Alan Alda's lifetime love of science shines through in this engaging work that is perfect for today's culture, where the simple act of talking is so fraught with conflict and misunderstanding. Alda challenges readers to step out of their own comfort zones, and he makes no effort to spare himself from scrutiny, recounting time after time where his own missteps have thwarted relationships and conversations.
As a former journalist, I cringed as he related an experience where false assumptions and poor communication skills nearly derailed his first interview for his award-winning PBS "Scientific American Frontiers" program.
Short chapters and a conversational writing style make for an easy read that will have you reviewing your own perceived strengths and weaknesses. Alda includes research and insights gleaned from interviewing scientists and experts from sociology and psychology in a way that is informative and ultimately, inspiring. I challenge you to read the book and not hear Alda speaking directly to you in his recognizable voice.
He also recounts his own journey to improve scientific communication, starting with the 11-year "Scientific American Frontiers" broadcasts but continuing far beyond through television, podcasts and on college and research campuses worldwide. The work sparked a mission as impressive as his acting chops -- and perhaps more far-reaching and impactful. Today the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University continues guiding scientists to become better communicators. And ultimately ensuring that science can be equally fascinating and understandable.
As for my book club, we had one of our best discussions ever, finding connection and correlations within our own lives. I think this book will resonate with all of us for a long time!