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⭐Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Astronomy - Fiction)
10/10 This is one of the most exciting books I've read recently, written by the amazing Andy Weir. The story tackles a fascinating question: what does humanity do when faced with a hungry alien? The answer: we fling a man into space. This book stands out as one of the most unique I've ever come across. What makes it even more impressive is that the technology, while showcasing near light speed travel, isn't overly futuristic. Weir’s approach is rooted in realism, making the scientific aspects both accessible and believable (or as real as you can be with the premise of the story being fictional). The protagonist’s journey is filled with suspense, creativity, and moments of sheer ingenuity that keep you hooked from start to finish. The narrative beautifully illustrates that when faced with a tough situation, humanity can come together to overcome the odds. The camaraderie and determination displayed by the characters are inspiring, showing the best of what humanity can achieve when working together. And if the challenge is truly daunting, we might even seek help from our cosmic neighbors (you’ll have to read to find out more!). Overall, it's a fantastic read, and if you have any interest in space, science fiction, or just a great story of human resilience, this is a must-read. It’s not just a story it’s a celebration of human ingenuity, collaboration, and the unyielding spirit to push beyond our limits. This book will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, contemplating the endless possibilities of space and the boundless potential of humanity. It also might make you want to work at NASA even if you have a… limited skill set in engineering and mathematics.
⭐Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (Biology/Sociology - Non-Fiction)
7/10 If you dissect everything being taught and do some external research, this book can be highly rewarding. I would relate this book more to that of a textbook. The chapters were sometimes dense, however, Harari does make the technical portions very seamless and easy to grasp. If you are interested about how we as a species survived, reproduced, and thrived to get to the position we are in today then this is the book for you. Harari even gives insight into why our brains are hardwired for certain behaviors, an interesting thought experiment to reflect on in the modern day if nothing else. I felt like I learned new things about our species every time I picked up Sapiens. It was an insightful and enjoyable read. Definitely stay tuned until the end of the book to hear what predictions are being made about the future of the human race too!
⭐The Martian by Andy Weir (Astronomy - Fiction)
10/10 The Martian is an absolute gem of a read and a special book to me personally as this was one of the first science-y books I read. This is a story of an astronaut stranded on Mars, using his wits and scientific/botany know-how to survive. This novel is both thrilling and inspiring, a testament to the determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity and strife. I think the theme of this novel is that the human spirit is unbreakable, and no-one should underestimate botany as a field of science. The author does an exceptional job of blending hard science with humor, making the protagonist’s struggle both believable and relatable. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a masterful blend of suspense, innovation, and human spirit. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good survival story with a hefty dose of science and heart
⭐The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (Biology/Neuroscience/Psychology/Genetics - Non-Fiction)
9/10 This book completely changed my perception of the world. Initially, I thought the concept was silly. I couldn't understand how all actions could be seen as selfish. I mean, I'd sacrifice myself for my family, share food with the needy, and volunteer to help underprivileged people—how could these actions be selfish? But the book explains it well through the idea of "survival machines." Essentially, our genes aim to live forever by being passed down through generations, making us their survival machines. Our genes use a complex and innate worthiness metric to assign value to others; for example, since your brother shares 50% of your genetic code, you feel protective of him, about half as much as you would for yourself (I want to emphasize this is a VERY simplified version of the books explanation, please read this for yourself!). This simple metric, combined with game theory and symbiosis, explains a surprising amount about altruism and selfishness. The key takeaway is that although being selfish may be innate (and not necessarily always negative), humans have the unique ability to be aware of their selfish nature. When the needs of the many conflict with the needs of the few, we can rise above our nature. The reason I didn't give this book a 10/10 is because it occasionally felt a bit dry, but overall, it's a game-changing book in every regard.
⭐"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" by Richard P. Feynman (Biography)
9/10 Richard Feynman was a world renowned physicist but also a superb story teller. His life was filled with unique moments and experiences. Whether it be a story about his time at Los Alamos working on the atomic bomb with Oppenheimer or about his ventures in lock picking, Feynman finds a way to keep the reader engaged. He has an almost comedic, light hearted tone that seeps through the pages in every encounter he writes about. I personally loved reading about every experience documented in this book. I regard Feynman as one of the smartest people to have lived. As such, I found every chapter to carry some valuable wisdom or knowledge hidden behind his casual story telling. Initially, I expected him to go deeper into the sciencey/technical portions of his work. Although, I found this anecdotal format to be way more enjoyable and powerful. This book was a very good read. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about what physicists are up to outside of their professional work.
⭐ER DOC: Defining Moments of a Career in Emergency Medicine by Reggie Duling M.D. (Medicine/Comedy - Non-Fiction)
10/10 I'm giving this book a perfect score, not just because I personally know the author and hold him in high regard, but because it genuinely deserves it. This book takes you right into the fast-paced world of being an ER doctor, making you feel like you're experiencing all the highs and lows firsthand (thankfully, not as a patient!). From heart-pounding emergencies to the quieter moments of reflection, the author does an exceptional job of capturing the essence of life in the emergency room. The main message is clear: no matter how crazy your life gets, it's probably not as wild as an ER doctor's. The stories are not only riveting but also deeply human, shedding light on the emotional and ethical challenges faced by medical professionals. The book also offers a unique perspective on the medical field, going beyond the typical glorified view of doctors. It delves into the day-to-day realities, the emotional toll, and the moments of doubt and triumph that define the profession. You’ll gain a newfound respect for the resilience and dedication required to thrive in such a demanding environment. If you're interested in medicine (particularly emergency medicine), want to learn about its ups and downs, and enjoy some incredible stories, I highly recommend this book. It's a compelling read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
⭐Organic Chemistry by Marc Loudon and Jim Parise (Textbook)
9/10 I know this might not be what you expected on a STEM book club website, but since I read it, I had to include it. This textbook is a fantastic summary of Organic Chemistry, with excellent example problems divided into easy-to-digest sections. It might not be the most thrilling read, but that’s not my main critique. While the book offers countless practice problems with detailed solutions, it can be a bit inconvenient to flip all the way to the back to check answers. I understand the idea is to finish all the problems first and then check, but I prefer to see my mistakes as I go. Additionally, summaries at the end of each chapter would have been helpful, especially if you take a break from reading and need a quick refresher. Overall, if you want to learn organic chemistry topics and get valuable practice, this book is a great one-stop shop.
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