Science books have the power to expand our minds, challenge our assumptions, and deepen our understanding of the world and universe. Whether you’re fascinated by biology, physics, space, climate change, or technology, the last few years have brought some incredible science books that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Below is a curated list of the best books for science enthusiasts, all published in the last three years, covering a wide range of scientific topics. If you love learning about the mysteries of life, the cosmos, and human progress, these books belong on your shelf.
1. An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us – Ed Yong (2022)
Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist, takes us on a mind-expanding journey into the extraordinary sensory experiences of animals. While we humans primarily rely on vision, animals have evolved incredible ways of perceiving the world—ultraviolet vision in birds, echolocation in bats, and electric field detection in sharks, to name a few.
Yong reveals that every animal species experiences its own unique “umwelt” (perceptual world). This book will make you question whether our reality is just one of many.
Why You Should Read It:
• Offers a fresh perspective on how different creatures experience the world.
• Beautifully written with fascinating, lesser-known science facts.
• Perfect for those interested in biology, evolution, and animal behavior.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to An Immense World
2. A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? – Kelly & Zach Weinersmith (2023)
Space exploration is exciting, but is colonizing Mars truly a realistic goal? In A City on Mars, the Weinersmiths—science writer Kelly and Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal cartoonist Zach—dive deep into the scientific, ethical, and logistical hurdles of space colonization.
With wit and humor, they explore everything from radiation exposure to space governance, questioning whether humanity is even remotely prepared to settle another planet.
Why You Should Read It:
• Offers a critical, science-backed view of space colonization.
• Written in an engaging, humorous style while remaining informative.
• A must-read for space enthusiasts who dream of interplanetary life.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to A City on Mars
3. The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial – David Lipsky (2023)
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, yet misinformation and denial continue to hinder progress. David Lipsky presents a gripping narrative about the history of climate science and the forces that have worked to suppress it.
From the early discoveries of greenhouse gases to modern-day climate politics, this book is both an eye-opener and a call to action.
Why You Should Read It:
• Provides a deep dive into the history and science of climate change.
• Exposes the industries and individuals responsible for climate denial.
• Essential reading for anyone interested in environmental science and policy.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to The Parrot and the Igloo
4. Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues – Jonathan Kennedy (2023)
Plagues have shaped human civilization far more than we often acknowledge. In Pathogenesis, Jonathan Kennedy examines eight major pandemics and how they altered the course of history—impacting economies, religions, and societal structures.
Kennedy argues that germs have been some of history’s most influential forces, shaping who we are today.
Why You Should Read It:
• Offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between disease and civilization.
• Provides context for understanding COVID-19 and future pandemics.
• Engaging storytelling combined with rigorous historical research.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to Pathogenesis
5. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity – Peter Attia (2023)
Living longer is great, but what if we could extend not just lifespan, but healthspan—the years we live in good health? Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity expert, explores the cutting-edge science behind aging and how we can slow it down through lifestyle choices.
Unlike most self-help books, Outlive is backed by rigorous research, discussing everything from metabolic health to exercise and mental well-being.
Why You Should Read It:
• Provides evidence-based strategies for a longer, healthier life.
• Blends medical science with actionable lifestyle advice.
• Essential for anyone interested in longevity and preventive health.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to Outlive
6. Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality – Venki Ramakrishnan (2024)
Why do we age and die? Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan explores the biological mechanisms behind aging, the latest research on extending life, and whether true immortality is even possible.
This book is a compelling look at one of the biggest questions in science, blending cutting-edge research with philosophical inquiry.
Why You Should Read It:
• Provides a deep dive into the biology of aging.
• Explores futuristic ideas about extending human life.
• A must-read for those fascinated by health, genetics, and medicine.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to Why We Die
7. Alien Earths – Lisa Kaltenegger (2023)
Are we alone in the universe? Astrobiologist Lisa Kaltenegger takes readers on a thrilling journey into the search for exoplanets—planets beyond our solar system that may harbor life.
She discusses recent discoveries in astronomy, the potential for habitable worlds, and what it would take to find extraterrestrial life.
Why You Should Read It:
• Covers one of the most exciting fields in modern astronomy.
• Explores the latest discoveries about exoplanets.
• Perfect for anyone interested in space exploration and the search for life.
📖 Start your free Audible trial and listen to Alien Earths
Conclusion: The Best Science Books to Fuel Your Curiosity
From the wonders of animal perception to the quest for extraterrestrial life, the last three years have brought us some incredible science books that challenge our understanding of the world. Whether you’re interested in biology, space, climate change, or longevity, there’s something on this list for you.
Which of these books are you excited to read? Have you already read any? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for a free Audible trial or make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and allows me to keep providing book recommendations. Thank you for your support!
Bound to Books 
Leave a comment