Top 30 science books 3gas

Unfortunately, nowadays, the science becomes increasingly undervalued. Fake news, political ideologies and lack of information undermine this human faculty that has always had great minds involved in expanding our knowledge and making the world a better place to live. That's why we've gathered in this article some of the best works of scientific literature — both classic and modern — that are worth reading. 3g4x4b

30. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 4h6k37

One of the most impactful works of contemporary scientific and biographical literature, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, written by the journalist Rebecca Skloot, was published in 2010 and quickly became a worldwide reference. The work also received a film adaptation in 2017 starring the American presenter Oprah Winfrey, available on Max. In this fascinating and accessible work for the general public, Skloot tells the extraordinary and moving story behind HeLa cells — the first human cells immortalized in the laboratory, which revolutionized modern medicine.

Written with careful narrative and journalistic sensitivity, Skloot weaves science and humanity together to reveal how, without her family’s consent, Henrietta’s cells contributed to vital discoveries such as the polio vaccine and research into cancer, AIDS and in vitro fertilization. It is a compelling read that raises ethical, social and racial issues, offering the reader a journey that is as scientific as it is deeply human.

Price: Paperback (R$44,18), Kindle (R$14,90)

29. Silent Spring 232j5n

Considered one of the pioneering works of the modern environmental movement, silent spring, by the biologist and writer Rachel Carson, was published in 1962 and forever changed the way the world views the relationship between humanity and nature. With clear and poetic writing, Carson warns of the dangers of the indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially DDT, and its devastating consequences for the environment.

Carson combines scientific rigor with powerful emotional appeal, revealing how human interference can silence birdsong and throw entire ecosystems out of balance. silent spring It is an accessible and deeply impactful read that raised awareness around the world and paved the way for the creation of environmental policies and regulatory agencies.

Price: Paperback (R$47,69), Kindle (R$45,12)

28. The Demon-Haunted World 4k82c

Astrophysicist's classic Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World was first published in 1995. The book attempts to explain the scientific method to the lay public in an effort to show that only through the correct use of science can we obtain the truth. Exploring various personal cases and situations in which Sagan was confronted by charlatans, the work also aims to promote critical and skeptical thinking – both non-existent in our time.

As Sagan himself comments in the book: “science is a candle seen in the dark”. In other words, it alone can rescue us from complete ignorance.

Price: Paperback (R$46,98), Kindle (R$12,56)

27. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions 5v32m

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, by the British educator Edwin A. Abbott is one of the most ingenious works of mathematical fiction ever written. The book was published in 1884 and continues to fascinate readers to this day. In this clever and accessible satire, Abbott takes the reader through a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric figures, where the discovery of a third dimension challenges all established notions of reality. The story was even adapted into an episode of the animated series Futurama.

With the same conceptual inventiveness of authors like Lewis Carroll ("Alice in Wonderland") and the philosophical depth of Jorge Luis Borges (“Fictions”), Abbott uses mathematics as a metaphor to discuss topics such as perception, social hierarchy, dogmatism and the limits of human knowledge. Flatland It is a unique work that, with lightness and creativity, invites the reader to expand their mind and question the boundaries of what is possible to understand.

Price: Paperback (R$24,65), Kindle (R$23,42)

26. The False Measure of Man 3y6w1w

The False Measure of Man, by paleontologist and historian of science Stephen Jay Gould, is one of the most forceful critiques of pseudoscience in the 1981th century. Published in XNUMX, the work became a classic in the fight against biological determinism. With accessible writing and rigorous argumentation, Gould dismantles the scientific basis of racist and sexist theories that attempted to justify social inequalities through biology.

Gould reveals how measures such as craniometry and IQ tests were used to prejudiced ideas under the guise of scientific neutrality. The False Measure of Man It is a thought-provoking and revealing read, which invites the reader to reflect on the dangers of bad science and the importance of questioning supposed objective data when they are at the service of exclusion.

Price: Paperback (R$103,42)

25. Sapiens 43m

One of the most popular science books in Yuval Noah Harari, PhD in history from the University of Oxford, Sapiens was originally published in 2014. In his work, Yuval approaches the history of Humanity from an innovative perspective, questioning how the Homo Sapiens became the dominant species on planet Earth and what makes us able to create beautiful works of art and, at the same time, conceive the most horrifying wars.

Sapiens It is an impressive of the adventure of the human species seen from a critical and scientific perspective. We have gone from being simple primates to masters of the world. Who knows where we might end up in the future?

Price: Paperback (R$63,37), Kindle (R$39,90)

24. What is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell 1w3o31

What is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell, by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger, was published in 1944 and profoundly influenced the emergence of modern molecular biology. Even if you are not a science lover, you have probably heard of the “Schrödinger’s Cat”, one of the most famous experiments used to explain Quantum Physics. Using clear and accessible language, Schrödinger proposes an innovative vision of the physical mechanisms that sustain vital processes, anticipating concepts that would be confirmed years later with the discovery of the structure of DNA.

Schrödinger uses principles of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics to explore how living systems maintain order amid chaos. What is Life? It is a short but deeply thought-provoking read that continues to inspire scientists and thinkers interested in the frontiers between physics, biology, and the philosophy of science.

Price: Paperback (R$55,47)

23. The Fiddler's Thumb 38sb

A fascinating journey through genetics and its most surprising stories, The Violinist's Thumb, Sam Kean, was published in 2010 and quickly became a compelling work on how DNA shapes who we are. Through curious cases, scientific discoveries and eccentric characters, Kean reveals how our genes influence everything from artistic abilities to rare diseases and unexpected behaviors.

Kean transforms molecular biology into accessible, humane narratives. The Violinist's Thumb is a thought-provoking read that mixes science, history and humor, revealing how the threads of genetics weave the stories of the human body and mind.

Price: Paperback (R$63,93), Kindle (R$46,90)

22. You Look Like a Thing and I Love You 1q1bv

An innovative and captivating approach to the principles of artificial intelligence, You Look Like a Thing and I Love You, by writer and data scientist Janelle Shane, was published in 2019 and quickly became one of the most entertaining and accessible introductions to the world of algorithms. With humor and clarity, Shane explores the successes and, especially, the hilarious mistakes made by AI systems, revealing the limits and peculiarities of machine “intelligence.”

Additionally, the author uses real-world examples—such as bizarre AI-generated recipes or disastrous attempts at image recognition—to show how these systems learn and why they often misinterpret the human world. You Look Like a Thing and I Love You It is a light, informative and surprisingly human read about one of the most impactful themes of our time.

Price: Paperback (R$38,90), Kindle (R$49,68)

21. Artificial intelligence on our side: How to keep control over technology 4qf6t

A lucid and essential reflection on the direction of technology, Artificial Intelligence to Our Advantage: How to Keep Control of Technology, by researcher Stuart Russell, was published in 2019 and quickly emerged as a seminal work in the contemporary debate about the future of AI. In this in-depth and accessible analysis, Russell—one of the leading experts in the field—argues that to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits humanity, we urgently need to rethink its foundations.

Russell proposes a new paradigm for the development of AI, based on systems that recognize their uncertainty about human goals and that are guided by them in a safe way. Artificial Intelligence in Our Favor It is a thought-provoking and necessary read for anyone concerned about the ethical and social impact of technology in the 21st century.

Price: Paperback (R$83,91), Kindle (R$39,90)

20. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions 33060

One of the most influential works of philosophy of science in the 20th century, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by physicist and historian Thomas S. Kuhn, was published in 1962 and forever changed the way we understand scientific progress. With an accessible and innovative approach, Kuhn introduces the concept of “paradigm” and argues that science does not advance in a linear fashion, but rather through profound ruptures — scientific revolutions.

Kuhn challenges the traditional view of science as a continuous march toward truth by revealing the historical, social, and even psychological factors that shape changes in scientific knowledge. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how ideas are consolidated — and fall — in the world of science.

Price: Paperback (R$62,28), Kindle (R$44,90)

19. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat 41p6e

Written by famous neurologist Oliver sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales it was first published in 1985. In his work, Sacks describes several case histories of his patients throughout his professional career.

If you were curious about the title, know that it is based on a real case of a Sacks patient. Known only by the pseudonym “Dr. P”, the man suffered from visual agnosia. This is a rare and debilitating disorder that prevents a person from recognizing faces and objects, causing bizarre situations in which the patient cannot tell the difference between a person and a hat, for example.

Price: Paperback (R$57,70), Kindle (R$14,90)

18. Nexus 3n6y3u

A bold and thought-provoking analysis of the future of humanity, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks, from the Stone Age to Artificial Intelligence, Yuval Noah Harari, examines how technological advances, especially in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and data science, are reshaping the destiny of civilization. Published after the success of Sapiens, this book broadens Harari's perspective, moving beyond the past and projecting it towards the ethical, social and existential challenges of tomorrow.

In the same provocative and accessible style that made him famous, Harari poses fundamental questions: what will happen to humans when algorithms know us better than we know ourselves? What is the role of consciousness in a world dominated by artificial intelligence? Nexus is an engaging read that combines history, philosophy and science to reflect on what can make us obsolete — or lead us to a new stage of evolution.

Price: Paperback (R$59,88), Kindle (R$39,90)

17. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed 366c28

One of the most comprehensive analyses of the rise and fall of civilizations, Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, by geographer and historian Jared Diamond, was published in 2005 and quickly became a reference in debates about sustainability and human survival. With accessible language and a solid empirical basis, Diamond investigates why some societies collapse in the face of environmental crises and others manage to adapt and thrive.

The author combines history, archaeology, ecology and geopolitics to examine emblematic cases — such as the Mayans, the Vikings of Greenland and modern Rwanda — revealing universal patterns of collective choices. Collapse It is a fundamental and provocative read that invites the reader to reflect on the future of our own society in the face of environmental challenges and the decisions we make — or fail to make.

Price: Paperback (R$166,08), Kindle (R$99,90)

16. Behave: Human Biology at Our Best and Worst y1d2z

A monumental synthesis of human behavior in light of biology, Behave: Human Biology at Our Best and Worst, from the neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, was published in 2017 and has become a must-read for anyone seeking to understand why we act the way we do. With scientific depth and engaging narrative, Sapolsky explores the factors that shape our behavior — from impulses that arise seconds before an action to genetic, cultural, and evolutionary influences accumulated over millennia.

Sapolsky clearly conveys the complex cerebral, hormonal and social mechanisms that explain both human comion and violence. Behave yourself It is a fascinating and revealing read, which invites the reader to reflect on free will, empathy, morality and what really makes us human.

Price: Paperback (R$94,36), Kindle (R$49,90)

15. 4i6g4c

A masterpiece of science fiction with a deeply human soul, UsCarl Sagan’s 1985 novel, The Secret of the Universe, has become a timeless classic about science, faith, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. Combining scientific rigor and vivid imagination, Sagan tells the story of Dr. Ellie Arroway, a SETI scientist who picks up a signal from deep space—a that could forever change our view of ourselves.

In the same inspiring and reflective tone that marked his popular science works, Sagan explores themes such as the search for intelligent life, the limits of knowledge and the conflict between reason and belief. The story was adapted for the cinema in 1997, in a praised film starring Jodie Foster, who sensitively captured the essence of the work. Us It is an engaging, exciting and provocative read, which invites us to look at the universe — and within ourselves — with wonder, skepticism and hope.

Price: Paperback (R$54,08), Kindle (R$29,90)

14. Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World 10l6g

An entertaining and eye-opening read about the mathematical errors that have shaped—or disastrously altered—the real world, Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World, Matt Parker, was published in 2019 and quickly won over audiences with its sharp humor and curious stories. From collapsing bridges to software failures and disastrous financial decisions, the book shows how even small numerical errors can have major consequences.

Parker combines mathematical knowledge with a light, engaging tone, making math not only understandable, but genuinely fun. Humble Pi is a celebration of mistakes — and a reminder that in the real world, math is too powerful to ignore.

Unfortunately, the book does not yet have a translation into Portuguese.

Price: Paperback (R$83,41), Kindle (R$72,90)

13. Imperfect Creation 4q4j3j

Written by Brazilian physicist, astronomer and professor Marcelo Gleiser, imperfect creation was first published in 2010. Considered by many to be one of Gleiser's best books on science, in it the author explores the different aspects and intrinsic relationships between the cosmos, life and nature.

In the book, Gleiser dismantles the greatest myth of Western science and philosophy: that nature is governed by perfection. The Brazilian physicist based in the US also challenges the discourse of radical atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, showing that science does not prove the non-existence of God.

Price: Paperback (R$57,21), Kindle (R$40,53)

12. The Alignment Problem 1o5a4t

A clear and urgent exploration of the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence, The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values, Brian Christian, was published in 2020 and quickly established itself as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the risks and responsibilities involved in advancing AI. The book addresses the central challenge of aligning machine learning systems with human values ​​— a technical, philosophical, and deeply human problem.

Christian tells real stories of scientists, engineers, and thinkers trying to prevent algorithms from learning society's worst biases. The Alignment Problem combines science, ethics and storytelling to show that as machines become more autonomous, the task of programming them to do good becomes increasingly complex — and vital to our future.

The book does not yet have a translation into Portuguese.

Price: Paperback (R$111,45), Kindle (R$107,38)

11. Chaos 321836

james gleick is one of the most influential American writers in the field of science books aimed at the general public. In Chaos, one of his most popular works and originally published in 2008, Gleick explores the mysteries behind Chaos Science.

In this work of science writing, the author presents a cutting-edge field of science with enough grace and precision that any reader will be able to understand the science behind the beautiful complexity of the world around us. Voted a bestseller by the newspaper The New York Times, Chaos is a groundbreaking book about what appears to be the future of physics.

Unfortunately, the Portuguese edition is difficult to find, and the original publication in English is the most accessible way to check out this work.

Price: Paperback (R$112,90), Kindle (R$49,90)

10. Freakonomics m244d

With the subtitle “The Hidden and Unexpected Side of Everything That Affects Us”, freakonomics was the economist's first non-fiction book. Steven Levitt and the journalist Stephen J Dubner. The work was first published in 2005, sold 4 million copies by the end of 2009 and remains highly rated to this day.

The book combines diverse subjects such as pop culture, social sciences and economics in an attempt to explain basic economic principles in an interesting and entertaining way, without being tiresome to the reader. In essence, the main message of freakonomics is that economics is basically the study of incentives, not numbers.

Price: Paperback (R$52,16), Kindle (R$27,44)

9. The Body Speaks 3qe

Written by Pierre Weill e Roland Tompakow and with the subtitle “The silent language of non-verbal communication”, The body speaks was originally published in 1986, but remains current and extremely popular.

In a textbook, with simple and direct writing and filled with images to help understand the main concepts, the work addresses the science of body language. First, the authors analyze the subterranean principles that govern and guide the body. Then, from these principles, the expressions, gestures and bodily acts appear that, in characteristic, stylized or innovative ways, express feelings, conceptions, or internal positions.

Price: Paperback (R$55,63), Kindle (R$28,88)

8. Deadly Enemy: Our War on Killer Germs y1j3i

An engaging behind-the-scenes look at the fight against infectious diseases, Deadly Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs, by journalists Michael T. Osterholm e Mark Olshaker, was published in 2017 and gained worldwide attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. With direct and accessible language, the book exposes the real risks that pandemics pose to humanity and the urgency of effective scientific and political preparation.

The author combines s of real outbreaks with technical analysis, showing how viruses and bacteria continue to be unpredictable and lethal threats. Mortal Enemy is an essential and alarming read that invites the reader to understand the failures of the global health system and the importance of science in defending against the invisible enemy that surrounds us.

Price: Paperback (R$15,00), Kindle (R$31,41)

7. Artificial Intelligence g6o2g

A frank and revealing look at the global impact of technology, Artificial Intelligence: The Power of China, Silicon Valley and the New World Order, Kai Fu Lee, was published in 2018 and became a reference in the debate on the geopolitical and economic future of AI. Former executive of giants such as Google e Microsoft in Asia, Lee combines his personal experience with sharp analysis to paint a picture of the technology race between the United States and China.

The author discusses how AI is shaping work, markets, and societies, and proposes solutions to the societal challenges of large-scale automation. Artificial Intelligence It is essential reading to understand not only the technology itself, but also the power game that is taking shape in the 21st century around it.

Price: Paperback (R$51,17), Kindle (R$52,16)

6. The Drunkard's Walk 3n4i2u

A fascinating exploration of the role of chance in our lives, The Drunkard's Walk: How Chance Determines Our Lives, by the physicist and writer Leonard Mlodinov, was published in 2008 and became a bestseller for its accessible and thought-provoking approach to randomness. Using examples from everyday life, from economics to sports, Mlodinow reveals how many of the decisions we make—and the successes or failures we experience—are shaped more by chance than by logic or merit.

Mlodinow uses concepts from probability theory and statistics to show how we are often fooled by our own instincts when dealing with uncertainty. The Drunkard's Walk is a fun and eye-opening read that challenges our beliefs about control, luck, and predictability in an essentially chaotic world.

Price: Paperback (R$38,86), Kindle (R$13,46)

5.Cosmos 495y1n

Considered by many the scientist's masterpiece Carl Sagan, Cosmos was first published in 1980 to complement the incredibly influential TV series (which got a new television version under the helm of Sagan's successor, Neil deGrasse Tyson). Carl Sagan was a famous scientist, physicist, biologist, astronomer and astrophysicist who devoted much of his scientific career to the advancement of science in order to simplify complex concepts for everyone to understand.

Both the book and the series explore the mutual development of science and civilization. In a simple but impactful way, Sagan invites us to discover the wonders of the Universe and unravel its mysteries, showing that, as the saying goes: “there is much more between earth and heaven than our vain philosophy dreams of”.

Price: Paperback (R$70,66), Kindle (R$17,90)

4. The Selfish Gene 1i6m6r

This work is one of the oldest classics of Richard Dawkins, but it's still as popular today as it was in 1976. Dawkins is an ethologist and evolutionary biologist known in the scientific community for being a radical atheist and “scientific extremist,” repudiating any approach to a subject other than the scientific method.

Em The Selfish Gene, Dawkings uses the idea that genes – the basic molecular structures of living beings that have DNA – are extremely selfish and use creatures only as a vehicle to propagate their existence, thus explaining the nature behind the mechanism of evolution.

Price: Paperback (R$66,88), Kindle (R$15,96)

3. The Three-Body Problem 596e2j

One of the most celebrated works of contemporary science fiction, The Three Body Problem, by the Chinese author CixinLiu, was originally published in 2006 and gained international recognition when it won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015. Combining theoretical physics, Chinese history and cosmic speculation, the book begins a trilogy that places humanity facing a highly advanced alien civilization — and existential dilemmas worthy of the universe.

In the grand style of authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Liu proposes a narrative that alternates between the Chinese Cultural Revolution and a future threatened by incomprehensible forces. The work was adapted in 2024 for a series by Netflix, produced by the creators of Game of Thrones, bringing its complex universe to the screen. The Three Body Problem It is a visionary and provocative read that transforms hard science into epic literature.

Price: Paperback (R$58,24), Kindle (R$34,90)

2. A Brief History of Time 653g3f

One of the most influential works of the late and genius physicist Stephen Hawking, A Brief History of Time, was first published in 1988 and is one of the most popular science books of all time. In this fantastic work, accessible to the lay public, Hawking takes the reader on a journey through the origin and development of the Universe.

With the same style of Carl Sagan, Hawking addresses concepts such as the Theory of Relativity in a non-technical format that offers an easy and engaging read for anyone curious about the subject.

Price: Paperback (R$48,66), Kindle (R$21,11)

1. The Origin of Species 2u635z

Here we have one (if not “the greatest”) of the most revolutionary works in the history of science, The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin, was published in 1859 and profoundly transformed our understanding of life on Earth. With clarity and depth, Darwin presents the theory of natural selection, explaining how species evolve over time through adaptation to the environment.

Darwin combines meticulous observation, empirical evidence and logical reasoning to propose a unifying vision of biodiversity. The Origin of Species It is a fundamental reading that, in addition to marking the birth of modern evolutionary biology, continues to provoke scientific, philosophical and cultural debates to this day.

Price: Hardcover (R$47,41), Kindle (R$7,90)

BONUS: Flowers for Algernon m2lx

Here we have a fictional novel, but one that does not fail to touch on important points regarding the impacts of Science on our lives and society. One of the most exciting and timeless works of science fiction, Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes, was published in 1966 and touched generations with its profound sensitivity (having been adapted into various media, even in an episode of “The Simpsons”). Told in diary form, the book follows Charlie Gordon, a man with an intellectual disability who undergoes a scientific experiment to increase his intelligence — the same procedure previously performed on a laboratory rat named Algernon.

With the same emotional charge and social criticism of works like irable new world by Aldous Huxley, Keyes combines science and humanity to explore themes such as scientific ethics, empathy, identity, and the true meaning of intelligence. Flowers for Algernon is a moving and thoughtful read that challenges the reader to reconsider their perceptions of ability, dignity, and the value of the human experience.

Price: Hardcover (R$65,92), Kindle (R$21,37)

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The greatest technological mysteries of all time

Source: NY Times, Goodreads

reviewed by Tiago Rodrigues in 23 / 05 / 2025