Task 2: Read a Nonfiction Book About Science

[Bonnie G.]

Jessica wrote: "would 'The Psycopath Test' by Jon Ronson count in this category?"

I say yes. There is a lot of science in there, and its fascinating.

[Ramona]

Nicia wrote: "Would you consider Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance a science book? It is categorized as non-fiction dealing with sociology, including research and interviews with experts in the field."

It totally counts as social science. I have a friend who has already read it for this category. It's based on a lot of research and behavioral science. It's the best book I've ever read by a comedian and the best non-fiction I've read in a long time.

[Carol]

Ashley wrote: "If anyone is still having some trouble finding a book to fulfill this task, I would like to throw Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner into the..."

Thank you for this rec!! I've been totally flummoxed by this task because I read so much non-fiction for my day job that I can't sustain an interest in non-fiction for my entertainment reading. But THIS? This I can have some fun with.

[Carolyn]

Anyone struggling with this task should check out Mary Roach, her books are a great, fun read. My favorites are Stiffed and Packing for Mars. I listened to Bonked and that was a great audio book as well...

[Bonnie G.]

Hannah wrote: "I've just finished A Brief History of Time for this one. I found it interesting and written in a really accessible way, but now totally confused about time!"

I had the same experience with that book but I could not have stated the effect so eloquently. Thanks!

[Bryn]

Does In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides count for this challenge? Subtitle: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette. It's a fantastic read; I got it from Parnassas Books First Edition Club which everyone should check out. :)

[Monica]

Just finished Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves . Excellent primer about the ocean, it's largest mammals (including humans) and potential origins of life. Great read for this task.

[Travis]

Jessica wrote: "would 'The Psycopath Test' by Jon Ronson count in this category?"

So loved that book. Who know psychopathology could be so funny?

[Wellington]

For this task I read The Dolphin In The Mirror by Diana Reiss. This was a very accessible science book. The author tells how she ended up studying animal consciousness. It is consciousness even more than intelligence and she makes great and easily understood arguments for why this is. Her use of language and storytelling is very compelling and you feel like you are there with her as she makes each discovery. The last two chapters have a very different feel. I understand why they are there and what she is trying to do, but somehow it ends up being discordant with the rest of the book.

[Katie]

I'm reading Dawn of the Deed: The Prehistoric Origins of Sex, since its been on my to read list for years and learning about dinosaur intercourse sounds fun!
XD

[Brittany]

I'm reading The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert for this one.

[Veronica]

I've had The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales on my shelf for a looong time, so I was happy that I got to use it to complete this task. Review on my blog. Wonderful book, and now I want to read Dr. Sacks's other works.

[Taylor]

Just started reading Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, loving it!

[Stina]

Mary wrote: "I read What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe. He is the creator of XKCD and it was quite fun. I was vaguely aware ..."

This is my pick for a local book club this year, and I'm really enjoying it so far, so this will probably be what I use for this challenge.

[Luella]

I was thinking of doing a few different ones but for this one I think I'm doing Ingredients: A Visual Exploration of 75 Additives & 25 Food Products which I got from the library (not just pictures, explains all the chemicals as well) or The Brain in Love: 12 Lessons to Enhance Your Love Life since I ended up with a copy of it and its based on some neuroscience research.

[Hannah]

I will probably have quite a few books to fit in this category by the end of the year, but the first one I read that qualifies is The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can: Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer.

Anyone planning on reading Mary Roach should definitely try them as audiobooks. They are what made me care about audiobooks.

[Martha]

My face-to-face book group chose Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants as a book we will read later this fall. It also fits with spirituality and this may be the book I've been looking for to read in the Religion category.

[Nicole]

I have The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean for this task. I bought it several years ago and always found other books to fill my time with, instead. It fits perfectly here!!

[Rayne]

Does it matter what age level the book falls under?

My 9yo is helping me find books to complete the tasks and she brought home a book from the school library about bees so that I could complete this task. So sweet! We are reading it together.

[Jennifer]

Brooklyn wrote: "Does it matter what age level the book falls under?

My 9yo is helping me find books to complete the tasks and she brought home a book from the school library about bees so that I could complete t..."

Great idea!

[Dawn]

I picked up The Pluto Files when it was on sale at Indigo for $5. It was ok, although I love Pluto personally and was offended by Tyson's "crusade" to get it demoted.

[Bea]

Brooklyn wrote: "Does it matter what age level the book falls under?

My 9yo is helping me find books to complete the tasks and she brought home a book from the school library about bees so that I could complete t..."

Brooklyn, I do not think there is an age level unless the task requires one specifically...like task 5.

[Sarah]

Brooklyn wrote: "Does it matter what age level the book falls under?

My 9yo is helping me find books to complete the tasks and she brought home a book from the school library about bees so that I could complete t..."

And if you are doubling your books- Read Out Loud!

[Jessica]

I will be reading What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions for this task, thanks to some recommendations from this thread.

[Sydney]

Hubert wrote: "I was wondering whether I could use one book for three slots:

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddharta Mukherjee

1) an author originally from India
2) a non-fiction book ab..."

I am interested to hear others' opinions as well, because I had the same idea.... Currently listening to this book during my daily commute and it is very good.

[Bonnie G.]

Is there a category for authors from India? I only see Southeast Asia, not South Asia.

[Bea]

Bonnie wrote: "Is there a category for authors from India? I only see Southeast Asia, not South Asia."

Bonnie, this task is the science task, not the SE Asia author task.

[Carolyn]

Loved this book, book group selection for me, wouldn't have tried it on my own. Why I'm loving the reading challenge!

[Bea]

Carolyn wrote: "Loved this book, book group selection for me, wouldn't have tried it on my own. Why I'm loving the reading challenge!"

What book are you referring to?

[Bonnie G.]

yes Bea I was responding to the question about Emperor of Maladies. I know what category this is

[Bea]

Bonnie wrote: "yes Bea I was responding to the question about Emperor of Maladies. I know what category this is"

AH! Got it now.

[Leslie]

For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions asking "permission" to read a book subject other than something on the list. This is voluntary. Read whatever you want. If you want to complete a challenge, it might be a bit of a challenge.

[Erin]

I'm reading The Invention of Science: The Scientific Revolution from 1500 to 1750 right now for this challenge, and it's literally boring me to tears. I want to continue it, because I like the subject matter, but the way it's written so far is confusing me. Hopefully it improves, because I don't want to not enjoy it.

[Shari]

Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions asking "permission"..."

Agreed. Just out of curiosity, how to you feel about a book that fits two subject areas? I know it's my personal decision, however, I am a slower reader, work full time and raising 3 kids, I sometimes find it nearly impossible to fit in two books a month. Not arguing, I completely agree with you, just curious. :)

[Bea]

Shari wrote: "Just out of curiosity, how to you feel about a book that fits two subject areas?"

Shari, Book Riot allows it. I personally have decided to read a different book for each challenge, but Book Riot does not require that.

[Nadine in California]

Erin wrote: "I'm reading The Invention of Science: The Scientific Revolution from 1500 to 1750 right now for this challenge, and it's literally boring me to tears. I want to continue it, because..."

If you don't like the book stop immediately - life's too short and there are too many good books out there! If you're interested in reading about the history of science, I loved The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science

[Erin]

Nadine wrote: "Erin wrote: "I'm reading The Invention of Science: The Scientific Revolution from 1500 to 1750 right now for this challenge, and it's literally boring me to tears. I want to continu..."

That's so true... It's improving, but it's a slow improvement. I may set it aside and see if I like it more later, and in the meantime, put that book on my list. :) Thank you!

[Karen]

Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions asking "permission"..."

I agree, the point is to challenge you and get you out of your comfort zone. The goal is to try new things -- to read just one type of book to the exclusion of everything else is stagnating.

[Bonnie G.]

Erin wrote: "I'm reading The Invention of Science: The Scientific Revolution from 1500 to 1750 right now for this challenge, and it's literally boring me to tears. I want to continue it, because..."

Amen!

[Erin]

Bonnie wrote: "Erin wrote: "I'm reading The Invention of Science: The Scientific Revolution from 1500 to 1750 right now for this challenge, and it's literally boring me to tears. I want to continu..."

You're not enjoying it either?

[Nancy]

Shari wrote: "Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions aski..."
I have a lot of time to read, so as a rule I won't use a book in more than one category, or on more than one challenge. I've encountered a few that would in not just two but three or four categories and been tempted, but I've been able to stick to my guidelines. However, that's probably why I'm still trying to finish a 2015 challenge that was about twice as long as the Book Riot list! I still have about half a dozen items to go. But by all means double up; the challenge should be fun, not a chore, and you should feel free to work on it in the way that's best for your situation.

[Danielle]

Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions asking "permission"..."

I completely get where you are coming from, but I really don't think that people are asking "permission." I think it is more about people understanding what exactly fits challenge and they want people to tell them if what they are thinking is on track. Some people also put their own limits on themselves that make going out and finding a book to fit a category harder (i.e. books they already owed and haven't read). This challenge is about opening up your reading horizons, but people are going to tend to read things that they naturally go to and our interested in. If you are going to invest the time (and possible money) it should be something you enjoy because finishing a book for the sake of the challenge only can suck (been there done that!). I think that even if you only go for books you really want to read or in the style you like your are still going open your reading horizons and pick up books you would have never read! The great thing is that Book Riot lets it be your challenge and allows people to do whatever they want!

[Carolyn]

I also think part of the fun is talking with other readers about books. Some readers are asking "permission" to have a conversation about books, one of my favorite things about this challenge!

[Heidi]

Just finished the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks for this task. Fascinating account of the search for the identity of a woman whose cells changed the field of medical research. The depiction of her family's quest is epic and heartbreaking. I'm not a science buff by any stretch of the imagination, but I found this book compelling. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in tissue research or discovering their family's history.

[Leslie]

Shari wrote: "Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions aski..."

Hi Shari. I'm not the curmudgeon I may appear to be. I just don't get the point of accepting a challenge. I have read one book for two categories, some books fit even more categories. It just happened that way, and I ended up reading at least one of each off last year's list. (24?+++) This year, I blew right through most of them, and came to screeching halt at the genres that I already know I dislike. Maybe something will come out before end of the year that I'd like - for example, no Sci-fi for me, but I really enjoyed audiobook, The Martian. But that was more an astronaut story, imo. Nothing happens at the completion of the list, and the group is very loose if asked about what is acceptable. They say the goal is to read and enjoy. So do!!! If you don't read all the books in the challenge - you haven't met the challenge. Doesn't mean it wasn't a good year for reading.

Okay, I am a curmudgeon. How many people have asked is India middle east. Curious minds don't with to look this up for themselves? They're sitting at a COMPUTER.

Peace!

[Leslie]

Danielle wrote: "Leslie wrote: "For the past two years, I've been wondering why people join a reading challenge and, then, find all sorts of ways to get around the requirements. The feeds are full of questions aski..."

More power to everyone, but if it matters to you so much that you can say each item is checked off on the list, well, how do you sleep at night passing one off as something else?
That was a joke.
And, some books overlap or are blurred - Microhistory was one everyone was trying to make fit in 2015.

I think the spirit of the challenge is to nudge people out of their reading ruts. I did it, no fudging, and now I know for sure. There are some genres I do not enjoy. But I discovered graphic novels - a good one is very good!

[Leslie]

Carolyn wrote: "I also think part of the fun is talking with other readers about books. Some readers are asking "permission" to have a conversation about books, one of my favorite things about this challenge!"
I think you're right Carolyn. I'm too literal sometimes. Enjoy!

[Jaymie]

Just started "You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice"
by Tom Vanderbilt. REALLY good so far. Very interesting research question: Why do we like what we like?

[Tina]

[Snowynight]

Currently reading 30-Second Quantum Theory: The 50 most important thought-provoking quantum concepts, each explained in half a minute. I find the 30-second series in general good for getting the basics of different disciplines in my travel time and this book is no exception, for example I haven't realized how the principle behind a transistor is related to quantum theory concept.

For people who like Mary Roach's Stiff, Her Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex is also a fascinating read about research on the science of sex , and the people behind them in the same clear, humourous and informative manner.