By Alan Alda

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? My Adventures in the Art and Science of Rela

The former TV star makes a strong (and entertaining) case for simplifying tech-speak

By Peter Brannen

The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past

A science journalist offers up a passionately researched book on a gloomy topic, but leaves space for hope.

The Physics of Everyday Things: The Extraordinary Science Behind an Ordinary Day

Though well-intentioned, this erudite guide is a bit highfalutin for the rest of us.

Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River

A riveting exploration of survival — and supremacy — in the face of a finite flow.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

A slim but satisfying read about the nature of the universe from one of America’s leading scientists.

Flock Together: A Love Affair with Extinct Birds

This unlikely collection of avian essays is a joy to read.

Why Time Flies: A Mostly Scientific Investigation

A deeply engaging exploration of time as a social convention and biological mystery.

Not a Scientist: How Politicians Mistake, Misrepresent, and Utterly Mangle Science

In the war of ideas, truth-dodging pols tend to value intentions over probabilities.