With Earth Day approaching on April 22nd, these nonfiction reads about nature and all its creatures will undoubtedly remind you of just how incredible planet Earth can be.
Recommendation: “Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures” by Merlin Sheldrake
Why it’s a good read: This book explores one of the oldest and most influential forces on Earth- and one that most people rarely think about: Fungi. Some people may only think of them as the mushrooms on their dinner plate, but Fungi have literally shaped our Earth in ways that we are only beginning to understand. They learn, communicate and manage to survive and thrive in the most extreme and hostile conditions imaginable. The lessons we take from these mysterious species may hold the key to understanding our planet and surviving the uncertain future ahead of us.
Recommendation: “If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity” by Justin Gregg
Why it’s a good read: Interesting, thought-provoking and occasionally a little nihilistic, this book explores our understanding of animal intelligence and compares it to human intelligence as it pertains to decision making, creativity, communication and beyond. Many people consider humans to be the species with the highest intelligence, but the animal examples in this book encourage us to widen our definitions and ponder whether the history of human behavior really displays such intelligence. What lessons should we be learning from animal species as we seek a future where a better future awaits us — instead of one where the human species is at risk of destroying ourselves and the world around us.
Recommendation: “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law” by Mary Roach
Why it’s a good read: Mary Roach never misses with nonfiction books that you won’t want to put down, and this exploration of the wildest interactions between humans and animals is another must-read. Mary Roach’s “Fuzz” is chock full of hilarious encounters and stories of all the ways that nature doesn’t bend to human laws no matter how hard we have tried to make it do so.
Recommendation: “Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice To All Creation” by Olivia Judson
Why it’s a good read: Don’t let the unusual title scare you off; this book is endlessly fascinating, totally original, and full of insights you won’t be able to stop talking about. Written in the format of an advice column, this book features just about every species on Earth ranging from the smallest insects to the largest predators writing in with their concerns about mating, courtship, reproduction and beyond. You may never have thought you’d be captivated by the dating woes of spiders and manatees, but this book will show you exactly what you’ve been missing.
