Whether you’ve already finished your summer reading list, need inspiration to start one, or just want to add a few more books to the list, we’ve got several thought-provoking reads to consider. Here are a few books written by alumni of the Society for Science research competition and some recommendations from alumni to help you think of worthwhile additions throughout the summer.
The Alignment Problem By Brian Christian, W.W. Norton & Company
Factual | Maggie Graseck, STS 2022 alumna recommends “The Alignment Problem” by Brian Christian. “If you’re interested in artificial intelligence,” Maggie says this book “is a beginner-friendly exploration of the biases behind machine learning.” The author explores the influence of algorithms and artificial intelligence on human life and what that means for the future.
Weaving Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Plant Teachings By Robin Wall Kimmerer, Milkweed Editions
Factual, Philosophy | 2019 ISEF alum Chinmayi Balusu reads “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Plant Teachings” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. “It’s an eye-opening reflection on the influence of heritage on scientists’ identities and the redefinition of science from a cultural perspective,” says Chinmayi. In this New York Times Bestseller, Robin, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, embraces the idea that “plants and animals are our oldest teachers” offering us lessons and gifts.
Essentials: Ten Keys to Reality By Frank Wilczek, Penguin Publishing Group
Factual, Physics | Frank Wilczek, a 1967 STS alumnus, is the author of “Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality,” published in January 2022. The Nobel Prize winner guides readers through essential concepts that help us understand the world and how it is. n working, investigating ideas of time, space, matter and energy. A review by The Washington Post states, “In this age of growing skepticism, he wants his readers – who he imagines to be lawyers, doctors, artists, parents or just curious people – be born again, in the way of science. ‘”
HellhoundBy Lewis Perdue, Independently Published
Thriller | Lewis Perdue, a 1966 ISEF alumnus, is the author of the recently published sci-fi thriller, “Hellhound.” Lewis explains, “The book investigates theories of the quantum basis of consciousness, such as that espoused by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose and the possible connection to the origin of good and evil.” Lewis examines government documents dealing with an alleged secret military drug, designed to “deprive soldiers of empathy and fear, turning them into merciless killers.”
The Last Question By Isaac Asimov, Columbia Publications
Science Fiction | Broadcom MASTERS 2020 and 2021 alumna Flora Freer recommends the short story “The Last Question” by Isaac Asimov. A firm favorite with science fans around the world, Flora says, “It was a really good short story about the universe being overtaken by entropy.” The author questions the fate of the universe and, ultimately, what will become of the human race.
Losing the Nobel PrizeBy Brian Keating, W. W. Norton & Company
Factual | Maximilian Dorzweiler, ISEF 2022 alumnus, recommends Brian Keating’s “Losing the Nobel Prize”. Maximilian says it is “a book worth reading for scientists, especially ambitious ones. After reading this book, you really feel that you have grown as a scientist, with a healthier perspective and the right guidance in the toolkit.” A review from Science News says, “The loss of the Nobel Prize divides the humanity of science error-prone but cuts through the ugly details with beauty… charming and clever, Losing the Nobel Prize bounces between lucid explanations of nitty-gritty science, accounts of personal relationships and historical lessons.”
PavingBy Maya Sharma, Olympia Publishers
Nonfiction, Biography | Maya Sharma, a 2022 STS alumna, is the author of “Paving,” published in 2021. She interviewed 25 women leaders around the world, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Nobel laureate Ada Yonath. “Paving” discusses the difficulties women face in the modern world and draws valuable information from their extraordinary minds.
To Mock and Mockingbird by Raymond Smullyan, Oxford University Press
Logic Puzzle | Jonathan Shafter, STS alumnus 1993, reads “To Mock a Mockingbird” by Raymond Smullyan. “A fun book of logic puzzles where you end up building and exploring combinatory logic,” says Jonathan. Aiming to attract readers of all ages, the author combines a collection of puzzles with a choose-your-own-adventure-style story, introducing readers to puzzles commonly presented in computer science and artificial intelligence.
The Words That Made Us By Akhil Reed Amar, Basic Books
History | STS 2022 alumnus Ethan Chiu reads “The Words That Made Us” by Akhil Reed Amar. “It’s a fascinating dive into the US Constitution and the people and ideas that built the United States,” Ethan said. Published in 2021, the author assesses early Constitutional questions Americans faced during the formation of the United States and the answers they offered in a vivid narrative that combines history and law.
Are you an alumni of the Society? Do you think you should be on a reading list? Reach out and let us know!
