Play Audiobook Sample
The Language God Talks: On Science and Religion Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.02) - 136 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
"More years ago than I care to reckon up, I met Richard Feynman." So begins The Language God Talks, Herman Wouk's gem on navigating the divide between science and religion. In one rich, compact volume, Wouk draws on stories from his life as well as on key events from the 20th century to address the eternal questions of why we are here, what purpose faith serves, and how scientific fact fits into the picture. He relates wonderful conversations he's had with scientists such as Feynman, Murray Gell-Mann, Freeman Dyson, and Steven Weinberg, and brings to life such pivotal moments as the 1969 moon landing and the Challenger disaster.
Brilliantly written, The Language God Talks is a scintillating and lively investigation and a worthy addition to the literature.
Download and start listening now!
"There is a special place in my heart reserved for Herman Wouk. This latest work was nonfiction and he talked with familiarity about a subject I revere. Thought provoking and sometimes confusing, but overall an interesting read. "
— Lacy (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Wouk’s questions are pure, his exploration heartfelt, and his remarkable lifetime of experience couldn’t be more relevant or necessary.”
— Jonathan Safran Foer, New York Times bestselling author -
“In this book, as in his previous ones, whenever Herman Wouk speaks of God it is always with both exquisite curiosity and warmth.”
— Elie Wiesel, New York Times bestselling author -
“Extraordinary. Wouk’s recounting of conversations with Richard Feynman is not to be missed.”
— Stanley B. Prusiner, Nobel Laureate -
“At age ninety-four, Wouk embarks on an autobiographical journey through his monumental writings, people he has met in his life, world events, and books he has read (including the Talmud) to weave a testament of faith…This book will interest any person of faith who has followed Wouk’s storied career and read his fiction.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“As engaging as his megaselling historical novels…Hard not to like.”
— Booklist -
“With ease and intensity, Wouk leads us deep into the shadows between religion and science and shows us they are not separate mountains but one luminous, interconnected landscape. And yet, like the best of guides, he urges us to see and discover with our own eyes. A stunning rumination on life’s important questions by a masterful storyteller.”
— Marisha Pessl, author of Special Topics in Calamity Physics -
“In a crowded book market filled with self-serving and redundant theories about humankind’s place in the grand scheme, it is rare to encounter an original, honest, charming voice. Such is the case with Wouk’s latest work…Wouk’s humility, humor, and insight make the book a joy to read and a wonder to contemplate…Authentic, accessible prose mixed with real insight.”
— Kirkus Reviews
The Language God Talks Listener Reviews
-
" Wouk tries to do too much. he talks about his fiction writing, his conversation with scientists and his personal experiences. it gets all muddled up. "
— Barbara, 1/3/2014 -
" This book, which is centered on encounters between the author and Richard Feynman, meanders a bit, but it all comes together in the end. An enjoyable book and a quick read. "
— Mark, 8/7/2013 -
" For me the best part was still the Aaron Jastrow sermon from War and Remembrance included at the end. "
— Judy, 7/17/2013 -
" I live Wouk, but this short book was mostly meatless. "
— Jon-Erik, 6/27/2013 -
" I found the title of the book misleading, "
— Adam, 1/29/2013 -
" A wonderful little book that reads like a conversation over a long dinner with a warm, profoundly intellectual and well-travelled friend who is approaching his final days and has wisdom to share. "
— Elizabeth, 6/24/2012 -
" There is a special place in my heart reserved for Herman Wouk. This latest work was nonfiction and he talked with familiarity about a subject I revere. Thought provoking and sometimes confusing, but overall an interesting read. "
— Lacy, 4/27/2012 -
" This was not at all what I was expecting. What I thought would be a comparative essay on science and theology is, in fact, a sort of autobiographical look at Mr. Wouk's writing of "War and Remembrance" and all the 'smart' people he knows. "
— Maurean, 3/5/2012 -
" A pleasant and finally somewhat moving little book. It doesn't do very well on science, religion or calculus (the language God talks), but it does work as an homage to Richard Feynman, as a survey of the roots of Wouk's major works, and as a sensitive interpretation of Job in the context of WWII. "
— Tony, 6/13/2011 -
" This was not at all what I was expecting. What I thought would be a comparative essay on science and theology is, in fact, a sort of autobiographical look at Mr. Wouk's writing of "War and Remembrance" and all the 'smart' people he knows. "
— Maurean, 4/25/2011 -
" It seemed to jump from topic to topic too much...maybe (admittedly) its just a bit out of my league "
— Avi, 2/1/2011 -
" A pleasant and finally somewhat moving little book. It doesn't do very well on science, religion or calculus (the language God talks), but it does work as an homage to Richard Feynman, as a survey of the roots of Wouk's major works, and as a sensitive interpretation of Job in the context of WWII. "
— Tony, 10/4/2010 -
" A wonderful little book that reads like a conversation over a long dinner with a warm, profoundly intellectual and well-travelled friend who is approaching his final days and has wisdom to share. "
— elizaholtr, 9/17/2010 -
" <br/> Interesting slim book by the orthodox Jewish humanist lover of science that is Herman Wouk.<br/><br/> Made me want to reread Winds of War, after his discription of writing it.<br/><br/> I read this book twice. "
— Gayle, 8/28/2010 -
" A good read for a humanities person trying to undertand science. Interesting insights into Wouk's life experiences. I can empathize with his difficulties in studying calculus. If you liked Richard Feynman you will enjoy this. "
— Patricia, 7/17/2010 -
" For me the best part was still the Aaron Jastrow sermon from War and Remembrance included at the end. "
— Judy, 7/11/2010 -
" I live Wouk, but this short book was mostly meatless. "
— Jon-Erik, 4/29/2010
About Herman Wouk
Herman Wouk (1915–2019) earned his living as a scriptwriter for Fred Allen before serving in World War II. His career as a novelist spans nearly six decades and has brought him resounding international acclaim, as well as a Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Caine Mutiny.
About Bob Walter
Bob Walter is a producer, director, and audiobook narrator. He is best known for his work as a music producer and sound effects designer for the movies Halloween, The Little Brave Toaster, and Apocalypse Now. His audiobook narrations include several nonfiction and fiction titles from Hachette, Random House, and HarperCollins, among others.