June 12: Books Published This Week

Evolutions: Fifteen Myths That Explain Our World by Oren Harman

History of science professor Oren Harman uses modern science to create new and original mythologies:  the earth and the moon presenting a cosmological view of motherhood, a panicking mitochondrion introducing sex and death to the world, the loneliness of consciousness emerging from the memory of an octopus, and the birth of language in evolution summoning humankind’s struggle with truth.

Library Journal says it’s “ideal for readers who find traditional science books lacking in philosophy.”

Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush

Journalist Elizabeth Rush guides readers through some of the places where climate change has caused rising seas to transform the coastline of the United States in irrevocable ways.

Publishers Weekly (starred review) says, “Elizabeth Rush masterfully presents firsthand accounts of these changes, acknowledging her own privileged position in comparison to most of her interviewees and the heavy responsibility involved in relaying their experiences to an audience.”

Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray by Sabine Hossenfelder

This book is Sabine Hossenfelder’s argument that the reason we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades is that physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant. Beauty conflicts with scientific objectivity, and scientists need to rethink their methods to discover the truth.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review) says, “Even educated readers will struggle to understand the elements of modern physics, but they will have no trouble enjoying this insightful, delightfully pugnacious polemic about its leading controversy.”

 

The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young

Organic farmer Rosamund Young distills a lifetime of organic farming wisdom, describing the surprising personalities of her cows and other animals. Includes introduction by Alan Bennett and gorgeous illustrations.

Booklist says, “Young’s animal stories are truly charming and quietly convincing of the great value of a more natural form of farming.”

 

Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors by Caroline Elton

Psychologist Caroline Elton introduces us to some of the distressed physicians who have come to her for help: doctors who face psychological challenges that threaten to destroy their careers and lives, including an obstetrician grappling with his own homosexuality, a high-achieving junior doctor who walks out of her first job within weeks of starting, and an oncology resident who faints when confronted with cancer patients.

Kirkus Reviews says, “Elton is particularly good on the subtle matters of gender and ethnic discrimination that punish doctors who are different from the white, male mainstream.”