"The role of happenstance in determining the fate of the world may seem a matter for philosophy more than science, but Carroll, a biologist, shows how central the idea is to everyday existence."—New York Times Book Review
"The role of happenstance in determining the fate of the world may seem a matter for philosophy more than science, but Carroll, a biologist, shows how central the idea is to everyday existence."—New York Times Book Review
"The role of happenstance in determining the fate of the world may seem a matter for philosophy more than science, but Carroll, a biologist, shows how central the idea is to everyday existence."—New York Times Book Review
"With conversational wit, Carroll encourages us to embrace the randomness of the world."—Scott Hershberger, Scientific American
"With conversational wit, Carroll encourages us to embrace the randomness of the world."—Scott Hershberger, Scientific American
"With conversational wit, Carroll encourages us to embrace the randomness of the world."—Scott Hershberger, Scientific American
"Carroll takes readers on an entertaining tour of biological discovery that emphasizes the dominant role played by chance in shaping the conditions for life on Earth. Along the way, he provides insights and humor that make the book a quick, lively read that both educates and entertains. . . . Books such as this remind us to make our unlikely time here count."—Ivor Knight, Science
"The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives."—Nick Rennison, Daily Mail
"The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives."—Nick Rennison, Daily Mail
"Carroll’s work renders hefty topics accessible, exploring the perfect storm of events responsible for evolution, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and every living person’s conception."—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine
"Carroll takes readers on an entertaining tour of biological discovery that emphasizes the dominant role played by chance in shaping the conditions for life on Earth. Along the way, he provides insights and humor that make the book a quick, lively read that both educates and entertains. . . . Books such as this remind us to make our unlikely time here count."—Ivor Knight, Science
"Carroll takes readers on an entertaining tour of biological discovery that emphasizes the dominant role played by chance in shaping the conditions for life on Earth. Along the way, he provides insights and humor that make the book a quick, lively read that both educates and entertains. . . . Books such as this remind us to make our unlikely time here count."—Ivor Knight, Science
"A short, sweet, and scientifically solid view of life."—Kirkus, starred review
"Carroll’s work renders hefty topics accessible, exploring the perfect storm of events responsible for evolution, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and every living person’s conception."—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine
"Carroll’s work renders hefty topics accessible, exploring the perfect storm of events responsible for evolution, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and every living person’s conception."—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine
"A short, sweet, and scientifically solid view of life."—Kirkus, starred review
"A short, sweet, and scientifically solid view of life."—Kirkus, starred review
"Golf games, coincidental immunity, and pandemics: A Series of Fortunate Events ranges from examining trivial events to sobering ones, but remains relevant throughout, revealing how chance affects everyday life."—Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews
"Golf games, coincidental immunity, and pandemics: A Series of Fortunate Events ranges from examining trivial events to sobering ones, but remains relevant throughout, revealing how chance affects everyday life."—Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews
"The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives."—Nick Rennison, Daily Mail
"Golf games, coincidental immunity, and pandemics: A Series of Fortunate Events ranges from examining trivial events to sobering ones, but remains relevant throughout, revealing how chance affects everyday life."—Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews
"I couldn’t put it down. If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll keep turning these pages."—Flora Taylor, American Scientist
"I couldn’t put it down. If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll keep turning these pages."—Flora Taylor, American Scientist
"I couldn’t put it down. If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll keep turning these pages."—Flora Taylor, American Scientist
"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."—Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology
"Entertaining and informative, Carroll’s latest is a real eye-opener."—Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology
"It is to biologist Sean B. Carroll’s credit that he’s found a way of taking a puzzle that could easily fill volumes (and probably has filled volumes), and presenting it to us in a slim, non-technical, and fun little book."—Dan Falk, Undark
“Fascinating and exhilarating—Sean B. Carroll at his very best.”—Bill Bryson, author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants
"Profound, witty, and funny—this book will change the way you see yourself, and the universe, forever."—Alice Roberts, author of The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being
“With equal measure of scientific authority, lively storytelling, and a profoundly optimistic view of the future, A Series of Fortunate Events is the rare science book that reads like a guilty pleasure. Writing with deep insight and great humor, Carroll educates, entertains, and inspires.”—B. N. Horowitz, MD, coauthor of Wildhood: The Epic Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood in Humans and Other Animals
"In A Series of Fortunate Events, Sean Carroll pulls off a remarkable feat. He handles the 'Big Question'—the role of chance in the making of our bodies and our planet—with wit and scientific rigor. Carroll treats us to a tour of Earth history, DNA, cancer, and evolution that is awe-inspiring, urgent, and even at times laugh-out-loud funny."—Neil Shubin, paleontologist and author of Your Inner Fish
"A Series of Fortunate Events is an engaging blend of science and culture, written in Carroll's usual easygoing style. Highly recommended!"—Matthew Cobb, author of The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
