Best science books of 2023, as chosen by the Amazon Editors
There are so many great books on our Best Science Books of 2023 list. Whether you’re looking to understand the dangers and consequences of our hotter world (Fire Weather by John Vaillant), explore ‘the secret party’ of the deep sea (The Underworld by Susan Casey) or be inspired by the potential of genome sequencing (The Genome Odyssey by Euan A. Ashley) or have a front-row seat next to Stephen Hawking as he works on his final theory (On the Origin of Time by Thomas Hertog), our list offers something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorites and be sure to check out the Top 20 Best Science Books of the Year and our full list of the Best Books of 2023.
This is an unforgettable portrait of the 2016 Canadian wildfire that raged for more than a year, devasting land, lives, and livelihoods. The fire, which torched Fort McMurray (population 90,000 and where more than 40% of American oil imports come from) was so powerful it generated its own weather systems—think hurricane force winds and lightning. In other words, not only are Vaillant’s descriptions of the inferno frightening, but Fort McMurray is also a hotbed for the physical forces that have led to climate change. Vaillant’s narration of the havoc, the danger, and the consequences of a hotter world make for shocking reading about our world’s future. This is timely reading, but it’s also necessary reading to understand the urgent impact of climate change. —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor
If you’re the kind of person who is obsessed with tracking your steps, who is fascinated with the latest buzzy research on warding off disease and aging gracefully, and who has a lot of questions for your physician at every appointment, have we got a book for you. Attia breaks down the real science behind the clickbait headlines: no, drinking a glass of red wine or eating a handful of blueberries won't meaningfully prolong your life. But there are a few key lifestyle habits that will make a difference, such as improving sleep and lifting weights. Attia argues we're on the precipice of Medicine 3.0, which will prevent the "four horsemen" of early death (Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, diabetes). He busts myths about health (heart disease signs start as early as 15; obesity does not equal heart disease—and in fact it's the skinny people with heart disease who should be worried). This book is packed with compelling ideas about averting chronic disease to live a fuller, more robust life as you age. —Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
Susan Casey’s enchanting new book, explores the bioluminescent creatures, “splendid goblins,” and active volcanoes that can be found in the hidden worlds 30,000 feet under the sea. The deep ocean (below 600 feet) comprises 65 percent of the earth’s surface and 95 percent of its living space—and yet, more than 80 percent is still unknown to humans. “Maybe we shouldn’t just ignore a big chunk of our own planet?” Casey asks, and her excitement is contagious as we follow her, ocean-loving billionaires, and the brave and bold aquanauts who open us to the awe, splendor, and “delightful horror” of the sea, the “epic poem of the earth,” the cradle of human life. “The ocean simmers with magic,” Casey writes. You’ll be totally immersed in this so-close, yet-so-far destination, “earth’s secret party, its grandest and liveliest spectacle.”—Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
I’ll never forget learning the call of a Barred Owl, which goes something like, “Whoooo coooooks for yooooou.” (Thank you, singing kitchen clock of my youth). So, naturally, it was a pleasure to pick up Jennifer Ackerman’s thorough and entertaining look at the world’s most enigmatic birds. Did you know that owls can be found on every continent, except for Antarctica? That some, begin their “who cooks for you” (so to speak) vocalizations in the egg? Ackerman, who has been writing about science and the natural world for decades, reveals the fascinating world of owls—their evolution, mating, intelligence, what threatens them, and their communication. This is perfect for fans of Ed Yong’s An Immense World. —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor
The female body has never been more awe-inspiring, more incredible, more all-powerful, than in this fascinating—and readable—book that’s packed with science but never boring. Cat Bohannon writes with a compelling voice, as she has a PhD in “the evolution of narrative and cognition” and is a poet. And thus: pregnancy is a "bloody stalemate," human motherhood is a "horror movie," human bodies are "essentially lumpy donuts filled with ocean.” Tell us more. She connects today’s culture to human evolution in an eye-opening way that will make you want to launch a book club immediately to discuss every detail, from sexism to the very existence of humanity. —Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
We first meet Michael Easter fast-talking his way into a fortified police compound in Baghdad, surrounded by photos of terrorists holding AK-47s, pills, and homemade bombs. How did this science professor and journalist end up here? He’s looking for street drug Captagon, which is sweeping the region. And this is our first clue that Scarcity Brain isn’t your mother’s self-help book. Easter researches how to resolve the behaviors that hurt us most, namely the unquenchable drive for more, more, more: money, things, drugs, food, gambling, love. This rollicking journey for answers also takes us deep into the Bolivian jungle to meet the tribe of people with the world’s lowest heart disease rate, monks, survivalists who have been hired by billionaires, an astronaut, and the inventor of the modern-day slot machine. Easter delves into how cravings saved humanity at the dawn of civilization, but are wreaking havoc today. You’ll finish this book with an understanding of the larger forces driving our desires (and feel a lot less guilty about them), and the tools and words to be at peace with having enough. —Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
Looking for more to read? Check out:
- The Top 10 Best Books of 2023, as chosen by Amazon Editors
- Our Best Books of the Year yearbook
- The Best Nonfiction Books of the Year, as chosen by the Amazon Editors
