Great Books Related to Science and Medicine

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 18^th century Scotland. Throughout the book, the main character uses her 20^th 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.