I believe that science and innovation are the keys to solving many of the world’s biggest problems—especially when it comes to helping the poorest people on the planet improve their lives. Over the years I’ve read some fascinating science books that have influenced my thinking. If you’re also interested in science and how it can shape our world, I highly recommend this collection of books. Read my book reviews to learn more.

Thirteen Books on Science and Innovation

1. Smallpox: The Death of a Disease by D. A. Henderson
2. The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger by Leon Hesser
3. House on Fire: The Fight to Eradicate Smallpox by William H. Foege
4. Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
5. For the Love of Physics by Walter Lewin
6. Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 1: Mainly Mechanics, Radiation, and Heat by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton and Matthew Sands
7. Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol 2: Mainly Electromagnetism and Matter by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton and Matthew Sands
8. Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol 3: Quantum Mechanics by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton and Matthew Sands
9. Harvesting the Biosphere by Vaclav Smil
10. Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
11. The New Science of Strong Materials by J.E. Gordon
12. The Hair of the Dog and other Scientific Surprises by Karl Sabbagh
13. 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense by Michael Brooks