From the TBR Pile: Blog Tour: Review of Almanac 2019 by National Geographic

Publisher:National Geographic

Publication Date: October 23, 2018

A one-of-a-kind annual featuring surprising facts, stunning color photos, arresting infographics, and illuminating maps that present the world in a whole new way.

An almanac like you’ve never seen before, this arresting volume features key information on science, nature, history, and geography, spiked with cutting-edge ideas and spectacular visuals. Discover features that only National Geographic can deliver, including exquisite photography, explanatory infographics, illustrated timelines, and maps created by expert cartographers. Chapters include Exploration & Adventure, This Planet & Beyond, Life on Earth, and The Science of Us; featured topics range from the polar jet stream and how chameleons change colors to the world’s biggest cities and the science of addiction. It includes top travel trends, new explorations, and recent discoveries, as well as fascinating trivia. Enlightening for young and old, exquisitely designed, each page of this special almanac reveals something new about today’s world.

Books like Almanac 2019 are hard to "review" in the traditional sense since it's not really a book that you read front to back. That being said, this book is full of amazing information about nature, science, and the human body. The photographs are gorgeous, colorful and bright. I wouldn't expect anything else from National Geographic.

Each section begins with something called "Quizmaster". The creators of the book put together questions about the contents in each section. I would highly recommend checking those out before delving into the section. It helps focus yourself on what you will be reading. The information on each topic is well written and easy to understand.

Being a scientist, my favorite pages were about gene therapy and gene editing. Those are fascinating and upcoming technologies that will hopefully help a lot of sick people in the future. I also enjoyed "Science of Us" particularly the pages on addiction, viruses and antibiotic resistance.

This volume is packed with information about where the world is now in terms of science, environment and innovation. There is something here for everyone. I highly recommend getting this one. Especially for any kids who love science and nature.