You may not have thought about reading science books since you have left school, yet we actually make countless science-based choices each day.
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are increasingly recognized as critical skills for our country. STEM is the foundation of an innovative culture and can be found at the core of significant political decisions. It is also also important to our individual economic well-being and quality of life. In managing our healthy and well being, an understanding of science plays a key role. Science can also be found in history, geography, philosophy, physical education, the arts and other subject areas. Understanding time periods in history and societies, for example, involves learning about scientific innovations and technology used during those periods.
We are fortunate today that there are many ‘popular’ science books available on almost any subject. From the string theory to neuroscience, whales to forensics there is a science book to interest everyone.
Try these 5 Science Books for interest sake.
1. Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life – Emily Nagoski PhD
Nagoski’s book is filled with solid scientific research on female sexuality, and presented in a lighthearted tone that it is accessible by even the most prudish. The book sheds light on how deeply ingrained cultural and gender stereotypes have greatly misinformed people when it comes to women and sex. This is an educational must-read for women (and men) to better understand their bodies and sex drives.
2. Forensics – Val McDermid
If you love mysteries and crime fiction, you will enjoy reading about the actual processes that inspired fiction writers. Having done extensive research for her novels, McDermid has become an almost expert in forensics. In this non-fiction volume, she details some of the odd and fascinating facts about the science of identifying the dead, and how it is used to solve crimes in the real world. You will come to realize that fiction is not so far from fact as you might think.
3. Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld the Truth beyond Blackfish – John Hargrove & Howard Chua-Eoan
Part factual exposition, part personal observations from his job at SeaWorld, Hargrove’s book will open your eyes to many ugly truths about the treatment of animals in captive. The author reveals the emotional roller coaster that those who have experienced working closely with animals go through. From the initial joy of getting to work with animals to the disillusionment with their jobs. If you are an animal lover, this book will make you cringe at some of the horrifying treatments that animals are subjected to for the sake of profit and amusement.
4. Headstrong: 52 Women who Changed Science and the World – Rahchel Swaby
If there’s anyone who still doubt women’s place in science (hard to believe of anyone in the mid-2010s), give them a copy of this book to read. Within these pages are profiles of 52 amazing women who made contributions to science throughout history. Some of their stories will leave you in awe, while some will make you feel slightly infuriated at the injustice they faced. If you or a woman you know is aspiring towards a science career, ‘inspirational’ doesn’t even begin to describe Headstrong as an essential reading material.
5. Voices in the Ocean – Susan Casey
Casey’s book is a personal account of her personal spiritual connection to dolphins, from her experience of swimming with them to discovering how they are mistreated. Scientific information about dolphins is kept to the minimum, with focus given to the author’s individual journey. While a bit less on the science, Voices of the Ocean is still worth reading for those who enjoy human-animal bonding stories.
