78 Books Scientific American Recommends in 2024

A collection of nonfiction and fiction books Scientific American editorial staff and contributors read and recommend in 2024
Basil Rohan · 2 days ago · 6 minutes read


## Our Must-Read Picks for 2024### Nonfiction#### The Scientist Within: Unlocking the Secrets of Health and Longevity- Anthony Fauci, Viking- Tags: Health, MemoirWitness the remarkable story of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as he guides the world through unprecedented medical challenges.#### A Natural Wonder: Exploring the Ecology of the American Tropics- Katherine Rundell, Doubleday- Tags: Nature, AnimalsImmerse yourself in the vibrant world of the American tropics as renowned naturalist Katherine Rundell uncovers the intricate ecosystems and extraordinary creatures that make this region so extraordinary.#### The Origin of Life: A Cosmic Journey from Stardust to You- Nathalie A. Cabrol, Simon and Schuster- Tags: Astrobiology, AstrophysicsJoin celebrated astrobiologist Nathalie A. Cabrol on a cosmic expedition to unravel the secrets of life on Earth and the possibility of finding it beyond.#### A Memoir of a Culinary Journey- Stanley Tucci, Gallery Books- Tags: Memoir, FoodDelight your taste buds with culinary adventures from the renowned actor and food enthusiast, Stanley Tucci, as he embarks on a yearlong gastronomic pilgrimage.#### The Queens of Ancient Egypt: Women Who Ruled Egypt- Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Basic Books- Tags: History, Ancient EgyptDiscover the untold stories of the charismatic Cleopatras, Greek-speaking descendants of Ptolemy, who wielded absolute power and reshaped the fate of ancient Egypt.#### Basketball as Life: A Narrative of Excellence, Resilience, and Brotherhood- Hanif Abdurraqib, Random House- Tags: Memoir, Cultural Criticism, SportsFollow the captivating journey of Hanif Abdurraqib as he reflects on the transformative power of basketball, exploring its impact on his personal and communal identity.#### From Trauma to Triumph: A Personal Account of Recovery- Tessa Venell, Self-published- Tags: MemoirDr. Tessa Venell courageously shares her firsthand experience of traumatic brain injury and the unexpected intersections of medicine and her personal environment that supported her path toward recovery.#### Understanding Our Planet: A Comprehensive Exploration of Earth's Life-Support Systems- Ferris Jabr, Random House- Tags: Science and TechnologyEmbark on a scientific expedition with Ferris Jabr as he illuminates the interconnected nature of life on Earth and explores the latest discoveries in the fields of biology, ecology, and environmentalism.#### The Art of Discerning Truth: Tools for Improving Our Judgment- Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell, Robert MacCoun, Little, Brown Spark- Tags: PsychologyMaster the art of critical thinking with this guide to recognizing bias, encouraging intellectual humility, and accessing reliable information.#### Preserving Our Heritage: Seeds That Nourished the World- Simon Parkin, Scribner- Tags: History, Science, WarDelve into the extraordinary tale of scientists risking their lives to preserve the world's seed bank during the Siege of Leningrad, a pivotal moment that shaped our understanding of agriculture today.#### The First Americans: Indigenous Civilization in North America- Kathleen DuVal, Random House- Tags: History, Indigenous Peoples' HistoryUncover the rich and vibrant history of Indigenous Americans long before European colonization, challenging narratives of a passive, pre-colonial population.#### The Imperative to Restore: Healing the Earth, Restoring Our Climate- Rob Jackson, Scribner- Tags: Climate ChangeJoin climate scientist Rob Jackson in his compelling case for restoring the atmosphere to pre-industrial levels, driving transformative action to mitigate climate change.#### Ethical Economics: Restoring Balance to Society and Nature- Robin Wall Kimmerer, Scribner- Tags: Indigenous Studies, EconomicsEmbrace a new economic paradigm that prioritizes reciprocity and interconnectedness with the natural world, guided by renowned ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer.### Fiction#### The Second King Arthur: A Henry VIII Era Reignited- Percival Everett, Doubleday- Tags: Literary Fiction, Historical FictionWitty and imaginative, Percival Everett rekindles the legend of King Arthur in a breathtaking tale set in the perilous era of Henry VIII's reign.#### Court of Flames and Shadows: A Return to the Crescent City- Sarah J. Maas, Bloomsbury- Tags: Fantasy, RomanceFantasy fans will be captivated by Sarah J. Maas's latest installment, delving deeper into the Crescent City universe with a thrilling blend of faerie realms, ancient prophecy, and unstoppable love.#### A Journey through the Far Future: A Novel about Time, Space, and the Quantum Realm- Robin Sloan, MCD- Tags: Science Fiction, Speculative FictionPrepare for a mind-bending odyssey as Robin Sloan's creations navigate the conundrums of time, artificial intelligence, and the mysteries of the universe.#### Metamorphosis of the Soul: A Novel Exploring Identity and Transformation- Sally Rooney, Farrar, Straus and Giroux- Tags: Literary FictionDelve into Sally Rooney's profound and moving novel that lays bare the complexities of love, loss, grief, and the relentless passage of time.#### The Sword of the Age: A Return to Arthurian Legend- Lev Grossman, Viking- Tags: Fantasy, Literary FictionLev Grossman's captivating retelling of the Arthurian legend weaves an epic tapestry of lost knights, shifting alliances, and a quest to rebuild a fractured realm.#### Life as Plastic: A Disturbing and Timely Tale of the Future- Scott Guild, Vintage- Tags: Literary Fiction, Humor, DystopiaBuckle up for a hilarious yet unsettling exploration of the plastic waste epidemic as Scott Guild's story unravels in a society where humans themselves have become artificial.#### The Under-Representation Problem: A Literary Mystery with a Twist- Chuck Tingle, Tor Nightfire- Tags: Horror, Science FictionChuck Tingle's offbeat and thought-provoking novel tackles the contentious issue of representation in the entertainment industry through the lens of a thrilling and terrifying mystery.#### Descending into Darkness: A Tale of Slavery and Resistance- Jesmyn Ward, Scribner- Tags: Literary Fiction, HistoricalJourney into the horrors of American slavery as Jesmyn Ward's unforgettable story weaves a harrowing tale of one woman's determination to escape the shackles of oppression.#### Enlightenment Seekers: A Gothic Tale of Romance and Mystery- Sarah Perry, Mariner Books- Tags: Historical Fiction, GothicEscape into the enigmatic world of 19th-century Essex in Sarah Perry's spellbinding tale of faith, superstition, and the unyielding bonds of love.#### Echoes of Rome: A Collection of Interconnected Short Stories- Jhumpa Lahiri, Knopf- Tags: Short Stories, Literary FictionExperience the rich interplay of cultures as Jhumpa Lahiri's enchanting short stories set in Rome delve into the lives of seekers, artists, and lovers across generations.#### The House of Magic: A Witch's Tale in Victorian England- Leigh Bardugo, Flatiron Books- Tags: Fantasy, Historical FictionEscape into a world of Victorian intrigue and supernatural charm as Leigh Bardugo unveils the story of a brilliant young woman who must navigate the perils of magic and dangerous power struggles.#### Beyond Recognition: A Relatable Tale of Modern Life- Lee Upton, Sagging Meniscus Press- Tags: Literary FictionLee Upton's poignant and humorous novel follows the journey of a woman in midlife who grapples with her identity, relationships, and the unexpected path life throws her way.#### Love and Astrology: A Lighthearted Romantic Comedy- Lauren Layne, Gallery Books- Tags: Romance, HumorDiscover your cosmic match in Lauren Layne's charming novel that blends the allure of astrology and the serendipitous surprises of first love.#### The Book of Loss and Redemption: A Tale of Immortality and Friendship- Kelly Link, Random House- Tags: Fantasy, Literary FictionKelly Link's extraordinary novel defies genres as it explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the enigmatic nature of time, and the allure of eternal life.