The Secret Lives of the ElementsThe Secret Lives of the Elements by Kathryn Harkup offers an intriguing journey through the atomic world, perfect for those looking to escape our human sized existence. As Helen Arney, science comedian and broadcaster, states: 'The perfect book to escape our human sized existence and take a tour of the atomic world instead.' When we think of the periodic table, we often envision orderly rows of elements that conform to type and never break the rules.