The 11 Best Science Books for Armchair Scientists

Science doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, DeSci Hub’s tagline is “Making Science Fun Again,” and if you’re intellectually curious, then you probably already agree that learning — in general — is indeed fun. In our experience, the intellectual stodgy are typically people with fragile egos who like to “act” as if certain topics or concepts are too complex for common Earthwalkers. However, judging by the authorship of the best science books we’ve listed below, field-leading scientists are actually very gifted at distilling complex topics into digestible servings.

If you want to learn more about the world that surrounds us, the books on this list are all excellent starting points. Whether you want to explore the inner workings of the human body or blast off into the furthest cosmos, these 11 science books are ideal for armchair scientists and the naturally curious. Each author brings a unique perspective, but all the books listed here are accessible and engaging, offering fun-to-read guides into the fascinating world of science.

cover of A Brief History of Time — Creative Commons

cover of A Short History of Everything — Creative Commons

cover of Sapiens book — Creative Commons

cover the The Gene book — Creative Commons

cover of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks — Creative Commons

Cover of Man who Mistook His Wife for a Hat — Creative Commons

cover of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry book — Creative Commons

A Brief History of Time by Stephen W. Hawkings

No list of science books is complete without mentioning “A Brief History of Time.” Stephen Hawking takes readers on a journey through the concepts of space, time, black holes, and the origin of the universe. Although the topics are deeply theoretical, you don’t need an advanced mathematics or physics degree to follow along. If you’re interested in cosmology and the mysteries of the universe, this is the perfect book to “engage” in from your armchair captain’s seat.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything” is written in a witty, conversational style that breaks down complex scientific ideas into digestible tidbits. Peppered with fun storied and interesting facts, the book is ideal for those who may enjoy a quick flyby of different scientific fields, from geology and biology to astrology and physics. If you like your science served with a dash of jargon-less storytelling and style, then this science book is one of the most enjoyable and accessible reads out there.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

If you’re more in the “Know Thyself” camp, then consider “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Homo sapiens, from ancient history to the modern day, through an engaging, sweeping narrative that tells our collective human story. From anthropology and history to economics and biology, Harari includes a range of scientific disciplines to explore how our species evolved, how civilizations formed (and failed), and the direction humanity may be headed.

Why Does E=mc²? by Brian Cox & Jeff Forshaw

If you’ve ever been curious about why does E=mc², or what the famous physics equation even means, then “Why Does E=mc²?” is an excellent entry point for Einstein’s theory of relativity. While the book covers the (pretty heady) relational aspects between energy, mass, and the speed of light, the authors explain the iconic theory in a way that anyone can understand.

The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Genetics has been a controversial and incredibly fast-moving field of science, especially in the last decade. If you’re fascinated about the building blocks of life and our capability to alter these blocks, “The Gene” is an extraordinary exploration of the history, science, and societal implications of genetics. From Mendel’s pea plants to CRISPR, “The Gene” traces the impact of genes on human health and behavior and Mukherjee balances scientific rigor with narrative storytelling, making complex biological and genetic concepts understandable to the general reader.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This book tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were used for scientific research without her knowledge. While the story is interesting enough, Skloot uses the story as a vehicle to explore the ethics and moral complexity of scientific discovery. Often, there’s a human side to scientific research, and this book is a compelling read for those interested in biology, as well as the social and ethical implications of conducting medical research. Science with a side of social justice, the book is a riveting and thought-provoking read.

Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan is often credited for introducing science to the general public through his PBS TV series, Cosmos. His book of the same name is also one of the most beloved science books of all time. Originally written as a companion book to the famous TV series, “Cosmos” offers an often poetic exploration of the universe and humanity’s place in the vastness of space. Sagan uses eloquent prose and philosophy to describe scientific concepts, making complex topics like astronomy and astrophysics incredibly captivating.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

If you’re more of an inner-space explorer, then “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” is an incredibly insightful and interesting book. A collection of neurological case studies, each chapter introduces a different patient with a unique neurological disorder, exploring the complexities of the brain. Instead of being exploitative, however, it’s an empathetic science book that explores the wonder of neuroscience in an accessible way.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Much like Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson has been pivotal in introducing science to the masses. Often appearing on late-night shows and making fun cameos, Tyson is an astrophysics rockstar, and this book showcases his ability to distill complex concepts of astrophysics into bite-sized chapters, delivered in his trademark witty and conversational tone. Covering everything from dark matter to the Big Bang without overwhelming readers with technical jargon, this may indeed be the best science book for people in a hurry — but still take time to stare at the stars.

The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson

Equal parts fascinating and funny, “The Body: A Guide for Occupants” is a deep dive into our human bodies. Bryson does an excellent job of making biology both fun and informative, and he has a knack for storytelling. The book is filled with anecdotes and fascinating factoids that help keep readers engaged throughout. Whether you’re health-conscious or just generally curious about bodily functions, this may be the best science book for those wishing to learn about their own inner workings.

What If? by Randall Munroe

Initially a blog with the same premise, the goal of “What If” is to address seemingly absurd hypothetical questions with scientifically-backed answers. How fast can you drive over a speed bump and live? How long would humanity last if there was a robot apocalypse? Munroe solves equations, runs simulations, and pours over documents to find the answer. Munroe is also the creator of the incredibly popular webcomic xkcd.com, which has a large and passionate following. After reading “What If?” you may begin following Munroe, too — hypothetically speaking, of course.