Six
Easy Pieces by Richard P. FeynmanHere I'll list (and post links for you to buy if you like) books that I've read and found interesting or valuable on science. Click on the book titles or covers to be taken to Amazon.com for more information or to purchase the book.
Six
Easy Pieces by Richard P. FeynmanA collection of lectures originally given by Dr. Feynman to Freshman and Sophomores at Cal Tech university. Easy to read (considering the subject) and full of epiphanies for the amateur physics student.
"The Theory of Relativity and Other Essays"
by Albert Einstein
You'll get incredulous looks reading this but you'll be amazed
at how well you understand it after you've read through it. I've read it
twice and gotten more from it with each reading -- planning to read it again...
"Origin
of the Species" by Charles Darwin. The classic work of
anthropology and sociology. Explore the theory of evolution and natural
selection as written by one of the most famous proponents.
"The Handy Weather Answer Book" by Walter Lyons. An excellent book for anybody looking for a reference guide or a friendly instruction in the way weather works.
"Innumeracy" by John Allen Paulos. Dr. Paulos is a Temple University mathematician and has written an outstanding book explaining what innumeracy is and how we can try to overcome it. I read it over the course of a few days and look forward to reading it again someday.
"The Power of Logical Thinking" by Marilyn Vos Savant. Ms. Savant has a weekly column in Parade Magazine and has been acclaimed as having the highest IQ ever tested. Without comment on her undoubtedly extraordinary IQ I certainly enjoyed her book and I think you will too. The first two sections are excellent, especially discussions about probability and logic. The "Monty Hall Scenario" is especially fascinating. The third section talks about fallacious use of statistics in politics and I found that section a bit disappointing -- only because each of the many examples seemed to get only a brief explanation. Still, an excellent book and really gets the thinking juices flowing.