Start Date: January 20, 2025
End Date: January 31, 2025

A truly remarkable biography. Though I haven’t read other accounts of Oppenheimer’s life, it’s hard to imagine one as comprehensive, balanced, or masterfully written as this (Pulitzer…). Oppenheimer was a man who left an indelible impression on everyone he met. His intellect, charisma, and eclectic interests captivated many, yet his flaws and controversial decisions left others conflicted. The authors portray both his genius and the immense pressures he faced—at Los Alamos and during the later years of his life, which seemed marked by a form of self-imposed martyrdom. This book captures the full scope of his complex life and legacy, painting a vivid portrait of a man who shaped history and bore the weight of his impact on the world.