Tuva or Bust! Richard Feynman's Last Journey by Ralph Leighton
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Book Reviews of Tuva or Bust! Richard Feynman's Last Journey
Book Review: Tuva or Bust! A journey worth taking.
Summary: 4 Stars
Having the priviledge of seeing the play QED catalyzed my purchase of this wonderful book. This is no ordinary journey by no ordinary genius(es). It is a hilarious example of persistance required to learn all there is to know (without the aid of the Internet!) about an inaccessible culture, and then secure permission to travel to a dream-like land. This easy to read book makes me want to pick an obscure topic and make it my own hobby. My only disappointment is that the narrative lacked information about Professor Feynman's more personal trials and thoughts during this demanding period of his life. There were many chapters that rarely mentioned Feynman as the "journey" continued. Beyond that, it is a must read, not just for Feynman fans like myself, but for all of us that need to refresh ourselves with a bit of eccentricity in the form of a unique, personal goal.
Book Review: I want to see Tuva!
Summary: 4 Stars
I first became aquainted with Richard Feynman during my Master's program. During that time a professor of mine showed us a delightful NOVA documentary on Feynman. There was a great interview with Ralph Leighton, Feynman's friend, and Feynman himself who became rather obessed with getting to Tuva. Tuva was once a small independent country at the turn of the 20th century(and before) but later was taken over by the Soviet Union. I love this book because it gives you a wonderful view of the genius of Feynman as well as his human side that other more academic books tend to leave out or dismiss. As a side note, recently on a trip to Europe, I met a man who I swear WAS Richard Feynman, I even called out, "Dr. Feynman" and the man turned. He pretended to speak no English and walked away from me. Could Feynman still be alive and living well in Switzerland?Book Review: Great story, though it loses its steam
Summary: 4 Stars
I would never had read this book had I not recently had the chance to see Huun Huur Tu, a throat-singing voice from Tuva. But now that I am fascinated by this little-known, remote area along the Russian-Mongolian border, I found this book very entertaining. It chronicles the enormous challege of trying to visit such a remote land in the days before Glasnost and a fascinating cast of characters at its heart.
I think my only complaint is that the book loses steam at the end, which I guess is understandable, given the fate of its main protagonist. But overall, it is a wonderful testament to a group of brilliant folks, who spend years trying to follow through on a quest.
Book Review: The final chapter of "Surely You must be Joking"
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is more about Ralph than it is about Richard. But it gives us some insight as to what life was like living close to Dr. Feynman. He was a character and when he came up with going to Tuva how could you resist? Its so far fetched that it might just be possible for a couple of USA physicists to go to a place deep within the communist Soviet Union and make friends. Another great read in the series that starts in "Surely you must be joking." (BTW the first book is still the best of these 3. However I wanted to know more after reading each one so onward I treked.Book Review: Misleading, but Good
Summary: 4 Stars
While I truly enjoyed the story, particularly the casual and engaging narrative of Leighton, the title was misleading. We are led to believe the book is about "Feynman's last journery", but the irreverant genius is only a secondary character. The story is truly a first-person narrative about Leighton's adventures in getting to Tuva. It is a good read, and I do recommend it, but not if you are looking for greater insight into the life or mind of Richard Feynman.