A thoughtful and detailed journey into the Nuclear Complex that america has created. Ms. Scoles focuses on the people who work both for and against the nuclear weapons of our nation and by humanizing their pursuits really creates an overall gray area that makes one question our own positions on nuclear weapons. With unprecedented access to the national laboratory system she weaves an intimate portrait of those she interviews while still explaining the science and an easy to read and inviting way. You don’t need to have a PH.d in nuclear physics to appreciate the lives of those who spend their days thinking about Armageddon.

I received and ARC from Netgalley and appreciate being able to provide feedback on this amazing book.

Countdown by Sarah Scoles was read over a weekend, one of those books that you feel you are obliged to read, though afraid to read at the same time. Scoles is very good at explaining complex theories to novices such as myself and keeps the content flowing and relevant. The implication of the title is chilling, as it should be, and the book lists many additional reasons for haste in taking care of our aging nuclear stockpile. Countdown should be required reading for every adult, no matter which side of the nuclear weapons issue you are on, because for now, the weapons are a reality for all of humanity.