Ed Yong

In her first book, How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell wrote about the importance of disconnecting from the “attention economy” to spend time in quiet contemplation. But what if you don’t have time to spend?...

Explore the world of plant behavior and adaptation in Lessons from Plants. Through the eyes of Beronda L. Montgomery, discover the dynamic lives of these often underestimated organisms. Learn how plants use their knowledge of themselves and their environment to adapt and survive. Drawing on their ability to distinguish between friend and foe, transform and maximize chances of survival, Montgomery shows us how we can benefit from their experience. What would a plant do? Find out and improve your own perceptions and awareness in this thought-provoking study.

Discover the resilience of the human spirit in this deep examination of life-altering events. Through the stories of six individuals, journalist Mike Mariani explores the territory of what happens after a major event and how we go on to forge new identities. Mariani's own experience with chronic illness serves as a backdrop to this ambitious work of narrative reporting where he uses lessons from psychology, mythology, and religion to argue that these life-changing experiences have the power to supercharge our identities and bring meaning to our lives. Let Mariani inspire you with stories of struggle, loss, perseverance, transformation, and triumph, showing us the endless capacity for kindling new light in the darkest of corners.

"Vagina Obscura" explores the fascinating world of the female body through the eyes of a new generation of women scientists. With modern tools and fresh perspectives, they're rediscovering the biology of organs traditionally associated with reproduction. Discover how the uterus regrows itself, ovaries produce fresh eggs, and the clitoris pulsates beneath the surface like a shimmering pyramid of nerves. This celebratory testament to how knowledge can be rewritten to better serve everyone is full of wit and wonder.

Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean’s tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she so loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world’s last flock of Arctic terns and follow them on their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his salty, eccentric crew with promises that the birds she is tracking will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny’s new shipmates begin to realize that the beguiling scientist in their midst is not who she seems. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of letters to her husband, and dead set on following the terns at any cost, Franny is full of dark secrets. When the story of her past begins to unspool, Ennis and his crew must ask themselves what Franny is really running toward—and running from.

Delve into the fascinating world of human-wildlife conflict in this captivating book. From jaywalking moose to murderous trees, author Mary Roach explores the curious science behind our interactions with animals who break the law. Along the way, she accompanies animal-attack forensics investigators, bear managers, and more on their missions. Combining conservation genetics with a cast of unforgettable characters and anecdotes, Roach reveals both humanity's role as the problem and the solution for "problem" wildlife. Fuzz is a witty, thought-provoking read that offers hope for compassionate coexistence with the wild creatures among us.

"Wild Souls" by Emma Marris delves into the complex relationship between animal welfare and conservation science. Marris presents thought-provoking questions about wildness and how we balance the needs of different animal species in today's world. Highlighting inspiring accounts from scientists working in the field and discussing philosophical concepts, Marris offers a new perspective on our relationship with the environment and the creatures that inhabit it."

Discover the history of the modern conservation movement through the individuals who built it in this captivating book. Science journalist Michelle Nijhuis takes readers on a journey from the early battles to save iconic species like the bald eagle and American bison to the current global effort to protect all life on earth. Learn about the vital role of scientists and activists like Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson, as well as lesser-known figures who shaped conservation history. Delve into the origins of organizations like the Audubon Society and World Wildlife Fund, and explore current efforts to protect endangered species like the black rhinoceros and whooping crane. This powerfully informative book confronts difficult issues like racism and colonialism that have long overshadowed conservation efforts. With the effects of climate change escalating, Beloved Beasts is a must-read for anyone interested in protecting the natural world.

Uncover the history of the climate crisis with Our Biggest Experiment. Traversing science, politics, and technology, this book sheds light on the pioneering scientists, including Eunice Newton Foote, who first warned the world of the dangers of carbon dioxide emissions. Explore the evolution of our energy system - from whale oil to electric cars - and witness the growth of the environmental movement and climate skepticism. With wit and precision, Alice Bell chronicles the development of big science and our advancing realization that global warming is a significant global problem. Discover how our ancestors have left us both a mess and tools for survival in this defining story of our age.

Explore the lives of whales and their impact on the seas in Fathoms by Rebecca Giggs. Giggs blends natural history, philosophy, and science to examine how whales experience ecological change and what we can learn from them about the complexity, splendor, and fragility of life. Delve into the deepest seas to discover the plastic pollution now pervading the whale's undersea environment and travel to Japan to board the ships that hunt whales. In the spirit of Rachel Carson and Rebecca Solnit, Giggs gives us a vivid exploration of the natural world at a time of environmental crisis.