Science & Nature from our 2021 Winter Newsletter

Intimate, uplifting conversations with a beloved icon. Local writer Doug Abrams (cowriter of The Book of Joy with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu) has written yet another book with a living legend. In The Book of Hope, he spends time with naturalist and wise elder Jane Goodall. Together they ask: What is hope? How can we find it in these dark days? I cannot think of a better book to lift all of our spirits right now.—Jason

Mary Roach is back and is proving once again that she truly is “America’s funniest science writer.” In her latest book, Roach delves into the world of human–nature conflict. She travels the world, speaking with experts and joining them in the field as she learns about everything from invasive rodents to trampling elephants. With her trademark wit, Roach investigates the many ways that people have tried to change the course of nature for their own comfort and/or profit, generally with disastrous results. As always, she excels at taking unfamiliar scientific concepts and presenting them in a way that’s both easy and enjoyable to absorb. —Jade

Everything is interesting and charming about this book, but the first lines really got me: “At first it was the underwear. I wanted to become a tree because trees did not wear bras.” Yes. Indian writer Sumana Roy says that she wrote on tree time, without structure or expectation, and I find that to be the best way to read it as well. A compelling and far-ranging meditation on trees, those who love them, and our relationship with all—this book is the most delightful, informative gem I’ve read in a while.—Melinda

From the author of Interior States, an award-winning essay collection about the intricacies of religion and identity, comes a meditation on what it means to be human in an age of almost inexplicable technology like artificial intelligence. O’Gieblyn draws on her own experiences growing up in a religious family to frame the highly intellectual concepts, unpacked in a journalistic style that is light and easy to understand. By the end, you’ll no doubt be on the fence about whether to either move off the grid or save up for a $3000 robotic dog. —Aric

With a year exacerbated by the global pandemic, it is clear that we are all interconnected, as are our systems: health, social, environmental. It is no longer possible to speak of one without the other, nor is it productive. This impassioned anthology speaks to the intersectionality of activism and what can be created in crisis. Utah activists Bitsóí and Larsen intentionally bring together their elders, organizers, and friends to explore the way people come together for each other and the land locally. I find I am searching for “real” these days, and these essays, poems, and pieces are it.—Melinda

I was mesmerized by the documentary My Octopus Teacher, but after poring through this gorgeous not-quite-companion book, I realize now that was just the beginning. Underwater Wild is a heart-stopping collaboration, as Foster introduces Frylinck to the therapeutic wonders of skin diving in the kelp forests off South Africa and among the animals within it. Full of vibrant images, accompanying nature writing, the healing narrative journey of these two men, and the octopus teacher herself, this book is a gift we all deserve. —Melinda

On Animals is a collection of animal writing from throughout the career of accomplished writer and life–long animal lover Susan Orlean. The essays here are all over the map, from diary-entry-like tidbits on her experiences with backyard chickens to a true-crime-esque story about a tiger hoarder in New Jersey to reporting on the use of mules in the military. Ranging in length and tone and spanning several decades, Orlean’s writing is personal, informative, and infused with an unselfconscious sense of humor.—Jade

Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson of We Have No Idea and Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe address the most common questions about the universe (scientifically speaking) without needing a PhD to understand the answers (though they have at least a couple). Illustrating (figuratively and literally) the ways of space, time, and more, with the friendliest language you’ll ever hear explaining the inside of a black hole, Cham and Whiteson leave you with a smile, understanding, and hope in the unbridled power of human curiosity.—Jocelyn