A summer reading list for science lovers: 10 science books you won’t want to put down
Looking for your next fascinating read? We've been diving into books that reveal hidden truths and make us see the world differently, and now we're sharing our top 10 science-related picks. Whether you're in the mood for discovery, inspiration, or a fresh perspective, these titles offer sharp insights and plenty of "aha!" moments. Jump in and find something new to ignite your curiosity!
July 21, 2025
5 min. read
We’ve been on a bit of a reading streak – drawn in by books that ask big questions, reveal hidden truths, and make you see the world a little differently. With so many intriguing science titles out there, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Frank Zappa summed it up perfectly: “So many books, so little time.”
To help you focus your time (and your brainpower), we are each sharing five science-related books that really stood out to us. Whether you’re in the mood for discovery, inspiration, or a new lens on the world, these titles offer new angles, sharp insights, and plenty of "aha" moments. We hope something here jumps to the top of your list.
Di’s picks:
The Theory that Would not Die, by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne
This book is a non-technical introduction to Bayesian statistics – combining subject matter knowledge or previous data with current data to solve problems. I particularly liked all the different examples the author provided, many of which I had never heard of before.
Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics, by Adam Rutherford
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books recently, but this was the one I chose for this list. The author works in the former Galton Lab at University College London, originally named after the scientist who invented regression to the mean and believed in survival of the fittest through eugenics. It’s a story of a dark period in science, told in the author’s excellent style.
The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic—and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World, by Steven Johnson
As a statistician, I had learned about London’s 1854 cholera epidemic and how it was traced by Dr. John Snow to the Broad Street pump. But this book gives so much more rich history of London, medical science, epidemiology, and the scientific method. Johnson also spoke at our Discovery Summit 2019 conference in Tucson.
Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe, by Stephen Strogatz
This book is a love letter to calculus. It’s so much more than just a mathematical history book. It kept me engaged from the first page through the last. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author; The Calculus of Friendship has been on my list for a while, and Anne just recommend Sync.
Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir
The latest book by the author of The Martian is my favorite book I’ve read in quite a few years. It’s a fiction book, yes, but it covers wonderful themes: lots of science and engineering, friendship, saving humanity, solving a mystery, and teaching a subject you love to others who love it too. I can’t wait to read it again, this time in audiobook form. If you’ve read it, you’ll know why!
Anne’s picks:
Bitch: On the Female of the Species, by Lucy Cook
I love the author’s fresh perspective. She conveys the importance of female scientists asking questions others wouldn’t think to ask, and the importance of studying females in general. Further, she conveys the variation in biology’s blurred lines in sex and reproduction across the animal kingdom, highlighting some of its incredible biodiversity, as well as lending fascinating insights into evolutionary biology. Her tongue-in-cheek British humor is delightful.
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, by Robert Sapolsky
The author sets expectations well that you can’t come at such a complex topic as human behavior through one lens. The first chapters were (to borrow the author’s words in the introduction) “hellishly complicated,” but the later chapters made it worth it! He explores the many facets of what shapes our behaviors with fascinating stories, data, and facts.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker
Wow. The science behind our sleep evolution is extensive. Innovations to measure other animal’s sleep and the diversity of the ways we all sleep is remarkable. Some sleep one brain hemisphere at a time! Sleep affects our ability to learn, remember, and make good decisions. Sleep hygiene has become a higher priority in our household.
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures, by Merlin Sheldrake
Fascinating on so many levels. So many fungi have yet to be classified, and they are crucial to life on this planet. The mycorrhizal network is essential for most plants and healthy forests. Fungi are decomposers, fermenters, food, medicine, toxins, and so much more. The author’s TED Talk is excellent.
Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures as a Fisherman Turned Restorative Ocean Farmer, by Bren Smith
This book is incredibly informative about how we can sustainably nourish ourselves. The author weaves in his amazing life journey that led to the founding of GreenWave, which is helping spread regenerative ocean farming around the world.
The best science books don’t just inform – they stoke curiosity. They help us connect ideas, reframe problems, and ask better questions.
JMP’s love of reading extends into our user community in meaningful ways. Our Women in STEM interest group hosts an active book club with discussion groups across multiple time zones. We also frequently feature authors at our Discovery Summit conferences – often with book signings and giveaways.
At last year’s Discovery Summit Europe, Lucy Cooke delivered a memorable closing plenary and joined the Women’s Affinity Lunch as a featured guest, so her bestselling book was a natural pick for the club’s next read.
Book club signups occur throughout the year – come join the conversation. Happy reading!