Inspiring popular science books to read now

17th November 2022 by Anita Naik

It's not always easy to get students to love science. Many feel intimidated by the breadth of the subject, believing it's only for those with scientific minds. Some attempt to avoid the subject entirely and others see it as a topic to simply get through!

Yet, science allows students to gain a clearer and broader knowledge of the world and how and why things work. This is why popular science books can inspire even the most reluctant student. Enabling them to think critically and use problem-solving skills to expand their knowledge Here are the best popular science books to read now.

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

A multi-million bestseller of a book that looks at how Homo Sapiens came to dominate the world. Harari argues that it's down to the fact we are the only animal that can cooperate in large numbers. He also argues that the ability of Sapiens to collaborate in large numbers arises from their unique ability to believe in things existing purely in the imagination.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

From the Big Bang to Black Holes is a book on theoretical cosmology by physicist Stephen Hawking, who wrote the book for those without prior knowledge of physics.

Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Written by astronomer and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carl Sagan The book covers a huge range of topics exploring 15 billion years of cosmic evolution and the development of science and civilization.

The Body by Bill Bryson

A user's guide to the human body with chapters devoted to the brain, the guts, cells, blood, skin, and hair. Each chapter weaves together history, anecdotes, expert interviews and fascinating information.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

A guide through mind-expanding questions such as the nature of space and how we fit within the universe. Covering the Big Bang, black holes, and quarks to quantum mechanics and the search for life in the universe.

Black Holes by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw

Today, across the universe, at the heart of every galaxy, and dotted throughout, mature black holes are creating chaos. Professors Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw reflect on the latest research on mysterious black holes and the prospect that they might connect us to another universe.

The Joy of Science by Jim Al-Khalili

The acclaimed physicist and bestselling author of Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed delivers a viable and inspiring approach to navigating life's uncertainties and controversies through eight key lessons science can teach us about existence.

The Climate Book By Great Thunberg

Produced in partnership with over a hundred climate change experts, this essential volume from the iconic activist and former Waterstones Author of the Year broadens knowledge and awareness of the environmental crisis we are all facing.

The Song of the Cell Siddhartha Mukherjee

Hailing the life-changing discovery of the cell by Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, this rigorously researched and riveting scientific history from the author of The Emperor of All Maladies mixes biology with character study to brilliant effect.

Otherlands by Thomas Halliday

Palaeobiologist Thomas Halliday looks at the many living worlds that preceded ours, from the mammoth steppe in Ice Age Alaska to the lush rainforests of Eocene Antarctica, with its colonies of giant penguins, to Ediacaran Australia, where the moon is far brighter than ours today.