Reviews

The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

abigailhope13's review against another edition

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5.0

the writer’s enthusiasm is so infectious. i now annoy all of my friends with cloud facts! :)

erinrob2's review against another edition

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4.0

i now know everything i need to know about clouds

teepee3po's review against another edition

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3.0

If you thought that there's no way a book on clouds could actually be interesting ... you would be right.

wyntonrude17's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.75

This book was a little too technical for me. Sometimes I found myself lost with all the big cloud names. Also it is really difficult to see some of the black and white images. It did inspire me to look up at the clouds more often, be more mindful of what is overhead, even if it is all grey. I really enjoyed the final chapter about the Morning Glory cloud. Overall, enjoyed the book, really liked the humorous voice of the author, but I think some of it went over my head (pun intended).

afarre01's review against another edition

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2.0

Fascinating book, but I really didn't like all the textbook type boxes. I lost steam at the end and had to force myself to finish.

_tourist's review against another edition

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i am hungry for cloud lore and cloud science, being an avid cloudwatcher. but to me gavin pretor-prinney’s methodology and style are rather unappealing. somehow he has gotten it into his head that he is funny, and that his pop-culture-laden humour improves a book about a fundamental aspect of life on earth. indeed the chapter about that most modern and unlikable of clouds, the contrail, ends up being the best written and most interesting. the final two chapters, by rights the least important -if the most curiouse-, are the ones that most closely approach competence.
and how can he say that cirrus is the most beautiful of the common clouds? those badly smeared, flat, ms-paint-looking wisps? when so many voluminous cumuli grace our skies? shameful.

willgrogan's review against another edition

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3.0

Good solid read, would certainly recommend to anyone curious. Though it is often oversimplified and treats the audience as scared of complexity, physics, and in depth explanations. I think anyone inclined to pick up this book would be open to more complex explanations and to be treated as a little more intelligent.

busco's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

mkean's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is so charming. It treats clouds with the awe and amazement that they deserve. It definitely heightened my appreciation for clouds, which were already so beautiful for me. The author also has a great sense of humor, which really added whimsy to the subject. I highly recommend this book!

sallyjofrench's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.0