Technology & Science
The Terraformers
Annalee Newitz
In a distant future, Destry, an Environmental Rescue Team ranger, dedicates her life to terraforming the planet Sask-E and nurturing its delicate ecosystems. But when she uncovers a hidden city and a corporate conspiracy, she's forced to question everything she believes about her mission and the future of her world. This thought-provoking science fiction novel explores themes of environmental stewardship, corporate control, and the true meaning of humanity on a newly forged planet.
Kings of Their Own Ocean
Karen Pinchin
Karen Pinchin dives into the epic, centuries-long saga of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, a magnificent apex predator caught between human obsession and the brink of extinction. Through the interwoven stories of a passionate fisherman, pioneering scientists, and the global forces of industry and conservation, Pinchin uncovers the complex history of our relationship with this iconic species. From ancient fishing practices to the modern sushi trade, 'Kings of Their Own Ocean' is a gripping narrative that explores the science, economics, and politics behind the fight to save one of the ocean's most valuable and vulnerable creatures, revealing how human choices shape the fate of our planet's living systems.
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage
Sydney Padua
Embark on a witty and imaginative graphic novel journey through the lives and groundbreaking work of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, the visionary pioneers of computing. Blending meticulous historical research with fantastical adventures and comedic flair, this book explores their brilliant minds, eccentric personalities, and their quest to build the world's first computer, the Analytical Engine, in a way that is both profoundly educational and hilariously entertaining.
The Miraculous from the Material
Alan Lightman
In this captivating exploration, physicist and writer Alan Lightman delves into the profound wonder of the natural world, from the intricate dance of atoms to the majestic rings of Saturn. He argues for a 'spiritual materialism,' demonstrating how a deep understanding of scientific laws and material reality can amplify, rather than diminish, our sense of awe and connection to the cosmos. Through accessible explanations of phenomena like DNA, galaxies, and bioluminescence, Lightman invites readers to discover the miraculous inherent in the material, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the universe and our place within it.
Tech Agnostic
Greg M. Epstein
In 'Tech Agnostic,' Greg M. Epstein provocatively argues that technology has evolved beyond a mere industry to become the dominant religion of our time, shaping our beliefs, practices, and values with an almost divine influence. Drawing parallels between the narratives of tech giants and ancient religious doctrines, Epstein explores how technology offers promises of salvation, community, and even immortality, while also presenting its own forms of hierarchy, ritual, and apocalypse. This book is a compelling call for a 'reformation' of our relationship with technology, urging readers to critically examine its pervasive power and redirect its astonishing capabilities towards more humane and ethical ends.
An Introduction to System Safety Engineering
Nancy G. Leveson
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of system safety engineering. It delves into the methodologies for designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems to prevent accidents and ensure safety, covering topics from hazard identification to risk mitigation strategies. Essential reading for anyone involved in the development and operation of critical systems.
The Mountain in the Sea
Ray Nayler
Rumors of a dangerous species of hyperintelligent octopus, possibly possessing its own language and culture, draw marine biologist Dr. Ha Nguyen to a remote, sealed-off archipelago. Partnering with a battle-scarred security agent and the world's first android, she races against time to communicate with this groundbreaking species. As powerful transnational corporations and other forces converge to exploit the octopuses' advancements, Dr. Nguyen must uncover what these creatures truly think, and what they might do, in this dazzling near-future thriller that delves into the profound nature of consciousness and extrahuman intelligence.
Theodore Savage
Cicely Hamilton
Set in a world ravaged by scientific warfare, Cicely Hamilton's prescient 1922 novel, reissued in the Radium Age series, plunges readers into a chilling post-apocalyptic landscape. It follows Theodore Savage, a former civil servant, as he navigates a regressed society where knowledge is feared as 'devil's knowledge' and humanity struggles to survive in tribal communities. This 'feminist dystopia' offers a profound critique of unchecked technological progress and the fragility of civilization, exploring themes of human nature, gender roles, and the desperate search for meaning amidst utter devastation.