“I tend to return to my favourite books again and again. The audiobook experience is great, not just for books you’re encountering for the first time but also for revisiting the classics through a different medium. I love science fiction that weaves together intriguing threads of science, philosophy, and religion, and popular science that is accessible or beautifully written.” —Sarah Alam Malik, author of A Brief History of the Universe (and Our Place in It)
I came across this book surprisingly late, but it was a revelation to find the story of science articulated in such beautiful prose. Sagan writes like a poet, philosopher, and scientist, all rolled into one.
One of my favourite science fiction books of all time. The world-building is so immersive and intense that it’s impossible not to become emotionally attached to Portia and her companions. I love the subtle blend of science, philosophy, and belief systems—it really speaks to the multifaceted nature of the human experience.
Another firm favourite and one of the first science fiction books I read, with its vivid imagery of the planet Arrakis staying with me long afterwards. The audiobook version is a real delight and a great way to indulge in this classic.
I encountered this book in my teens, and it undoubtedly nudged me further towards physics. Hawking’s effortless style of conveying complex concepts makes this a thrilling and accessible journey from the beginning of the Universe to its ultimate fate.
A fantastic guide to evolution, both genetic and cultural, in Dawkins’s authoritative style.
Dr. Sarah Alam Malik is an internationally recognised expert in dark matter.
