Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe

Randall Munroe's book, Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words, presents some of the most complicated tools, objects, and machines in the world in ways that make them easier to understand. Written for the layperson and children, the book uses only the thousand most common words in the English language to explain subjects like space shuttles, nuclear power plants, and the human body. Through clear, concise, and entertaining writing, Munroe reveals the mysteries of the everyday world and gives readers of any age a greater appreciation of science.

Thing Explainer is divided into five distinct topics, ranging from energy and transport to computers and the human body. Within these sections, Munroe explains some of the most familiar inventions, such as the car and the telephone, as well as exceptionally complex tools, like particle accelerators and the Large Hadron Collider. He works systematically through each subject, beginning with basic concepts and gradually building to more complicated ones.

For Energy, Munroe begins by explaining the potential of simple resources like wind and water power, before moving on to more complex topics like origins of energy and nuclear fission. He then goes on to explain batteries and the basics of turbine engines, before delving into the mysteries of combustible-fuel engines. The section on transport reveals the technical aspects of planes, helicopters, and lunar landers.

The book's Computer section starts with the inside of a computer, from the keyboard and touchpad to the memory and graphics cards. As the reader progresses, Munroe introduces more ideas, such as relative and absolute positioning and digital coding. The chapter on Networks also dives into the algorithmic complexity of the internet, as well as exploring the evolution of Wi-Fi and cell phone communication.

The Human Body section of Thing Explainer examines anatomy, biology, and some of the world's strangest body systems. In this section, Munroe covers the digestive system, how our bones and muscles interact, the mechanics of sight and hearing, the immune response, and other biological processes.

The last section looks at the incredibly small, from bacteria to genes and DNA. Munroe provides an in-depth overview of the structure and function of cells, genes, and DNA and reveals their roles in the formation of diseases and treatments.

Overall, Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words is an extremely informative and educational read. Randall Munroe's writing is engaging and provides a clear insight into the complex workings of some of the world's most important inventions, tools and machines. By taking readers from simple to complex, Munroe’s explanations are accessible to readers of all ages. Whether you are a beginner reader or an expert, Thing Explainer has something to offer everyone.