Leasurly read for those who don't want equations

I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy. It was the best thing when my science teacher would pull the large CRT TV in front of the classroom and put in a Bill Nye VHS. I silently cheered "Bill! Bill! Bill!" along with the theme song of the show. It was great. That being said, I am not sure what I expected from this book, but, it's Bill Nye! So I spent my Audible credit on it. I do have to say, the beginning of this book was a slow start and seemed like it wasn't addressed to the audience but to a very specific crowd of Christians who thoroughly and unquestionably believe the Earth is only 6000 years old (is this crowd of people going to read a book about evolution?). As I am not a part of that crowd, I was beginning to think that there will be nothing for me on this book. I was wrong. There was. My science fiction and science fact spirit is happy. Bill talks about evolution, skin color, reproduction traits, astro biology, and space travel. I'm giving this book four stars instead of five because of the beginning of the book.

59 people found this helpful

Great narration, but unfocused argumentation.

This is a good book, especially because Nye is a wonderful, passionate, funny narrator of his own work. But the content of the book is also all over the place. It reads much more like "Bill Nye's interesting musings on evolution and biology and earth history and stuff" rather than a focused engagement with those who deny evolution. The arguments were either too brief, mentioned only in passing, or very weak (for example, just saying things like "people deny evolution because they're scared of humans not being special anymore", which may be true but is speculation with a dash of ad hominem and isn't very effective as an argument). Otherwise all of the information in the book was interesting and definitely worth listening to (a gain, especially because of Nye's narration).

If you're looking for a book that's much more effective at arguing the case for evolution to a specifically religious audience, and addressing their concerns in a more organized and sustained way, I would read Francis Collins' "The Language of God."

43 people found this helpful

Preaching to the choir

Would you listen to Undeniable again? Why?

I may listen to it again. Bill Nye has a good reading voice and there is actual information in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

All the ways science shows that evolution is true. Well thought out, with back - and forward references.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nye’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Bill Nye's other performances. I have listened to him on Star Talk Radio.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The anecdotes are great.

Any additional comments?

I really liked this book. It is more-or-less aimed at creationists, but I think it will end up to be more preaching to the choir. In general creationists have their minds made up. No evidence will convince them. Personally, if it were possible I would deny them all the gadgets and technologies that rely on the science they so heartily deny. 6000 year old earth? Okay, hand in your cellphones, your polyester clothing, your car, your fiberglass windowframes and your big screen tv. Why? Because they cannot exist with a 6000 year old earth.

40 people found this helpful

SCIENCE RULES!!

What made the experience of listening to Undeniable the most enjoyable?

I've been a Bill Nye fan since childhood, though not as avid a follower had it not been for my religious upbringing. Since breaking away from that I have had my childhood enthusiasm and hunger for more science fully restored. I found this book compelling and very exciting.

What did you like best about this story?

It's easy to follow, friendly, funny and is less critical of religion than it deserves. I Think that makes it a great book for a gift to a religious friend or family member who may or may not have questions that the bible doesn't answer. If Bill Nye's debate points made you curious or excited, GET THIS BOOK! it's not all about the debate, but it does expand on several of his points as well as much much more.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nye’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I can't imagine there being another person alive who would not have fallen flat on their face trying to present it as Mr. Nye's words without losing his enthusiasm and nerdy humor.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Every chapter was exciting and I was disappointed that it wasn't longer. I did like the evolutionary explanation of human "races" and skin color.

Any additional comments?

I'd recommend it even if you have the physical copy.

...I'm about to start it again!

29 people found this helpful

Intelligent and Enjoyable to Listen Too

What did you love best about Undeniable?

The presentation. Bill Nye has always been able to present the facts of our physical universe in a fun and easy to enjoy manner.

What other book might you compare Undeniable to and why?

Not sure. I don't tend to read the "science vs. ideology" genre much. Books of this ilk (on both sides) tend to preach to the choir so to speak, so no matter what side you fall on we all tend to read what we agree with. It's dumb that we do this, but that's human nature for you. If we didn't there would be no debate, because the curious human mind is unraveling this universe day by day, and unfortunately that scares some people.

What does Bill Nye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sometimes it's cool to hear the author present their own material, and I enjoyed Nye reading his own stuff.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really. The universe is what it is, and I don't need to be told what the facts about it are. It leaves all its own clues for us to find, and that's basically what Nye was getting at: Don't ignore the truth just because you want to disagree with it.

Any additional comments?

Worth the credit. I doubt it'll convert any of the already religiously indoctrinated (my christian family usually doesn't want to hear the truth from me), but hopefully it'll land in the hands of a few children who otherwise have been robbed of the opportunity to make a fully informed decision for themselves, rather than continue to be forced march in the footsteps of their frightened and ignorant parents.

24 people found this helpful

Inspiring

What did you love best about Undeniable?

The passion for which Bill Nye communicates science.

What other book might you compare Undeniable to and why?

Anything by Richard Dawkings, eg the Selfish Gene.

What about Bill Nye’s performance did you like?

Humor, Passion and interest in the topic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Easily.

Any additional comments?

His passion inspires my science studies, he is an amazing role model and this book transports you into his world.

19 people found this helpful

You gotta love Bill Nye!

Any additional comments?

If you're into this subject at all then this is the book for you. If you liked Bill Nye's television show when you were a kid then this book is for you. If you're fascinated with all things science then this book is for you.

This is a five star book. Of that there is no doubt. However, I do have a criticism about it, and that is that Bill does not give a fare representation of the creationist model. Wait! Wait! Wait! I have never read a book by an evolution scientist that does. Wait again! Wait again! I have never read a book by a creationist that gave a fare representation of the science of evolution.

I have read many books, heard many lectures and watched many debates on this subject. This might be the best out there. I never got bored listening to it. Thank you, Mr. Nye.

14 people found this helpful

Facts vs. a 2000 Year old novel

It's time to be an adult and face facts. This is explained in easy to understand language that even Ken Ham can understand. Great work Bill!

12 people found this helpful

Bill Nye's case for evolution is Undeniably good

Would you consider the audio edition of Undeniable to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version, so I can't really make a comparison.

What did you like best about this story?

Nye lays out overwhelming evidence from all aspects of science, not just biology. Learning, for instance, that the reason we are able to create vaccines by studying how they interact with other species has to do with the similarity of our DNA and because we have a distant ancestor was fascinating and mind blowing.

What about Bill Nye’s performance did you like?

Bill Nye's reading of his own book is great. Nye has a natural confidence that comes through in his voice over, and you can hear his passion for the material in his voice. He takes an academic tone, like sitting in a classroom while he outlines the case for evolution, but it never comes across as boring or preachy.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

An Intelligently Designed Film About Evolution

9 people found this helpful

true passion

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! It has such deep knowledge shared in a conversational tone

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes it was difficult to split it up

Any additional comments?

Very glad that Bill Nye chose to write this book in response to his experience with the Ken Ham debate and all the feedback following it. Education has always been his passion in attempts to make the world a better place.

9 people found this helpful