Books matching: scientific exploration
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Save:A smart, accessible exploration of autism that blends up-to-date research with firsthand insight - perfect for anyone seeking to understand the autistic perspective from both the inside and outside.
'The Autistic Brain' by Temple Grandin is a comprehensive exploration of autism, combining personal experience with scientific research. Grandin delves into the latest brain studies on autism, offering valuable insights into the evolving understanding of the condition. She challenges conventional thinking by discussing different ways of thinking, such as fact thinking, picture thinking, and pattern thinking, and highlights the importance of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. The book covers topics such as diagnostic history, brain imaging research, coping strategies, and career suggestions for individuals on the spectrum, providing a broad overview of autism and its implications.
I WAS FORTUNATE to have been born in 1947. If I had been born ten years later, my life as a person with autism would have been a lot different. In 1947, the diagnosis of autism was only four years old...April 2013•282 pages - #2
Save:A classic journey that shaped evolutionary biology - fascinating for explorers at heart, but best approached with patience and a historical lens.
Alfred Russel Wallace's 'The Malay Archipelago' is a classic Victorian travel book that takes readers on an epic journey through the exotic climes of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Wallace's narrative immerses readers in his interactions with the natives, the diverse wildlife, and the natural landscapes he encountered during his travels. The book provides a detailed and engaging account of Wallace's adventures as he collected specimens of animals, birds, and insects, shedding light on the people and societies he met along the way.
Wallace's writing style is described as vivid and engaging, blending elements of science and travel diary seamlessly. The book offers readers a glimpse into the 19th-century scientific exploration, capturing the essence of Wallace's discoveries and observations about the natural world. Despite some tedious and repetitive sections, 'The Malay Archipelago' remains a worthwhile read, showcasing Wallace's contribution to the understanding of biology and evolution through his independent discovery of natural selection.
1869•536 pages A brilliantly silly, science-fueled romp - best enjoyed in small bites. Not as groundbreaking as ‘What If?’ but still a must for geeks, tinkerers, and trivia fans. Keep it on your shelf for whenever you need a dose of smart, absurd fun.
Randall Munroe's book, "How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems," is a hilarious and educational exploration of absurd scenarios that demonstrate scientific thinking in solving everyday problems. From filling a swimming pool with bottled water to landing a plane or jumping really high, Munroe provides highly impractical yet scientifically rooted advice, illustrated with his signature stick figure drawings. Each chapter stands on its own, allowing readers to delve into topics that interest them the most, while Munroe's humor and ability to bring science to a level understandable to non-scientists make the book engaging and informative.
The book is filled with quirky and fun thought experiments that showcase Munroe's use of relentless physics extrapolation, taking readers on a journey from mundane tasks to unexpected and absurd outcomes. Through witty scientific explorations, Munroe manages to bring interesting scientific insights while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone, making it a great read for anyone looking for math and physics-based humor or a jumping-off point for teaching science to high school students.
Basketball players make some impressive leaps to reach hoops placed high in the air, but most of their reach comes from their height. An average professional basketball player can only jump a little m...September 2019•325 pages- #4
Save:A quirky, highly readable mix of scientific memoir and paleontological adventure - better for getting a feel for the life of a field scientist than for a detailed account of Permian beasts. Ideal for those who love science stories with a personal touch.
'Gorgon' by Peter D. Ward seems to be more of a paleontological autobiography, delving into the author's experiences as a paleontologist working in the Karoo Desert in South Africa. The narrative style is described as a mix between a travelogue and a science book, focusing on Ward's adventures in the wilderness and his efforts to study fossils and rock strata to uncover the mysteries of the creatures that existed before the dinosaurs. While the book touches on the great Permian extinction event that wiped out over 95% of all species on Earth 250 million years ago, it also delves into the personal lives of the scientists involved, their dedication to their work, and the internal feuds among them.
2004•288 pages - #5
Save:A thoughtful, compassionate, and approachable look at near-death experiences - especially recommended for the newly curious or those searching for comfort and perspective, but possibly too gentle or familiar for experts seeking paradigm-shifting revelations.
'After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond' by Bruce Greyson delves into the fascinating realm of near-death experiences (NDEs), exploring the profound impact these experiences have on individuals and their perspectives on life and death. Through a scientific lens, Dr. Greyson presents compelling accounts of individuals who have had NDEs, discussing themes such as reuniting with lost loved ones, the transformational effects of NDEs on one's life, and the exploration of consciousness beyond the physical realm. The writing style combines personal anecdotes, research findings, and a reflective tone to guide readers through the exploration of the afterlife and the mysteries surrounding NDEs.
I had never met someone with half a face. Six months into my psychiatric training, Henry was admitted to my hospital. When I first saw him lying on his hospital bed, it was hard not to stare at the ri...March 2021•272 pages - #6
Save:A smart, quirky, and refreshing twist on both natural history and fantasy - perfect for readers who love wit, dragons-as-animals, and fierce women breaking the mold. Just don't expect epic battles or fire-breathing drama; this adventure is more about curiosity, courage, and clever commentary.
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan is a captivating tale set in a quasi-Victorian fantasy world, following the adventures of Lady Isabella Trent, a young woman breaking societal norms to pursue her passion for studying dragons. The book offers a unique blend of memoir-style storytelling, combining elements of adventure, mystery, and scientific exploration as Lady Trent reflects on her early days of studying dragonkind. The narrative unfolds through Lady Trent's vivid narration, detailing her struggles against societal expectations and her determination to follow her scientific pursuits, all set against a backdrop of a well-textured world reminiscent of the Georgian Victorian era.
When I was seven, I found a sparkling lying dead on a bench at the edge of the woods which formed the back boundary of our garden, that the groundskeeper had not yet cleared away. With much excitement...February 2013•344 pages A fun, eye-opening, and smart introduction to the senses of plants that brings science to life without sensationalism. Perfect for anyone who wants to understand how incredible - and relatable - the plant world can be.
'What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses' by Daniel Chamovitz is a fascinating exploration of the sensory world of plants, revealing how they see, feel, hear, smell, and remember. Through the eyes of the author, readers are taken on a journey to understand the genetic underpinnings that plants share with humans, shedding light on the evolutionary path that has led to the diverse plant kingdom we see today. Chamovitz's clear and simple explanations, coupled with real-life applications, make this book an engaging and informative read that changes the way we perceive plants and their abilities.
Chamovitz's writing style in 'What a Plant Knows' is described as fun, clear, and simple, making complex scientific concepts accessible without compromising on depth. The author's unique approach to science writing, coupled with a gentle sense of humor and deep integrity, guides readers through the world of plants in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining. not only educates readers on the sensory life of plants but also celebrates the role of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, presenting a compelling narrative that highlights the beauty and power of well-done science.
My interest in the parallels between plant and human senses got its start when I was a young postdoctoral fellow at Yale University in the 1990s. I was interested in studying a biological process spec...2012•228 pages- #8
Save:An illuminating, well-written introduction to the history, science, and promise of psychedelics - a must-read for the curious and open-minded, though it can get repetitive if you’re already deep in the subject.
'How to Change Your Mind' by Michael Pollan explores the new science of psychedelics and its impact on consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence. Readers find the book enlightening, informative, and well-written, presenting a wealth of information and insight into the potential of psychedelic drugs to impact individuals and society as a whole. Pollan delves into the history of psychedelics research, detailing his own experiences and discussing how psychedelics could potentially help with addiction and depression.
IF THE START of the modern renaissance of psychedelic research can be dated with any precision, one good place to do it would be the year 2006. Not that this was obvious to many people at the time. Th...May 2018•475 pages - #9
Save:A rich, absorbing blend of science and human stories that will fascinate Titanic fans - even if a few rough patches and small errors crop up along the way.
'Ghosts of the Titanic' by Charles Pellegrino delves into the tragic events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic, intertwining personal accounts of those onboard with detailed scientific analysis. Pellegrino takes readers on a journey through the Titanic expeditions, providing new survivor stories and insights into the wreck. covers a wide range of topics including biology, microbiology, physics, mathematics, psychology, and politics, offering a comprehensive exploration of what happened that fateful night.
Pellegrino's writing style beautifully weaves together intimate narratives of the Titanic passengers with up-to-date scientific information on the wreck. is lauded for its haunting portrayal of the individuals who experienced the disaster, while also presenting intriguing scientific discoveries and forensic reconstructions of the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic.
2000•346 pages - #10
Save:A clever, genre-defying vampire epic - deep, dark, and packed with ideas. Go in for the alternate history and philosophical twists; skip it if you want a breezy or traditional vampire tale.
'The Empire of Fear' by Brian M. Stableford is an alternate history vampire novel that delves into a world where vampires are real, ruling over society in the 17th century. The book explores the clash between vampires and revolutionaries, blending real-life historical figures with a unique perspective on vampires that is dark, weird, and fascinating. Stableford's writing is mature and interesting, grounding the vampire theme in history and myth while addressing themes of doctrinal absolutism versus free inquiry, superstition versus science, and the nature of power and fear.
It was the thirteenth of June in the Year of Our Lord 1623. Warm weather had come early to Grand Normandy and the streets of London were bathed in sunlight. There were crowds everywhere and the port w...1988•469 pages
