Books
Science That Will Go In Your Head, Not Over It: 7 Page-Turning Science Books to Make You Smarter
Ever regret skipping physics class because, well, now you know nothing about physics? Here are seven page-turning science books that will both entertain you and expand your mind so that the next time someone wonders out loud how the leopard got its spots, you can give him an answer. [Image: Getty Images]
'Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal' by Mary Roach
The only author who could convince me to read a book about the digestive system is the same one who convinced me that cadavers are both fascinating and hilarious in her bestselling book Stiff: Mary Roach. As always, Roach takes readers on a witty (and frequently pun-filled) journey, this time including a visit to a pet-food taste-test lab. Gulp is a treat for every reader who loves nerdy science, weird trivia, and being the most interesting guest at a dinner party. [Image: W.W. Norton & Company]
'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman
As it turns out, you are probably thinking about thinking wrong. Kahneman provides compelling insight into what goes on in our minds and how we form judgments, recognize aquaintences, make decisions, and more. [Image: Macmillan]
'Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything' by Josh Foer
Einstein is for everyone who has ever misplaced her phone, bombed a final, or forgotten her friend’s boyfriend’s little brother’s name. Foer returns to tactics used by Ancient Greeks to help improve memory. Take it from a sceptic and total scatterbrain: this book helps. [Image: Penguin Random House]
'This Explains Everything: Deep, Beautiful, and Elegant Theories of How the World Works' by John Brockman
The scientific masterminds of today come together in this book to answer 150 questions about everyday occurrences. By incorporating philosophy, history, and language, these essays are perfect for a brief, thought-provoking start to your day. [Image: Harper Collins]
'How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior' by Leonard Mlodinow
The initial allure of this book has less to do with the content and more to do with the cover slyly calling you sexy. Nothing like a confidence boost while browsing the bookstore! Once you get past the cover, however, it’s an enjoyable blend of humor, accessibility, and intelligence. Turns out, we don’t have quite the say in our decisions that we think we do. [Image: Penguin Random House]
'The Universe in the Rearview Mirror: How Hidden Symmetries Shape Reality' by Dave Goldberg
This books answers everything you really want to know about parallels in the universe without bogging you down in equations. In other words, Goldberg answers the questions you came up with at 4 A.M. when you were supposed to be writing a term paper in college. [Image: Penguin Random House]
'Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation' by Michael Pollan
Like all of his books, Pollan incorporates history and narrative to make his discussion of humanity’s connection to the natural world through it’s elements accessible and interesting. This is the type of book from which you’ll want to tell your friends stories over dinner, or, better yet while grilling, braising, baking, or fermenting your own meal. (OK, fermenting sounds kind of gross.) [Image: Penguin Books]
