This book gave me a couple of nights of sleep deprivation. The material in Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation & Time Travel was so compelling and the writing by Michio Kaku so engaging that I couldn't put the book down and turn off the light.

Inspired by popular science fiction, Kaku clearly explains why today's science fiction may eventually be tomorrow's reality. By dividing these fantastical elements into three classes of "impossibility," he helps the average Joe (like me) with the digestion of this material.

I have known about the three types of civilizations -- types I, II and III -- for some time. But, as simple as that sounds, it didn't really make sense until Kaku brought his analogies and concise writing style to bear. I have a better grasp on the concept now that I know Star Trek is an example of a type II civilization and Star Wars is a type III. (For more about what that means exactly, read the book.) It sounds a little goofy, maybe, but it works. And no, I am not uninitiated as I have been reading and studying popular physics since the 1970s.

This book is a fascinating weaving of fiction and fact; of fantasy and reality. I can imagine that few physicists would put themselves on the line to produce a book of this nature. I am glad Kaku possesses the self-confidence and self-esteem to discuss these matters in this digestible manner.