Since I have
started a science writing internship, I have reflected back on books related to
science and medicine that inspired me to pursue a career combining scientific
knowledge and creative writing. Here is a list of works, both nonfiction and
fiction, that I recommend for individuals with an interest in science who love
to read.
Call the Midwife (by Jennifer Worth)
This memoir
describes healthcare, especially related to pregnancy and birth, for people
living in the low-income area of the East End slums of London during the 1950’s.
If you like the PBS show based on the book, I highly recommend reading the
book.
Cider House Rules (by John Irving)
A fictional
story about an orphan who grows up, leaves home, and eventually becomes a
doctor. It also discusses medical ethics related to reproductive rights.
Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an
Imperfect Science (by Atul Gawande)
The stories in
this book show the complexities and uncertainties related to the science of
surgery. It gives us a view of hard choices and fatal mistakes from the surgeon’s
perspective.
Cooked: A Natural History of
Transformation (by Michael Pollan)
In this book,
Pollan describes cooking as it relates to four elements – air, earth, fire, and
water. It describes the scientific aspects of cooking, as well as both
ecological and social connections to food.
Cutting for Stone (Dr. Abraham Verghese
This fictional
novel describes the lives of twins growing up in Ethiopia (during political
turmoil), their medical training throughout childhood, and experiences as they
grow up and travel.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (by Rebecca Skloot)
A great book
that discusses bioethical issues related to patient consent for biomedical
research, issues of race in clinical research, and the development of cell
culture.
Lab Girl (by Hope Jahren)
In this memoir,
Hope Jahren describes how her childhood experiences led her to become a scientist,
as well as describes her triumphs and disappointments throughout her research
career.
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a
Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them (by Gina Kolata)
This is the
only book on the list that I haven’t read; however, it is currently on my
Amazon wish list. A friend in science communications told me about this book by
NY Times writer Gina Kolata. It describes the story of a family that discovers
that they carry a genetic disease, and discusses issues related to genetic
testing.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of
Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (by Tracy Kidder)
An inspiring book
about Dr. Paul Farmer, who started Partners in Health, a global health organization.
It addresses healthcare disparities and describes Dr. Farmer’s work in
researching and treating infectious diseases in low-income areas throughout the
world.
My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story (by Abraham Verghese)
In this memoir,
Dr. Verghese writes about his experience as a young, infectious disease doctor
in Tennessee, who becomes the local expert on AIDS. It shows the important
relationship between a doctor and his/her patients, as well as the impact of
social views on medical treatment and research.
Oryx and Crake (by Margaret Atwood)
This fictional,
post-apocolyptic novel makes the reader think about the ethics of
bioengineering, the impact of businesses and money on science, the role of the
media in social perception, etc.
Outlander (by Diana Galbadon)
This historical
romance with a sci-fi twist tells the story of a British nurse in 1946 who
travels back in time to 18th century Scotland. Throughout the book,
the main character uses her 20th century medical knowledge to solve health-related
problems.
Silent
Spring (by Rachel Carson)
If you are
interested in toxicology and/or environmental health, you should read “Silent
Spring.” This book describes the harmful effects of DDT, and played an
important role in the environmental movement of the 1960’s.
