Hmm, I always figured if life existed on other planets or solar systems, why assume it's carbon-based life at all? Would we even recognize it as "life"? So this might be an interesting read for me.
And oh my that is a gorgeous cover. I might need this book just for that cover!
*sigh* The internet ate my original, lengthy comment. The book takes a look at the various properties of carbon in conjunction with other atoms (electron availability, size, strength of bonds formed, universal availability etc) to see why carbon is prevalent in terms of "life". Carbon and its functions/properties are compared to Silicon and other atoms with similar properties. The book also covers why water as opposed to oceans of ammonia or benzene and things like that. But Cockell also acknowledges that life could (possibly, maybe) be made out of something other than carbon and water, depending on the environmental conditions on some other planet, but that it is probably unlikely since laws of physics appear to be universal (as far as anyone can tell right now), but he doesn't know 100% since they only have one planet with life on it as a sample. He uses some hypothetical examples to make his point.
I'm so glad he addresses that! I *definitely* have to get this one. I put it on my Ammy wish list, but will still probably have to buy it myself. For some reason, the person who draws my name at Christmas is usually not a reader, and doesn't consider books to be a "fun" gift to give. Once in a while I get lucky and my sister draws my name, though.
Sounds like my family and friends. They don't read and don't think books are a good gift. I've managed to convince some of them to give me money instead so I can buy the books. None of them think gift vouchers to the online bookshop is a proper gift either.
And oh my that is a gorgeous cover. I might need this book just for that cover!