Scientific American's Best Nonfiction and Fiction Books of the Year

Scientific American’s Science Quickly introduces the year’s first combined best nonfiction and fiction book lists, led by Bree Kane. The episode explains the meticulous process behind choosing the year’s standout reads, emphasizing exceptional voice, engaging storytelling, and a broad view of science that still appeals to science-minded readers. Nonfiction highlights include Human Nature by Kate Marvel and They Poisoned the World by Mariah Blake, while fiction picks feature Hole in the Sky by Daniel H. Wilson and Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The conversation underscores how science communication can be woven into compelling narratives across genres, and it invites listeners to explore the full lists online later in the week.

Introduction and the Book List Initiative

The episode features Kendra Pierre-Louis hosting Bree Kane, Scientific American’s associate books editor, as they unveil Scientific American’s first ever best nonfiction and best fiction of the year lists. Kane describes a year-long, research-heavy process that mirrors a self-imposed homework project: identify books with exceptional voice and storytelling, assess the science embedded in each work, and spot the book’s unique sparkle that makes it memorable beyond a single read. The team aims to broaden the conventional science narrative by including a wide spectrum of genres and formats, while ensuring every pick has something appealing to a science-minded audience. The approach blends rigorous science writing with narrative voice, and it foregrounds how literature can engage readers with scientific ideas in accessible ways.

"Human Nature shook me to my core", Bree Kane, Syam's associate books editor, introduces Kate Marvel’s climate-focused nonfiction as a standout that intertwines contemporary climate catastrophes with literary and archaeological history, balancing urgency with hope and humor. Kane highlights how this book connects emotion, history, and science to foster a more engaged, motivated reader base.

Nonfiction Highlights: Climate, Chemicals, and Narrative Voice

Two nonfiction titles rise to the top in the conversation. Kate Marvel’s Human Nature is celebrated for its immersive voice and its ability to connect climate science with broader human narratives. Kane describes Marvel’s work as a “wild ride” through difficult topics that remains readable and emotionally resonant, a rarity in climate writing that often leans toward despair. The discussion underscores Marvel’s skill in linking present climate impacts with literary and historical context, creating a compelling call to action for readers who crave both scientific grounding and accessible storytelling.

Another nonfiction favorite is They Poisoned the World by Mariah Blake, praised for its exhaustive science writing and its in-depth reporting on PFAS, the so-called Forever Chemicals. The book is noted for its extensive fieldwork and interviews in small-town settings, bringing readers into the lived realities of chemical exposure and its consequences. Acknowledging the gravity of PFAS exposure, the hosts emphasize how Blake’s narrative weaves medical histories with community impact to produce a persuasive, informative, and hopeful account that invites reader participation in addressing environmental health challenges.

"It was an epic piece of science writing", Andrea Gallewski, chief newsletter editor, reinforces the high regard for Blake’s investigative approach and the broader mission of science journalism to illuminate hidden environmental health risks. Kane and Gallewski both stress that the books chosen demonstrate how science communication can be rigorous without sacrificing readability or emotional engagement.

Fiction Highlights: First Contact, Indigenous Perspectives, and Space Romance

The fiction category embraces a diverse range of voices. Hole in the Sky by Daniel H. Wilson is highlighted as a gripping first contact story that reframes the encounter with aliens through a Cherokee reservation setting, foregrounding Indigenous perspectives on science fiction’s traditional tropes. Kane notes Wilson’s ability to terrify readers while guiding them through complex viewpoints, including the father-daughter dynamic at the story’s center and the nuanced discussion about who gets to define “first contact.” The emphasis is on precise language and thoughtful cultural context, reinforcing Scientific American’s interest in how speculative fiction can illuminate real-world scientific and ethical questions.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is celebrated for its space romance that feels authentic to actual NASA culture, a rare achievement in a genre that often treats space as a distant backdrop. The former NASA space reporter-turned-editor in chief remarks on the novel’s credible depiction of astronauts’ lives and the emotional resonance of relationships set against a backdrop of scientific ambition. The discussion highlights how spaceflight narratives can explore human connection and scientific curiosity in equal measure, delivering both emotional payoff and credible science settings.

"Daniel H. Wilson's Hole in the Sky is a brilliant thriller that terrifies and teaches at the same time", Bree Kane, captures the thrill and educational value of the first contact tale, while "Atmosphere exceeded our expectations by making space romance real", Bree Kane, underscores the refreshing treatment of romance within a scientifically plausible context. These quotes reflect the editors’ confidence that fiction can offer fresh insights into science as lived experience rather than mere backdrop.

Availability and Impact: Where to Find the Lists

The episode concludes with a note that all three lists—the staff favorites, best nonfiction, and best fiction—will be available online later in the week. The broader goal is to spark conversations among readers who want credible, engaging science writing and storytelling. The conversation also signals Scientific American’s ongoing commitment to bridging scientific rigor with accessible, entertaining narratives across nonfiction and fiction, inviting readers to explore a curated selection of titles that illuminate science in daily life, culture, and imagination.