The BMSIS Reading Recommendations Page

We’re not only a community of scientists, engineers, educators, communicators, lawyers, economists, philosophers, thinkers, dreamers, doers, and futurists—we’re also huge nerds for reading.

Reading is leading, and BMSIS is certainly a community of readers.

We offer here our top reading recommendations for you, suggested from across our community.

Discipline is Destiny
by Ryan Holiday

  • Recommender: Zheen
  • Insight: “This is part of the Stoic virtues books, of which there are several (e.g., Courage is Calling), but the discipline being equated with destiny really hits home in unexpected ways and in a very non-toxic manner. Only book you will ever need to read to get on track!”
  • Synopsis: In Discipline is Destiny, Ryan Holiday highlights historical figures like Lou Gehrig, Queen Elizabeth II, Marcus Aurelius, and Toni Morrison as examples of self-discipline, while using Napoleon, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Babe Ruth as cautionary tales. He emphasizes that self-discipline is central to the Stoic virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, and is essential for success and happiness.
  • Link to buy

The Open Society and Its Enemies
by Karl Popper

  • Recommender: Jacob Haqq-Misra
  • Insight: “This book explains what we need to know to preserve our free society.”
  • Synopsis: Praised by Bertrand Russell as a “vigorous and profound defense of democracy”, this influential critique of the philosophies of Plato, Hegel, and Marx predicted the downfall of communism in Eastern Europe and highlighted the dangers of socially engineered political systems. Renowned for its clarity and intellectual depth, the work remains just as relevant today as it was at the time of its release.
  • Link to buy

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward Tufte

  • Recommender: Jacob Haqq-Misra
  • Insight: “If you use data to make plots or graphics, this book will elevate your skills.”
  • Synopsis: This classic book on statistical graphics, charts, and tables explores both the theory and practice of designing effective data visuals. It features 250 illustrations showcasing the best—and some of the worst—statistical graphics, with in-depth analysis on how to display data for accurate and quick interpretation. The book also discusses the detection of graphical deception, distinguishing between design and data variation, and the aesthetics of data displays. 
  • Link to buy

A Short History of Nearly Everything
by Bill Bryson

  • Recommender: Praveen Kumar
  • Insight: “It’s a collection of discoveries and studies across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, discussed in a very interactive manner. If you like tracking discoveries without too much depth but with enough to keep your enthusiasm for science, this is the book for you.”
  • Synopsis: Bill Bryson calls himself a reluctant traveler, yet his curiosity about the world remains insatiable, even when he’s at home. A Short History of Nearly Everything is his ambitious exploration of everything from the Big Bang to the dawn of civilization, aiming to understand how we went from nothing to becoming who we are today. It’s an enlightening journey through time and space, offering a fresh perspective on the world in a way most of us have never experienced before.
  • Link to buy

The Story of Earth
by Robert M. Hazen

  • Recommender: Jake Lowe
  • Insight: “A brief and intriguing walk through the history of Earth, its evolution, and interactions with life.”
  • Synopsis: The Story of Earth by Robert Hazen offers a captivating account of Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history, from its formation to the development of life as we know it. Hazen, a geologist and astrobiologist, explores the dynamic processes that have shaped the planet, including the formation of continents, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as the role of minerals in the emergence of life. Through the lens of scientific discovery, he reveals how Earth’s geology and biology are deeply interconnected, presenting a fascinating narrative of how our planet has evolved over time.
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Alien Oceans
by Kevin Peter Hand

  • Recommender: Jake Lowe
  • Insight: “An intriguing introduction to ocean worlds, with an emphasis on those found in our Solar System and the processes we may find there.”
  • Synopsis: The book explores the possibility of life beyond Earth, focusing on the hidden oceans beneath the icy surfaces of moons like Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. A planetary scientist and astrobiologist, Hand delves into the science behind these extraterrestrial oceans, explaining how they may harbor the conditions necessary for life. The book combines cutting-edge research with a thrilling sense of exploration, examining the potential for future missions to discover microbial life in these distant, alien seas, and the implications such a discovery could have for understanding life in the universe.
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Happy is the One Who is Nothing
by Jiddu Krishnamurthy

  • Recommender: Rajat Bhushan Gupta
  • Insight: “A short, thought-provoking book on letting go of your ego. It takes 30 minutes to read but will change your life forever.”
  • Synopsis: Jiddu Krishnamurti delves into the nature of self, happiness, and freedom. Through a series of reflections and insights, Krishnamurti challenges conventional notions of identity, attachment, and the pursuit of success. He emphasizes the importance of inner stillness, awareness, and self-inquiry, encouraging readers to let go of ego and societal conditioning in order to discover true happiness. The book offers a philosophical exploration of how living without attachment to status or self-image leads to a deeper sense of peace and contentment.
  • Link to buy

Origins
by Neil deGrasse Tyson & Donald Goldsmith

  • Recommender: Jake Lowe
  • Insight: “Covers the great origin stories of the Universe, galaxies, star systems, and life, with an emphasis on ET intelligence.”
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fundamental questions of the universe’s beginnings. The book takes readers on a journey through time, explaining key concepts from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets. Through accessible language, Tyson and Goldsmith delve into the science behind the creation of everything we know, blending cosmic discoveries with the human pursuit of understanding our place in the vast universe.
  • Link to buy

Dune
by Frank Herbert

  • Recommender: Danyal Reyaz
  • Insight: “A masterful blend of science fiction, political intrigue, and philosophical depth. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking adventure that challenges perceptions, Dune is a must-read.”
  • Synopsis: A science fiction epic set on the desert planet of Arrakis, the only known source of the universe’s most valuable substance, “spice,” which grants heightened awareness and prolonged life. The story follows Paul Atreides, a young noble who inherits control of Arrakis after his family is betrayed by rival factions. As Paul navigates the harsh desert environment and encounters the native Fremen, he uncovers his destiny as a messianic figure foretold by prophecy. Dune explores themes of power, politics, religion, and ecology in a richly detailed universe, making it one of the most influential works in science fiction.
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The Soul of an Octopus
by Sy Montgomery

  • Recommender: Deivy Castellano
  • Insight: “This book is a journey through the path of various animals, especially octopuses, and raises questions about human intelligence. It’s a must-read for curious minds.”
  • Synopsis: This is a fascinating exploration of the intelligence, emotions, and behavior of octopuses. Through immersive encounters with these extraordinary creatures, Montgomery delves into their mysterious world, revealing their problem-solving abilities, complex personalities, and surprising capacity for emotional connection. The book combines science, memoir, and philosophical reflection, as Montgomery uncovers the deep, often hidden lives of octopuses while contemplating broader questions about consciousness, empathy, and the nature of life itself.
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When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi

  • Recommender: Arunava Poddar
  • Insight: “A surgeon redefines the meaning of life and death while battling cancer. It offers a unique perspective on life and is an awesome read.”
  • Synopsis: A poignant memoir written by a neurosurgeon who confronts his own terminal cancer diagnosis. As Kalanithi reflects on his life, both as a doctor and a patient, the book explores themes of mortality, purpose, and the human experience. Through his journey from medical student to surgeon, and finally to facing his own death, Kalanithi offers deep insights into the intersection of life, medicine, and the search for meaning. His eloquent narrative is a moving meditation on the fragility of life and the profound impact of living with purpose.
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The Invention of Nature
by Andrea Wulf

  • Recommender: Mark Neyrinck
  • Insight: “A biography of Alexander von Humboldt, who founded the idea of the web of the natural world and appreciation beyond strict science.”
  • Synopsis: A biography of the visionary naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, whose discoveries transformed our understanding of the natural world. Wulf explores Humboldt’s groundbreaking work in fields such as geography, ecology, and environmental science, highlighting his ideas about the interconnectedness of nature. Humboldt’s explorations and writings influenced generations of scientists, thinkers, and writers, including Charles Darwin and John Muir. The book paints a vivid portrait of Humboldt’s life and his enduring legacy, illustrating how his revolutionary ideas shaped modern environmentalism and our appreciation of the natural world.
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Green Mars
by Kim Stanley Robinson

  • Recommender: Richard Barker
  • Insight: “An exploration of how humanity’s attempts to terraform Mars evolve, picking up the story 50 years after Red Mars.”
  • Synopsis: Second book in his Mars Trilogy, continuing the story of the colonization and terraforming of Mars. Set in the 22nd century, the novel follows the challenges and conflicts that arise as Mars undergoes a transformation from a barren world to a livable environment. As the planet’s ecosystem changes, tensions emerge between the Earth-based corporations and the Martian settlers, who fight for independence and self-determination. The book delves into themes of political power, environmental change, and the ethical dilemmas of altering an entire planet, while exploring the personal struggles of the characters caught in the struggle to define the future of Mars.
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Starfish
by Peter Watts

  • Recommender: Jonathan Fussell
  • Insight: “A sci-fi about genetic manipulation, future evolution, mental health, and abyssal ecosystems. It’s an amazing read, but very graphic at times.”
  • Synopsis: The book is a hard science fiction novel set in a near-future world where deep-sea drilling has become a key method for extracting resources. The story follows a group of misfit scientists and engineers who are sent to work in a series of deep-sea drilling stations at the bottom of the ocean, where they are isolated from the surface world. These individuals, genetically enhanced to survive the extreme pressures and conditions of the ocean floor, soon encounter a series of mysterious and deadly occurrences. As the team unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the sea, the novel explores themes of isolation, human nature, and the ethical limits of scientific exploration, all within a tense, claustrophobic setting.
  • Link to buy

Wilderness Five
by Craig Walton

  • Recommender: Craig Walton
  • Insight: “A sci-fi space opera where accelerated evolution and ‘Manifold’ technology shape the world. The story explores trust, survival, and evolution in space. First six chapters available for free.”
  • Synopsis: A hero marked by a disastrous Manifold experiment, lives in solitude after watching his people perish. When called to Wilderness Five, a ringworld at the edge of inhabited space, he faces the challenge of his life. The richest man in the System has funded a daring Manifold experiment, but as Bryn is thrust back into a world of corporate intrigue and dangerous technology, he must confront his past and rise to the occasion—or risk humanity’s extinction.
  • Link to buy