Books to review

When I am standing in front of the science section of the bookshop I always struggle to work out which popular science book to read next. I find I just don’t have enough information. Firstly, does the book sound interesting? Who wrote it? Is the book aimed at the total beginner or will it stretch me? (obviously that answer depends on the person). By specifically writing reviews about popular science books I hope to be able to cover not only whether the book is interesting and well written but also to help you decided whether you want to read it.

A few years ago I discovered that the Royal Society runs a book prize for popular science books so that will provide the basis to the beginnings of my literary journey. The list so far contains:

• Cells to Civilizations: The Principles of Change That Shape Life by Enrico Coen
• What Has Nature Ever Done For Us? How Money Really Does Grow On Trees by Tony Juniper
• Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology by Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe McFadden
• Pieces of Light: The New Science of Memory by Charles Fernyhough

Now I do not know how long it will take me to read these. I have never been a fast reader and all these books need to be thoughtfully read, but they will appear, at some point. Watch this space….