XKCD is a webcomic with a difference. Usually populated by stick figures, it’s a highly intelligent and often thoughtful comic that deals near-exclusively in mathematical concepts and scientific theories. If all this sounds a bit heavy -going, he also peddles a mean fart joke.What If? is a recurring section on the site where people can ask the ex-NASA employee daft questions such as inquiring how far a steak would have to fall before it cooks; and Munroe will answer them by researching, hypothesising, and describing in minute detail how things might pan out.
The questions in the book cover a wide range of subjects, from asking what would happen if you collected every single item on the periodic table and stacked them on top of each other (hint: don’t) to building a jetpack out of guns. No matter how bizarre the scenario, Munroe manages to load his theories with enough hard science and amusing sketches to keep everyone happy. Munroe has a knack for explaining things in a simple and entertaining way, whether it’s describing DNA replicating in the form of a D&D character sheet or taking things waaaaaay too far, until he’s graphically visualising a hairdryer drawing enough power to travel back in time (using Back to the Future Rules.) The comics that pepper the book are short refreshing bursts of humour that act as both diagram and punch line, much like they do online.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an inquisitive mind and a love of science and the surreal. It’s unlike any non-fiction book you are likely to read this decade, filled with bizarre trivia, pop culture references and a healthy dose of humour. Tuck in.