How to Be Well is a journalistic investigation of the modern wellness industry and its impact on how people think about health and self-care. Amy Larocca explores popular trends and communities, assesses the science behind common practices, and examines how wellness is shaped by gender, class, race, commerce, and long-standing beauty and fashion marketing—showing why alternative remedies persist and how the industry profits from health anxieties.

A lyrical, month-by-month chronicle of life among coastal seal colonies that blends close natural history observation, personal anecdote and evocative photography to trace the animals’ seasonal rhythms—from mating and pupping through molting and migration—while highlighting individual personalities, social bonds and the practical challenges of survival. The narrative pairs intimate encounters with broader conservation context, showing how changing habitats and human activity shape the seals’ lives over the course of a year.

Vanished traces how the modern idea of extinction emerged in the late eighteenth century—as scientists interpreted fossils such as mammoth remains—and replaced earlier beliefs in unchanging creation. Sadiah Qureshi argues extinction is not only an evolutionary phenomenon but also a political concept that has been used to justify colonial violence and to shape how societies understand and respond to species loss. Drawing on archival research and narrative history, the book links scientific discovery, empire, and ethics to show how disappearances of species reflect human choices as well as natural processes.

Masud Husain uses seven patient case studies to explore how brain functions—perception, attention, memory, motivation and empathy—shape our sense of self. The book explains how disruptions to these functions can alter personality and behaviour, and how modern neuroscience helps us understand and sometimes treat those changes. It’s an accessible, human-centred account of how the brain creates identity.

Proto traces the origins and spread of Proto-Indo-European, a language born after the last ice age near the Black Sea, and how its speakers dispersed across Eurasia. Combining linguistic, archaeological and genetic evidence, the book follows migrations and cultural encounters that gave rise to today’s largest language family and considers what that deep history reveals about language and human movement.

A concise, spoiler-free account of the seventy-year rise of nuclear physics, beginning with Henri Becquerel’s discovery of radioactivity and following scientists such as Ernest Rutherford, Enrico Fermi, Irène Joliot-Curie, and Edward Teller. Frank Close traces how curiosity-driven experiments unlocked the atom and led to both transformative technologies and the creation of atomic and hydrogen weapons, while examining the scientific, moral, and political questions that followed.

In this captivating book, the author explores the fascinating world of materials that surround us, revealing their hidden stories and remarkable properties. From the glass in our windows to the concrete in our buildings, Miodownik takes readers on a journey through the history, science, and cultural significance of everyday materials. With a blend of personal anecdotes, scientific explanations, and historical context, he showcases the marvels of materials and their impact on our lives, ultimately highlighting the beauty and complexity of the man-made world we inhabit.

"Poussières d'étoiles" is a poetic exploration of the cosmos and our place within it, delving into the intricate connections between the universe and the microscopic elements that compose life on Earth. The book weaves together astronomy, physics, biology, and philosophy to illustrate how the atoms that make up our bodies were once part of ancient celestial phenomena. Through accessible language and engaging storytelling, the narrative takes readers on a journey from the Big Bang to the evolution of life, emphasizing the awe-inspiring reality that we are literally made of stardust, sharing a fundamental bond with the vast, dynamic universe around us.

In this intriguing exploration of urban wildlife, the narrative delves into the hidden world of rats, focusing on their lives in the bustling city of New York. Through a blend of historical anecdotes, scientific insights, and personal observations, the book reveals the complex relationship between humans and these often-maligned creatures. It uncovers the surprising intelligence and adaptability of rats, while also highlighting the challenges they pose in urban environments. The story is a fascinating journey into the underbelly of city life, offering a fresh perspective on the coexistence of humans and animals in metropolitan landscapes.

This gripping non-fiction narrative delves into the astonishing true story of a teenage boy whose fascination with chemistry and nuclear physics led him to attempt building a nuclear reactor in his backyard. Driven by curiosity and a desire to earn a Boy Scout merit badge, he embarked on a perilous journey, collecting radioactive materials from everyday items and conducting dangerous experiments. The tale unfolds with a mix of awe and caution, highlighting the thin line between scientific ambition and hazardous obsession, ultimately leading to a dramatic intervention by authorities and a reflection on the implications of unchecked curiosity.

An Enemy of the People is a drama about a doctor in a small Norwegian town who discovers that the local baths, a source of pride and income for the community, are contaminated and dangerous to public health. Despite the potential harm to the town's residents, the doctor's warnings are ignored by the town's authorities and citizens due to the potential economic fallout. The doctor is ostracized and declared an 'enemy of the people,' leading to a critique of the democratic process and the responsibilities of individuals to their community.

This pioneering work of science fiction tells the story of two brilliant scientists who develop a revolutionary form of propulsion, allowing them to travel through space at unprecedented speeds. Along with a small group of adventurers, they embark on a journey aboard the spacecraft Skylark, exploring distant planets and encountering various alien species. Their voyage becomes a race against time and a hostile alien race, leading to battles that test the limits of their ingenuity and courage. As they navigate these challenges, the crew of the Skylark must also contend with the moral implications of their discoveries and the impact of their journey on the universe at large.

This novel tells the captivating story of Ichthyander, a young man with the unique ability to live underwater thanks to the surgical modifications made by his father, a brilliant but reclusive scientist. Set against the backdrop of a South American seaport, the story unfolds as Ichthyander falls in love with a beautiful woman from the surface world, leading to a dramatic conflict between his dual natures and the harsh realities of human society. As he navigates the challenges of his extraordinary life, the narrative delves into themes of love, freedom, and the quest for acceptance, making it a poignant exploration of the human condition through the lens of science fiction.

In this science fiction novel, humanity has achieved a utopian society and embarked on interstellar exploration, forming a unified global civilization driven by scientific advancement and collective well-being. The story follows the crew of the starship Tantra as they navigate the challenges of space travel and encounter diverse extraterrestrial cultures. Through their journey, themes of cooperation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the potential for human evolution are explored, reflecting a vision of a harmonious future where technological progress and ethical values are intertwined.

This book provides a detailed account of the explorations and scientific observations of Alexander von Humboldt, a renowned naturalist and explorer. It chronicles his extensive travels, particularly in Latin America, where he meticulously documented a wide array of geographical, botanical, and geological phenomena. Humboldt's keen observations and analyses laid foundational work in biogeography and influenced future scientific methodologies. The narrative not only highlights his significant contributions to various scientific fields but also captures the challenges and exhilarating experiences of his adventurous expeditions across diverse landscapes.

"A System of Logic" is a comprehensive treatise on the principles and methods of scientific reasoning. The book elaborates on the nature of logic and its relation to truth, knowledge, and human understanding. It systematically explores the process of human thought and the structure of logical argumentation, distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning. The work also discusses the application of logic to the natural and social sciences, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and the scientific method in establishing valid conclusions. Through its rigorous analysis, the book aims to lay the foundations for sound reasoning and empirical inquiry, influencing the development of modern logic and philosophy.

"Micromégas" is a philosophical satire that tells the story of a giant from a planet circling the star Sirius, and his adventures traveling through the universe. Along with a companion from Saturn, who is also of considerable size though smaller than Micromégas, they visit Earth. Here, they interact with humanity, initially struggling to even perceive humans due to the vast difference in scale. The story explores themes of perspective, the relative nature of size and intelligence, and the limitations of human understanding. Through witty dialogue and ironic situations, the narrative critiques the arrogance and ignorance of human institutions and philosophies, highlighting the enlightenment ideals of reason and empirical knowledge.

"Humanist Manifesto 2000" is a forward-looking declaration that outlines a vision for a global society deeply rooted in humanist principles and scientific understanding. It emphasizes the need for critical thinking, ethics, and democracy to address the challenges of the 21st century, including environmental issues, technological advancements, and social inequalities. The manifesto advocates for a universal commitment to human rights and a shared responsibility for the planet, promoting a cooperative and peaceful coexistence among all people, transcending national, ethnic, and religious boundaries.

This book presents a collection of interconnected stories set in the 22nd century, a time when humanity has made significant advances in technology, society, and ethics. The narrative explores various facets of this utopian future, from space exploration and colonization of other planets to the profound changes in human relationships, work, and leisure. Through the eyes of its diverse characters, the book delves into the complexities and nuances of a world where humanity strives to balance technological progress with ecological sustainability and social harmony, offering a hopeful yet reflective vision of the future.

In this heartwarming memoir, the author shares her transformative experiences with a diverse array of animals, each imparting profound life lessons and insights. Through encounters with creatures ranging from a beloved pig to a gentle tarantula, the narrative explores themes of empathy, connection, and the universal bonds that transcend species. The stories are woven with humor, tenderness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, inviting readers to reflect on the beauty and wisdom found in the animal kingdom and the ways these relationships enrich our human lives.

"The Inverted World" is a science fiction novel set in a future world where a city called "Earth" is constantly on the move, with the aim of staying ahead of a mysterious and dangerous force known as "the slowing." The story follows a young apprentice named Helward Mann, who discovers unsettling truths about the city's true nature and its inhabitants. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the city, he must confront the ethical dilemmas and existential challenges that arise, ultimately questioning the very fabric of his reality.

The book is a sweeping narrative that explores the life and career of Lewis Eliot, a lawyer and civil servant, as he navigates the complexities of British society from the 1920s to the 1960s. Through Eliot's experiences, the novel delves into themes of ambition, power, and morality, offering a detailed portrayal of the personal and professional challenges faced by individuals within the academic, political, and social spheres. The story captures the intricate interplay between personal relationships and broader societal changes, highlighting the enduring struggle between personal integrity and the pursuit of success.

"The Difference Engine" is an alternative history novel set in Victorian England, where Charles Babbage successfully builds his Analytical Engine, a revolutionary steam-powered computer. The story follows two protagonists, one a paleontologist and the other a detective, as they become embroiled in a conspiracy involving political intrigue, technological advancements, and a dangerous secret society. With a blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction, the book explores themes of power, progress, and the consequences of technological innovation.

In a parallel world where intellectuals and scientists are cloistered in monastic communities called "concents," the story follows a young monk named Erasmas, who is drawn out of his secluded life by the discovery of an alien spacecraft orbiting his planet. As he and his companions are selected to interact with these extraterrestrial visitors, they are thrust into a complex web of political intrigue, philosophical debate, and existential risk. The narrative weaves together themes of mathematics, quantum mechanics, and multiple world theory, challenging the characters to question the nature of reality and their place within it as they strive to avert global catastrophe.

"The Cyberiad" is a collection of science fiction short stories that take place in a futuristic universe where robots and artificial intelligence are prevalent. The book follows the adventures of two master inventors, Trurl and Klapaucius, as they encounter various challenges and engage in extraordinary feats of engineering and problem-solving. Through witty and imaginative storytelling, the book explores themes of technology, creativity, and the nature of humanity, offering a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.