Delightful, although somewhat convoluted - necessarily so, I suppose, since the elements are so deeply intertwined among each other, as are the humans involved in their stories. At heart this is really a book about relationships, which is perhaps what makes it so enthralling to me. Kean writes with enthusiasm about a subject he deeply loves. His organization - the way he lays out sections and chapters - shows a great deal of planning and forethought. It's original and curiously effective.

This was especially fun to read alongside [b:The Elements|12651327|Elements A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe|Theodore Gray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1404579085l/12651327.SX50.jpg|6873223], that gorgeous coffee-table book that is just too hard to get through otherwise. I would read a bit of Disappearing Spoon, get intrigued, refer to Elements, ogle the pictures, learn something different, and back and forth. I highly recommend this way of reading.