CMNS Summer Reads for 2025
Eight faculty members share their favorite books—both old and new.
If you find yourself with some free time this summer and want to explore fascinating areas of science—look no further. The CMNS Summer Reads list has you covered.
Check out our 2025 summer reading list for Science Terps, with books recommended by faculty members from the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity
By Carl Zimmer
“‘She Has Her Mother’s Laugh’” is a fun, compelling, insightful and thought-provoking exploration into the complex world of genetics and heredity,” said Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Najib El-Sayed. “Easy to read and accessible to non-scientists, it delves into the historical, scientific and ethical dimensions of heredity, providing a comprehensive overview of how inheritance shapes not only our physical traits but also our behaviors and susceptibilities to various conditions.”
Zimmer is one of El-Sayed’s favorite authors, and he chose to re-read this book on summer vacation this year. The book combines “captivating storytelling with rigorous scientific analysis,” making the book a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of genetic/genomic research and its implications for the present and future.
“Whether you are interested in the advancements in genomic technologies or the philosophical questions surrounding identity and inheritance, this book offers a rich tapestry of knowledge that will enhance your appreciation of this fascinating field.”
I Am a Strange Loop
By Douglas Hofstadter
In “I Am a Strange Loop,” author Douglas Hofstadter explores a popular and mysterious question rooted in both science and philosophy—what does it mean to have a self? Pratyush Tiwary, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Institute for Physical Science and Technology and the Institute for Health Computing, says that although the book was written over two decades ago, it “feels even more timely now.”
“Hofstadter’s central idea is that consciousness isn’t located in a particular part of the brain—it emerges from a network of self-referential patterns, or ‘strange loops,’ that reinforce the illusion of an ‘I,’” Tiwary said. “As systems like ChatGPT carry on increasingly coherent and convincing conversations, Hofstadter’s questions feel newly pressing: does an AI that sounds like it has a self actually have one? Or is it just reflecting ours back to us?”
Tiwary recommends “I Am a Strange Loop” to anyone interested in how minds—both biological and artificial—work.
Ministry for the Future
By Kim Stanley Robinson
This summer, Geology Professor Michael Evans is planning to read “Ministry for the Future”—for the fourth time. In fact, he finds the book so compelling that he is in the process of imagining a Big Question course proposal centering on the story, which starts with a climate disaster striking South Asia.
“Will the world transition to a more sustainable and just community, or will it be business as usual? The book’s journey may surprise you, and it spans both physical and social sciences of all kinds,” Evans said. “Published in 2020, it seems to me to be a startlingly accurate 'climate fiction' novel set in the period between about 2025 to 2050.”
The Backyard Bird Chronicles
By Amy Tan
A New York Times bestseller from the author of “The Joy Luck Club,” “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” is a recent favorite of Biology Professor Jerry Wilkinson.
In this book, Tan shares drawings of the birds she watched in her backyard, accompanied by her own notes and musings. Wilkinson says both he and his wife enjoyed reading how Tan became intrigued and then charmed by these birds.
“As someone who has done research on and taught courses in animal behavior,” Wilkinson said, “her obvious fascination with what she was able to observe and then carefully describe in words and drawings illustrated how anyone can enjoy learning about the natural world if they are willing to take the time.”
Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe
By Steven Strogatz
If you've ever wondered how mathematics became the most powerful tool we have to make sense of the universe—from the motions of planets to the working of our bodies—Computer Science Assistant Professor Nirupam Roy says “Infinite Powers” is a book you shouldn’t miss.
“Steven Strogatz takes readers on a captivating journey through the evolution of calculus, showing how it quietly shapes every aspect of the modern world,” Roy said. “But this book isn’t just for mathematicians or scientists—it’s for anyone curious about how human thought has stretched itself to grasp the infinite and the unknown.”
“Infinite Powers” builds on everyday experiences and common knowledge to reveal how mathematical ideas and concepts first emerged, explaining what Roy calls the “human story” behind the math.
“Whether you're a student trying to make sense of math’s relevance or a faculty member looking to rediscover its wonder, ‘Infinite Powers’ offers both insight and inspiration,” Roy said. “Dive in, and you may just come away with a new appreciation for the quiet magic behind the equations.”
Art and Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light
By Leonard Shlain
“Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light” explores intricacies between the theories of modern physics and thematic tones of the modern art movement. Author Leonard Shlain compares physical themes, such as the advent of relativity and quantum mechanics, with artistic themes such as the motivations behind Salvador Dali’s surrealism and Picasso’s cubism.
“The book is a great summer text for those looking to expand and merge their creativity with the more analytical constructs from physics,” said Astronomy Visiting Assistant Research Scientist Ronald Gamble. “As an oil painter and theoretical physicist myself, this is a book I keep returning to read whenever I need to step outside the box in my work to draw inspiration from art history.”
How to Lie with Statistics
By Darrell Huff
“As scientists, we're trained to listen to data. As we read news stories, listen to presentations or hear policymakers making the case for or against a new law, we scour the information for concrete data that we can use to validate the message we receive,” said Computer Science Professor Mihai Pop. “But is our trust in data misplaced?”
Pop recommends the 1954 classic “How to Lie with Statistics” for readers interested in learning some statistics basics— and the ways in which statistics can be misused, inadvertently or intentionally, to distort the presumed objectivity of data.
“The book is written for a general audience, and despite its age, remains relevant, particularly in today's data-driven world,” Pop said.
Five Points in Magic
By Juan Tamariz
In addition to his career as a mathematician, Mathematics Department Chair and Professor Doron Levy used to work as a professional magician. While there are many books about magic, Levy loves to recommend “Five Points in Magic” to his colleagues.
“This book, written by the Spanish grandmaster of magic, Juan Tamariz, is one of my favorite books,” Levy said. “What sets this book apart is its unique focus. Although you might pick up a trick or two, the book delves deeper into the physical and psychological secrets that employ the body to deceive the mind.
According to Levy, the skills discussed in this book can be applied across various contexts.
“Learning how to speak, listen, walk, stand and interact with people are all skills that are universally beneficial. Enjoy this remarkable exploration into the art of magic.”
Looking for more book recommendations from Science Terps? See our summer reading lists from 2024, 2023 and 2022.
