of religious faith. One of the excellent contributions of this book is the framing of modern cosmology as a human pursuit that has born much fruit, but in no way contradicts the ordinary experience of faith. In fact, extraordinary discoveries, like these, lead ordinary people of faith to deeper faith. How great Thou art! ~ Brian Hunter, Amazon

5 out of 5 stars: This is a fine, very readable book that acquaints a non-scientist reader with many, many 20th and 21st century scientific theories and discoveries, told in a much more engaging way than Stephen Hawking managed in A Brief History of Time. The book won't make an instant scientist of anyone, but every reader will come away with a passing acquaintance with current thinking about the nature of the universe and its elements -- everything from black holes to gluons and of course the Higgs boson, otherwise known as the God particle. ~ Lisa Lerman, Amazon

5 out of 5 stars: What a fun romp through space and time, the micro and the macro. Dieter masterfully tackles the awesome task of explaining to a lay audience the mysteries of quantum mechanics; the intricacies of evolution; and the unknowable basic units of light, matter, and gravity. Even though I have a glancing familiarity with these topics, Dieter's perspective is fresh and provides new insight. ~ Michael Lasher, Amazon

5 out of 5 stars: I'm loving this book. It's fascinating. I'm being brought to an appreciation of something I've known so little about, and it's coming to me in a warm, gentle way. It feels as though I'm being introduced to an astonishingly impressive stranger by a trusted friend. ~ Mike Farrell, Amazon

This is well written. If you know nothing about physics or astrophysics you'll probably like this. I'm no scientist and don't study science so I was surprised that I knew most of the info presented. I must have picked up the knowledge over time. Anyway, it's a good read, and you're bound to learn some very interesting stuff. ~ Paul V (Reviewer), NetGalley

Split into ten fascinating chapters and each starting with a relevant quote from some of the most prominent and respected scientific minds, Reflections on a Surprising Universe is an accessible and profoundly interesting read. It explores a plethora of different scientific topics and gives the basics about each of them so I feel it would be a great buy for someone perhaps interested in reading an introduction to said topics. It covers theories surrounding how our universe came to be, its constant evolution, black holes, bending space, gravitational waves, multiverses, searching for life on other planets, time and space, DNA, particles, quantum computers and string theory. If you have even a passing interest in astronomy and/or physics this is a fantastic and insightful book to pick up. The author should be lauded for the sheer amount of research and hard work that went into creating such an intriguing and highly readable book which allows a layman to comprehend all they are being told. Everything is explained fully and simply and the text flows smoothly from one topic to the next. Highly recommended. ~ Lou @readers_retreat (Reviewer) , NetGalley

.............Reflections on a Surprising Universe covers a lot of ground: it will jump from general relativity to genetics in quite a fluent manner, but it won't go too deep into anything. However, for a complete layman or someone who has always flunked science in high school, but was nonetheless always fascinated with any scientific tidbits, this would be the perfect book. It explains the things it goes over quite simply, efficiently and attractively. You will hear about things from black holes and the theories of how the universe came to be or how it may be made up from strings, to quantum entanglement, evolution, the possibility of intelligent life in the universe and even quantum computers. It really is a lot in a short time, and it's all quite fascinating. Could also make a good book for teens who are thinking of taking up science classes. ~ Evelina (avalinah, AvalinahsBooks) (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ......Such interesting topics as gravitational waves, life on other planets, time and space, entropy, something instead of nothing, telescope to microscope, atoms, quarks, neutrinos, dark matter, the string theory and the quantum world are discussed. I would give this book 7 stars if I could as it is not just full of mostly easy to understand language but it explains and gives answers that text books do not. From the depth of the material covered and the bibliography cited, the author has spent considerable time, effort and diligence in putting the material into a comprehensive package of interesting, cohesive information, theories and scientific discoveries. ~ Faith S Michael (Reviewer) , NetGalley

A great read and a great gift with the holidays upon us. It takes the majestic complication of the universe and presents them in understandable and fascinating terms. It's the quick and handy guide to our universe. Written in an informative style reminiscent of Bill Bryson. MUST-READ! ~ EVent Horizon Online Radio, Review

In clear prose, Richard Dieter lays out a vision of the universe filled with curiosity and wonder. Dieter's layman vision of the universe brings the majesty of the cosmos down to the level of the everyday in census of the weirdness that surrounds us on all sides. From the smallest particles to the vastest super-structures, this book is a great read for anyone looking up in the sky and wondering what's out there. ~ John Wenz, former Associate Editor, Astronomy magazine

Not many authors have the skill and breadth to masterfully explain the mysteries of science, and do so in literate language, but Richard Dieter easily ranks as one of them. ~ Colman McCarthy, former Washington Post columnist

This book is like a 2019 version of "Powers of Ten" that takes you 13 billion light years away, then brings you back to the DNA in your hand and leaves you in awe of the beauty and complexity of our universe. Dieter accompanies you on this trip with clear, concise explanations of extraordinary discoveries. ~ Paul Lyons, CEO, Zapotec Energy, Inc., Cambridge, MA