Connectome: How the Brain’s Wiring Makes Us Who We Are by Sebastian Seung

On March 1, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Connectome is a mind-bending adventure story, told with great passion and authority. It presents a daring scientific and technological vision for at last understanding what makes us who we are. Welcome to the future of neuroscience.

Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier by Neil deGrasse Tyson

On February 29, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a rare breed of astrophysicist, one who can speak as easily and brilliantly with popular audiences as with professional scientists. Now that NASA has put human space flight effectively on hold—with a five- or possibly ten-year delay until the next launch of astronauts from U.S. soil—Tyson’s views on the future of space travel and America’s role in that future are especially timely and urgent.

Wired for Culture: Origins of the Human Social Mind by Mark Pagel

On February 26, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, Social Studies, by Editor

A fascinating, far-reaching study of how our species’ innate capacity for culture altered the course of our social and evolutionary history.

Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle For Internet Freedom by Rebecca MacKinnon

On February 1, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Political, Science, Social Studies, Technology, by Editor

A clarion call to action, Consent of the Networked shows that it is time to stop arguing over whether the Internet empowers people, and address the urgent question of how technology should be governed to support the rights and liberties of users around the world.

Rough-Hewn Land: A Geologic Journey from California to the Rocky Mountains by Keith Heyer Meldahl

On January 27, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, by Editor

In this absorbing book, Meldahl takes readers on a 1000-mile-long field trip back through more than 100 million years of deep time to explore America’s most spectacular and scientifically intriguing landscapes.

Cold Front: Conflict Ahead in Arctic Waters by David Fairhall

On January 23, 2012, in Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

The Arctic. Land of ice and the six-month day, irresistible goal for explorers and adventurers, enduring source of romance and mystery, and now also a poignant and unavoidable indicator of the impact of climate change.

That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion by Rachel Herz

On January 21, 2012, in Book Reviews, Health, Mind & Body, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

Disgust originated to prevent us from eating poisonous food, but this simple safety mechanism has since evolved into a uniquely human emotion that dictates how we treat others, shapes our cultural norms, and even has implications for our mental and physical health.

Mushroom – About The Fungus Among Us by Nicholas P. Money

On January 19, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

In Mushroom, Nicholas Money offers a vibrant introduction to the world of mushrooms, investigating the science behind these organisms as well as their enduring cultural and imaginative appeal. Beginning with the basics of mushroom biology, Money leads us through a history of mushroom research, painting portraits of the colorful characters involved in their study–among them, Beatrix Potter, the celebrated author and creator of Peter Rabbit, and Captain Charles McIlvaine, a Civil War veteran who engaged in a dangerous quest to determine the edibility of every mushroom in North America.

The Anointed: Evangelical Truth in a Secular Age by Randall J. Stephens and Karl W. Giberson

On January 7, 2012, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Religious Studies, by Editor

American evangelicalism often appears as a politically monolithic, textbook red-state fundamentalism that elected George W. Bush, opposes gay marriage, abortion, and evolution, and promotes apathy about global warming. Prominent public figures hold forth on these topics, speaking with great authority for millions of followers.

Alone in the Universe: Why Our Planet Is Unique by John Gribbin

On December 30, 2011, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Science, by Editor

In this fascinating and intriguing new book, Gribbin argues that the very existence of intelligent life anywhere in the cosmos is, from an astrophysicist’s point of view, a miracle.