Michio Kaku, author of the book Physics of the Impossible, introduces complex theories of physics to general readers. Kaku makes a good stab at explaining difficult physics. But his grasp of his subject is perhaps trumped by his knowledge of science fiction. Kaku uses discussion of speculative technologies to introduce topics of fundamental physics to the reader. The topic of invisibility becomes a discussion on why the speed of light is slower in water than a vacuum, that electromagnetism is similar to ripples in a pond, and Kaku discusses newly-developed composite materials. Each chapter is named by a possible, or improbable, technology of the future, and is classified as Class 1 impossibilities, Class 2 impossibilities, or Class 3 impossibilities. After a look at the development of today's technology, there is discussion as to how this advanced technology might become a reality. In the future, current technologies are still recognizable, but in a slightly altered form. For example, when discussing force fields of the future, Dr. Kaku writes about cutting edge laser technology, and newly developed plasma windows. He also writes about future societies and how we will control the entire system of earth. “We will be able to control Earth’s weather, and we will have one language” (284Kaku).

I enjoyed reading this book, and I have realized that our technology is progressing faster than we think. Some scientists believe we on the verge of a new era of scientific breakthroughs. The fact that this book uses Sci-Fi technology to open the door to real science is interesting. However, he writes, it also has the added effect of making discoveries that might otherwise end up being obscure as giving us a feeling of being closer to that optimistic future. When bending microwaves around an object, rather than being just an obscure physics experiment, it creates a feeling that a Star Trek cloaking device is just around the corner. This book will renew the confidence in future scientists to experiment and never give up.

This book is probably the most addicting book I have ever read; it covered everything relating to my topic and then some. It was so interesting and positive; it drew its conclusions based on future understandings of how things work. for example, we might think time travel is impossible because we haven't seen any tourist from the future, but Kaku concludes that they probably are invisible by the time time travel is available we will have invisibility. Dr. Kaku has broken the barrier of impossible physics and I believe that nothing is impossible.

Kaku, Michio. Physics of the Impossible. New York: Doubleday, 2008. 329. Print.