Review of Time for PSyQ
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Arwa Hezzah
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- Latest Review: Time for PSyQ by Marti Ward
Review of Time for PSyQ
[Following is a volunteer review of "Time for PSyQ" by Marti Ward.]
Time for PsyQ was definitely an interesting read. I went into reading this book expecting it to simply be a children’s book that was going to be entertaining, but not very informative. That being said, I actually ended up learning quite a few things from it. There were a lot of aspects within the book that I found wonderful, especially if it were to be read by a young adult.
The first thing that caught my attention was the way the author introduced complex concepts and then explained them throughout the story so that readers can properly understand them. I thought this manner of writing would entice young adults to read up on subjects that they found interesting within the book. I also loved that the focus of much of the story was to inform readers about different things through story telling. Upon reading the synopsis, I expected that the book would be discussing your “every day science class” subjects, but I found that the writer also talks about etymology, psychology, zoology, entomology, etc. which I thought was wonderful. I also thought the type of humor used throughout the book was a great way to keep readers engaged.
Another thing that I found cool about the book is that the characters, who are 11-year-old kids, are given a lot of authority. I found it interesting that the adult characters within the book were looking to the 11-year-olds for guidance a lot of the time. I thought that this would make young adults who read this book feel more assured of their abilities. Moreover, I thought that the book's idea of making normal kids have “powers” that are not like your usual superhero powers, but rather related to their IQs is very cool. I think it makes the book relatable to younger audiences and even entices their willingness to learn and venture into their interests. I also enjoyed the fact that these “powers” were explained scientifically. I thought that both entices and interest in science and shows a cool aspect of how brains work.
Now, onto the parts of the book that I thought could be better. At some points throughout reading this, the plot felt a bit disorganized. I sometimes felt like some cuts within the plot made no sense and I found myself getting confused about where we were in the story. Sometimes, it felt like events popped up out of nowhere without a clear leadup. I also felt like some things were introduced very matter-of-factly and I would have liked a bit more of a backstory to how certain events came to be.
Another thing that I found a bit confusing while reading was that at some points, particularly when talking about quantum sciences, the way theories were verbalized was too complicated for a children's book. For example, there was no explanation of what EEG, MEG, MRI, or BCI meant. And yet they were talked about as though they were a generally understood concept by 11-year-olds.
Finally, the climax of the story was generally interesting and kept me engaged, but I would have liked the ending to be more entertaining. I felt like the final chapter lost me by getting too technical. I would have liked an ending that would make me want to read other books in this series and feel excited about what could be coming next.
My rating for this book is 3 out of 5 stars. I thought it was good, I thought the idea was great and there were things that were well-implemented, but I think that the plot needs a little more reviewing in order for the book to be wholly interesting. I think considering the reader is essential for a book like this. On a whole though, Time for PsyQ was a fun read with a lot of thought-provoking elements.
******
Time for PSyQ
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Time for PsyQ was definitely an interesting read. I went into reading this book expecting it to simply be a children’s book that was going to be entertaining, but not very informative. That being said, I actually ended up learning quite a few things from it. There were a lot of aspects within the book that I found wonderful, especially if it were to be read by a young adult.
The first thing that caught my attention was the way the author introduced complex concepts and then explained them throughout the story so that readers can properly understand them. I thought this manner of writing would entice young adults to read up on subjects that they found interesting within the book. I also loved that the focus of much of the story was to inform readers about different things through story telling. Upon reading the synopsis, I expected that the book would be discussing your “every day science class” subjects, but I found that the writer also talks about etymology, psychology, zoology, entomology, etc. which I thought was wonderful. I also thought the type of humor used throughout the book was a great way to keep readers engaged.
Another thing that I found cool about the book is that the characters, who are 11-year-old kids, are given a lot of authority. I found it interesting that the adult characters within the book were looking to the 11-year-olds for guidance a lot of the time. I thought that this would make young adults who read this book feel more assured of their abilities. Moreover, I thought that the book's idea of making normal kids have “powers” that are not like your usual superhero powers, but rather related to their IQs is very cool. I think it makes the book relatable to younger audiences and even entices their willingness to learn and venture into their interests. I also enjoyed the fact that these “powers” were explained scientifically. I thought that both entices and interest in science and shows a cool aspect of how brains work.
Now, onto the parts of the book that I thought could be better. At some points throughout reading this, the plot felt a bit disorganized. I sometimes felt like some cuts within the plot made no sense and I found myself getting confused about where we were in the story. Sometimes, it felt like events popped up out of nowhere without a clear leadup. I also felt like some things were introduced very matter-of-factly and I would have liked a bit more of a backstory to how certain events came to be.
Another thing that I found a bit confusing while reading was that at some points, particularly when talking about quantum sciences, the way theories were verbalized was too complicated for a children's book. For example, there was no explanation of what EEG, MEG, MRI, or BCI meant. And yet they were talked about as though they were a generally understood concept by 11-year-olds.
Finally, the climax of the story was generally interesting and kept me engaged, but I would have liked the ending to be more entertaining. I felt like the final chapter lost me by getting too technical. I would have liked an ending that would make me want to read other books in this series and feel excited about what could be coming next.
My rating for this book is 3 out of 5 stars. I thought it was good, I thought the idea was great and there were things that were well-implemented, but I think that the plot needs a little more reviewing in order for the book to be wholly interesting. I think considering the reader is essential for a book like this. On a whole though, Time for PsyQ was a fun read with a lot of thought-provoking elements.
******
Time for PSyQ
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Time for PSyQ by Marti Ward
