I am not a scientist, but I’m married to one. I was an English major and for most of my life have been a loyal fiction reader. A few years ago, though, I began dipping into nonfiction and discovered that there is a rich realm of science books for the non-scientist. Many are elegantly written with finely drawn characters and are such page-turners that they read “like fiction.” As an added bonus, I don’t have to sound so ignorant around real scientists.
One of my favorite science writers is Dava Sobel, a former science reporter for the New York Times who is adept at making complex topics easy to grasp. She mixes in a fair amount of history and profiles of eccentric personalities, making the science easier to absorb for a lay-person like me.
Try any of these Sobel titles:
A graceful exploration of our solar system, weaving together science, mythology, history, art and music. A fun, small book!
Longitude: the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of 
his time
Sobel eloquently chronicles the story of a self-educated clockmaker in the 18th century who developed the first accurate chronometer, allowing sailors to chart their course correctly at sea. Portraits of colorful personalities are intertwined with clear explanations of the scientific concepts behind their work.
Galileo’s Daughter: a historical memoir of science, faith, and love
Galileo’s daughter Virginia – who took the name Maria Celeste – spent her teen and adult years at the Convent of San Matteo. She was close to her father, and corresponded with him about his scientific and religious beliefs – as well as smaller matters, such as sugared quinces. Sobel has translated Maria Celeste’s letters into English and includes them in this volume. In additon, Sobel casts a clear light on Galileo’s discoveries and theories, placing them in historical context.
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