Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus hit me hard because I am a woman majoring in a science degree. I have been told by teachers to be sure about wanting to pursue science in the future, as I will have a hard time getting ahead as a woman. Elizabeth, the main character, faces similar challenges of being undermined or underappreciated because of being a woman. She starts off at a science firm, but after the death of her boyfriend, she is fired for being pregnant and unwed.
Written in the Bone by Sue Black is a nonfiction book about forensic anthropology. Forensic anthropology is the study and practice of examining bones to determine how both people of the past and present lived/died. Sue Black writes the book by giving anatomical facts mixed with personal experiences of working as a forensic anthropologist.
Hyperspace by Michio Kaku explores the concept of higher dimensions and how they could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Kaku explains how string theory, which relies on multiple dimensions beyond the familiar three, might unify the laws of physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics. He discusses historical and modern theories about extra dimensions, their potential role in black holes, time travel and parallel universes, and how they could explain fundamental forces like gravity.
Bill Bryson's The Body: A Guide for Occupants offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the human body, revealing the intricate and often astonishing systems that sustain us. From the microscopic world of cells to the complexities of the brain and immune system, Bryson navigates the marvels of human anatomy and physiology with his characteristic wit and clarity. He delves into evolutionary history, the delicate balance of our internal ecosystems and the myriad ways things can go awry.
Roger Highfield’s The Science Behind Harry Potter is an exploration of the intersection between magic and science, bringing the fantastical world of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series into the realm of real-world science. Highfield uses the wizarding universe as a foundation to discuss fascinating scientific concepts, from the physics of flying broomsticks to the chemistry of potions and the biology of mythical creatures.
This was a very interesting, insightful book that centers on a fatal car crash and the aftermath of the incident. When Reggie, a college student in Utah, drives & kills 2 rocket scientists, he is faced with life-changing consequences. This book follows the aftermath of that crash and how Reggie changes from it. The book also includes many science experiments to really show what may have happened at the time of the crash. Was Reggie distracted & texting? Or was it just an unfortunate accident?
Science Comics: Volcanoes is a graphic novel by Jon Chad that explains volcanoes in the fashion of a story. This book is set in the future in which the earth has completely frozen over and there are many groups of people, calling themselves tribes, who have to find random human-made things from long ago to burn up to provide heat and energy. However, a young girl named Aurora thinks there must be a better way to help her tribe.
Want to obtain general knowledge of the human body? If so, you should check out Bill Bryson’s The Body. This book covers basic knowledge of various areas throughout the human body. Topics like the heart, the brain, the head, the immune system, and others can be found in this book. Bill Bryson incorporates his fun style and worthy information into the book which keeps the reader entertained while reading. Additionally, he amusingly converses with the reader to keep them curious and engaged.
The Sun's Heartbeat by Bob Berman explores the rhythmic pattern of solar activity and its impact on Earth's climate and civilization. Berman highlights the correlation between the sun cycle, solar flares, and the solar magnetic field every 11 years, highlighting how these events influence our planet's weather patterns, technological infrastructure, and even human behavior.
In the sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, former high school science teacher Ryland Grace wakes in a strange hospital, fresh from a coma and bleary with various medical drugs. Once he recovers a little, he notices several strange things: first, his companions in the odd medical wing are dead and he’s devastated. But he can’t really recall how he knows them, or why they’re here. He can’t remember much at all, really - not even his own name.
