THIS AUTHOR makes a big promise: to explore seven wonders of not just the world, but of the entire universe, in a book only a few hundred pages long.

From the outset, James makes it clear that she doesn't offer a comprehensive guide to science. Instead, her conversational and at times humourous approach attempts to re-inspire the audience to look more closely at everything around them.

Putting her physics background to good use, she explores the central idea that behind the mundane tasks of daily life are often-ignored but awe-inspiring phenomena. To explain complex ideas, sketches and cartoons are used, adding to the book's sense of childish wonder.

If you'd like to understand more about how science affects the world around you without complicated scientific jargon that goes with it, this book is for you. It's an informative and accessible read that'll make you rethink whether taking the rubbish out is as boring as you previously thought.