I like that Sheinkin made this engaging enough to hold a teen's attention (primarily from first hand accounts from those involved) without resorting to childish gimmicks - I'd have no problem handing this to an adult that wants a quick, suspenseful primer on the development of the atomic bomb and the start of the cold war. He really humanized the scientists that developed it and the spies that betrayed its secrets. It was a fascinating look into the world of espionage.

This book took me off guard, while it had excellent reviews, the subject matter was one that kind of creeped me out. what I was not expecting was a book that was exciting to read and insightful enough to make me not be quite so close minded about the building of the atomic bomb. while I still obviously find the atomic bomb a horrific part of history, and this book does to, I have a much better understanding of the historical context that caused the scientists to be willing to pursue such a tragic plan of action. ( )

What makes this book so great? It reads WAY more like a novel than any other nonfiction book I can think of.

What makes this book disorienting? It reads WAY more like a novel than any other nonfiction book I can think of.

Here is the disorienting part: How could the author know for a fact so many of the little details that make this book read like a thriller? From gestures to facial expressions to the way a person was feeling, it's hard to believe that such minutia was ever documented. As an adult reader, it took me out of the story every time I came across a detail that seemed made up for the sake of making the book read better. I don't want to accuse the author of making things up. Still, the source notes did not exactly quell my disbelief.

How much does this kind of thing matter? I'm not certain it really matters in this book (all the important stuff is documented), but I think the slippery slope argument applies. If nonfiction authors can insert imagined little details, will this eventually lead to more insidious dramatizations? Is sticking to the facts more important than good storytelling?

Back to the book itself. It's riveting, exciting, scary, almost unbelievable. There are scientists, spies, soldiers, secrets, Soviets, and many other exciting s-words.

I think there was at least one use of strong language, and some of the themes are downright nightmarish (um, total world annihilation) so I would recommend this for older readers, probably 12 and up.

( )

A very well paced look at how the first atomic bomb was created and how those secrets were passed to the Soviet Union. ( )

Non-fiction about building the atomic bomb, and the espionage activities associated with it. It is told in chronological order, and covers the development of uranium, plutonium, and (later) hydrogen bombs. The author does a nice job of weaving together the events of history to show how they all fit together. The narrative explains the reasons behind the Cold War. It flows well and entertains as it educates. The dialogue is taken from researched sources. It is touted as a book for children or young adults, but unless you are an expert in WWII history, I daresay anyone can learn something. It is a good reminder to be cautious in our use of technology. ( )