"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character by Ralph Leighton, Richard Feynman

Ralph Leighton’s “Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character” is a book that follows the account of the mischievous Nobel Prize winning physicist Richard Feynman. The book varies in genre, following Feynman in his feats of engineering, science, art, music, teaching and mathematics. Feynman lived a full life engaging in extraordinary and daring exploits from his childhood until his death in 1988.

Leighton’s book is an intriguing collection of stories about Feynman's personal character and exploits. He recounts his various scientific contributions, giving the reader an idea of what made him a brilliant scientist, with anecdotes to illustrate this point. For example, when Feynman was teaching physics in Brazil, he used a white-board. One of his students asked why the whiteboard was on the wall; Feynman said that it had something to do with the dynamics of spinning tops. The student then asked why he had chosen the particular color of blue for the whiteboard. Feynman responded that he chose the blue because it “looked good”.

The book also provides insight into Feynman’s personal life. He was always looking for ways to challenge the status quo, whether it was in his teaching techniques or his attitude towards experimenting in different disciplines. One of the stories about Feynman is his love for his first wife, Arline. When she was diagnosed with tuberculosis, Feynman dedicated his time away from work to improving her condition and spending time with her. He even moved to Brazil with her because the climate was more conducive for her healing.

What makes this book so special is not just the story of Feynman’s life and exploits, but also how Leighton has woven the stories together. Feynman's charisma, energy, and intelligence shines throughout the book, his spirit is truly present on each page. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in science, physics, and the life of one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.

The epilogue to this book leaves readers with a remarkable insight into Feynman’s life: he understood the importance of having an inquisitive, curious mind. He believed that it was important to explore, to ask questions, and to try to understand the world and life around him.

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character” is an inspiring read of science, and provides an insightful glimpse into the life of a brilliant scientist. Through Leighton’s vivid and engaging storytelling style, readers get to better understand Feynman's inquisitive mind, dedication to scientific inquiry, and passion for making a difference in the world around him. The book is a great way to get an insight into the life and times of a Nobel Prize winning scientist and an inspirational success story.