Science & Nature

Octopuses are so cool, right? They can lie in wait for prey, camouflaged against the grains of the ocean floor or the craggy rock amid the coral! I was already on board the octopus train when I opened this book one rainy afternoon and found my interest forever expanded. The Soul of an Octopus's wonderful achievement will be making you understand and care for octopuses on an individual level. I didn't expect this book to feel so personal, to me, the author, and the octopus. - Tori

Most people would not choose to cope with loss by undertaking the training of a goshawk, but Helen Macdonald is not most people. In the aftermath of the sudden death of her father, Macdonald indulges a lifelong love of hawks and purchases a goshawk whom she names Mable. Goshawks are notoriously temperamental and extremely intelligent, so training one is no small feat. Macdonald’s writing is lush and expressive and her portrayal of her relationship with Mable is raw and deeply moving. - Jade

Fair warning: this book is not for the squeamish of stomach. But if you have a fascination (and sense of humor) with the science of death and/or the macabre, this will be oh-so-rewarding. Caitlin Doughty writes as if you were sitting with your snarky friend who knows so much you’d hate her a little, if you weren’t so interested and entertained, answering questions received from real, live, uncensored children. Need I even mention the cute, creepy, absolutely beautiful illustrations by Dianné Ruz? If you or anyone you know—or better yet, a child you know—thirsts for blood-knowledge, pick this up. - Jocelyn

Rather than focusing on big guns and bravado, Roach sheds light on the less discussed aspects of the military. What makes the gadgets work and how are they tested? What do fashion designers look for when creating a military uniform? What advances have we made in genital reconstructive surgery? Her signature wit had me fascinated by topics I would never have otherwise explored. - Jade

Laws is known for his beautiful bird guides, but he's also a top notch instructor with a boundless enthusiasm for sharing his love of art and nature with others. This book is a comprehensive course in nature journaling that’s comprehensive in its scope without being overwhelming. If you've been meaning to try nature journaling, this is your excuse to dive in. - Katherine

Sharks are one of the world’s oldest living species, but climate change threatens their continued existence. Misrepresented and misunderstood, sharks play pivotal roles in our ocean ecosystems. McKeevor travels the world talking to experts to learn what our oceans would be like without sharks, and why that would be a very dire outcome indeed. - Jade

A comprehensive and profound treatise on climate. Though much of the information paints a bleak future, I felt inspired to action upon reading. If it’s too much for you, buy it for the person in your life who can handle the darkest truths. This book feels important.  It is my early pick to win a 2019 Pulitzer. I am recommending it to anyone who will listen. - Jason

“Our Moon, a spherical bit of unchanging inanimate rock, nonetheless captivates us with its romance and its beauty. Its tantalizing almost deceptive proximity makes it also a destination, both a past one and a promising one for the future. In this poetically written and informative book, Oliver Morton takes us through all aspects of this very familiar but very foreign territory, which has inspired stories and study for decades. What a remarkable achievement.”  —Lisa Randall

My husband is a ranger, so when I say this gets our stamp of approval for wildlife guides, it shows it has earned the accolades. Accessible to both the novice and the experienced wildlife observer, A Californian’s Guide takes you through the do’s and don’ts and introduces the many species of mammals you’ll find throughout California. I especially appreciated that a lot of the photos in the book and the parks Hood describes are from the Central Coast, which is sure to delight locals. - Jax

In my list of “science-y topics I love,” water is not near the top. The State of Water, however, makes me crush hard on it in all of its beautiful, meandering ways. There’s an anatomical look to the art, which shouldn’t be surprising seeing as how dependent we are on water’s ability to travel throughout the state. A gorgeous companion to The California Field Atlas, it covers water’s presence in California, our history, and the future. - Rachel