Looking for recommendations based on books that I managed to read in the past.
My favorite books are The Third Twin by Ken Follet and The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman. I read other books, but these two are the winners for me.
I don't like dystopian (too anxiety-producing; reality does the job already).
I don't like sci-fi (too weird; I prefer reality).
I love books that contain information I either know (I work in the medical/science field), or that I can research and learn about (I learned a few things while reading The Zookeper's wife).
I welcome suspense so I can feel motivated to continue reading (The Third Twin had plenty of it).
I hate drawn-out descriptions of anything (my ADHD mind will start wandering and I'll never pick up that book again).
I'm interested in human behavior topics, crime, science (especially genetics), math, history, social topics, etc.
Best if the book is not too long (my mind will think I'll never be able to finish it).
Can you throw some titles at me that I can research?
Thank you in advance.
by chasing_salem
7 Comments
Project Hail Mary or The Martian, both by Andy Weir. They’re math and science and problem solving based. They’re space travel books, but not Star Wars, they’re based on currently achievable tech.
Have you ever read a book by Noah Gordon? He writes historical fiction, and I’ve learned a lot from his novels. I would recommend starting with The Physician. It’s a bit long, but it will keep you motivated to keep going. The Winemaker is my second recommendation from the same author.
Although The Physician is the first book of a trilogy (Shaman is #2 and Matters of Choice is #3), The Winemaker explores a different theme. It’s shorter in length, and I actually suggest reading it before you finish the Cole trilogy.
Good luck with your reading!
I haven’t read it yet but maybe Everything is TB by John Green. It’s 198 pages.
Longer but very good (I did audio) is Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe.
Social (but also kinda dystopian): Zero Stars Do Not Recommend. Funny white lotus meets Lord of the Flies.
Fast/Suspense: The River by Peter Heller or The Plot by Korelitz.
Surely You’re Joking, Me Feynman is one of my all time favorites if you’re interested in him at all. Reads like bonfire stories.
*The Silent Patient* by Alex Michaelides
You should try Gerald Durrell-he worked for various British zoos collecting animals, often in South America, until he built his on zoo dedicated to conservation and breeding. The books are short, funny, informative and touching.
Ken Follet wrote a thriller called Key to Rebecca. It’s a pretty old book. I read it many years ago.
There is also The Eagle has Landed by Jack Higgins about a plot to kill Winston Churchill
Edit to add A Fatal Inheritance by Lawrence Ingrassia about genetics
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler. Based on the true story of the scientist/scientists who tried to raise primates with their human families.