Naked Science Forum
General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: Claire on 15/05/2003 17:04:21
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Can anyone recommend any books related to science or nature that they have found really interesting and would be suitable for someone like me who has very limited scientific knowledge?? I'm looking for something to read, and am relishing that fact that it doesn't have to have anything to do with my history degree as I've just finished it!!
Has anyone read the book called 'Wolf talk' about a guy who can communicate with wolves?
Claire
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Wolf Talk sounds interesting. Have you read it? I'd like the ISBN if you have it.
I enjoyed Ageless Body, Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra, M.D. (ISBN 0-517-59257-6 Harmony Books). It's a combination of science and medicine, and Dr. Chopra established the American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine. It can be a slow read if you want to incorporate some of his teachings into your life. Particularly interesting is his concept of cellular memory.
Another interesting book is Fatal Passage by Ken McGoogan (ISBN 0-00-200054-7 Harper Flamingo Canada). It is "The untold story of John Rae, the arctic adventurer who discovered the fate of Franklin". This one is historical, but likely different than what you've been studying.
Congratulations on completing your studies.
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Dear Claire
there are several good science books reviewed in our 'book reviews' section, including several history of science books which might suit someone of your medieval pursuasion. Click 'books' on the navbar to your left.
TNS
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You could read Horrible Science. It has a range science topics from bio, to physic. <[:(!]caution[:(!]>It might be a little bit too easy for you but never the less it's fun and quite good in general.
Tom
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Soooo, Tom, just what was it that attracted you to a book with such a title[^]?
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Well, a few years ago I read a book called "DNA for beginners" it was really good, and it was what sparked my interest in genetics. It starts from the very beginning, and doesn't assume too much, but it goes through basic structure, replication, transcription, translation, and beyond. It sets out everything very understandably, has lots of cool pictures that help explain the concepts, and contains something of the history of DNA as well. I think it was written for intelligent 13 or 14 year olds. It is a fantastic book, I highly reccomend it! I can't remember who it was by, but it had two monkeys and a picture of DNA on the cover, and was yellow from memory.
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I read Horrible Science as well, it gives some horrible facts about science (hence the name). There is a series of them including 'Fatal Force', 'Bulging Brain', 'Disgusting Digestion', 'Chemical Chaos', 'Suffering Scientists'.....Like Tom said it's targeted on younger readers but it's good for people who are interested in science but has limited scientific knowledge.
Angel
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There is a book about DNA by James Watson, I forgot what it's called. My teacher said that every good scientist will read that book one day, he got a copy of it.
Tom
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Thanks guys! I'll definately check out the book section on the website and look up a few of those other ones you mentioned. Like the sound of the horrible science ones.[;)] [xx(]
Donnah - I haven't read Wolf Talk yet, trying to get hold of a copy at the moment. I'll let you know what it's like.
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There is a really good book of short science essays for non-scientists called 'Why Nothing Can Travel Faster Than Light: And Other Scientific Curiosities ' by Barry, E. Zimmerman &
David J. Zimmerman which covers multi-disiplines and is very interesting.
Ros
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welcome to the forum Rosalind! Thanks for the book titles, i might look into them myself.
Resident Tour Operator - The Naked Scientists
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Exodus, I think speading the word is working. New members are increasing everyday.
Angel
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keep on spreadin it girlie ;o)
Resident Tour Operator - The Naked Scientists
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Exodus, mind what you say[:p] to the girls, or they won't want to admire your toenails.
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I know it's well over a year since Claire introduced this thread, but I thought it's worth a comeback so ...........Anybody read any good books that are relative to the nature of this site ?...I mentioned this one in a diary entry but it's worth another mention here...what I'm reading right now is Bill Bryson....A Short History of Nearly Everything. It's the first book I've read in ages and I must say it's captivating , it's not a heavy read , every kind of person would find this a fantastic read.
'Men are the same as women...just inside out !' (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.world-of-smilies.de%2Fhtml%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2FSchilder2%2Finsanes.gif&hash=4f18432872d0188852a6f4a3170ec758)
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Claire,
I have just had a quick scan of my bookshelves and would think the following to be very readable in a science and nature category;
The Language of the Genes - Steve Jones
The book of Man - Bodmer and McKie
The rise and fall of the third chimpanzee - Jared Diamond
The blind watchmaker - Richard Dawkins, enjoyable but his earlier books were heavy going!
I'm always open to recommendations on science/nature books. I'm a bit of a 5 watt bulb so nothing too brainy please.
I think I'll start another thread on reading.....
you can't crack me I'm a rubber duck!
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I recommend "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" as a good history book with lots of science thrown in.
Also, "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene is a very good introduction to Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and String theory.
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John - The Eternal Pessimist.
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If you're into the drug culture books, OR like diary-form writing, I totally recomend "Go Ask Allice"
That's no moon.... its a GRAPEFRUIT!!!!