The Selfish Gene By Richard Dawkins.
This is my favorite book of all time-- my absolute highest
recommendation. It was radical when it first appeared, but
the selfish gene theory seems to have become standard. It
suggests that the basic unit of evolution is not the
organism but the gene. The
concept of "meme" is also introduced in this book.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by
Jared Diamond.
A book that everyone on earth should read. Like the
Selfish Gene, it will change how you view our world. It
provides a geographic explanation of how European culture
came to dominate the world. Endlessly facinating. My
second favorite book.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver
Sacks.
A short little book that will, without a doubt, change
your view of the human mind and brain. It provides
non-technical case studies of patients with brain
problems-- brain problems that are hard to imagine could
really exist. Such as somone who thinks their leg is not
their own, and a man who can't tell the difference between
his wife and his hat sometimes. My third favorite book.
Adventures of a Parapsychologist. By Susan
Blackmore. I started this book
in college with a belief in the scientific method and a
belief in psychic abilities. When I finished the book I
only had one of them. (Hint: I'm now a
scientist). Engagingly written auto-biography.
Fiction
The Wheel Of Time by Robert Jordan. The first book of the
best fantasy series I've ever read. Enthralling.
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Rip Roarin'. I know
you've already seen the movie-- read it anyway.
The Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. There is a whole series
of Oz books. This is the second, after the Wizard of
Oz. Highly recommended.
Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
The most beautiful book I've ever read. This guy writes like
an angel! The genre is "Magical Realism."
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