This book is amazing. I am no scientist but I enjoy reading well written books that explain scientific subjects in such a way that people like me can understand and learn about our wonderful planet, our bodies and forensics. Ms Czerski has written just such a book about our oceans. It is fascinating, set at just the right level for me to understand and also full of fascinating facts and personal anecdotes. Highyly recommended to those who, like me, enjoy learning by reading from approachable and understandable text. With thanks to the author and the publishers for the advanced copy to read and review.

What a wonderful book. I read very few non fiction books and have to be really interested and engaged by the subject to start. This book held my interest with its almost hypnotic exploration of the planets waters. A history, ecology and conservation exploration. I loved it !

I was so excited when Transworld reached out to me to read this book in advance. I absolutely loved one of their new publications, Pathogenesis, which explores how bacteria has affected the world we live in, so I knew straight away that this book would be right up my street.

Blue Machine beautifully explores how the ocean has affected the world. From poo (which is only around because of the ocean) being one of the first causes of British imperialism, to the founder of Greenland naming it 'Greenland' to trick and entice inhabitants of Iceland, to the inhabitants of the ocean, this is a really fascinating and eye-opening read.

Helen really successfully gave an overview of this giant topic. I really liked Helen's additions of her own story and travels, which gave Blue Machine an emotional element.

Thank you again Helen Czerski and Transworld the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review also posted to GoodReads

Ms Czerski is obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about her subject, particularly trying to get people to stop and think about the ocean and how vital it is to our continued wellbeing. I particularly liked the idea of "messengers" "passengers" and "voyagers" and both learnt and thought a lot about "the blue machine" but must admit I found it difficult to warm to her style of writing and it did occasionally feel like a duty rather than a pleasure to return to the book.
Also, I think due to reading on a kindle, I found the introductory diagrams about currents impossible to follow
Thank you to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book