Scientific American Science Quickly Names 2023 Best Nonfiction and Best Fiction Books

Overview

Scientific American's Science Quickly episode features Bree Kane presenting the magazine's first-ever best nonfiction and best fiction of the year lists, expanding on the staff favorites from the past two years. Kane outlines the selection process, the criteria for each pick—strong voice, compelling storytelling, and accessible science—and the desire for books with a distinctive spark that makes them widely share-worthy.

Nonfiction selections spotlight climate-focused works and environmental reporting, while fiction embraces first-contact science fiction and space romance, all with a science-forward lens. The full lists will be published online later in the week.

Overview of the project

In this Science Quickly episode, Bree Kane— Scientific American's associate books editor—discusses the magazine's inaugural best nonfiction and best fiction of the year lists. Kane explains that the effort builds on the staff favorites of the past two years and required extensive research. The team looked for books with exceptional voice and storytelling, and for nonfiction, a strong narrative voice that conveys a clear scientific thread. Although Scientific American centers on science, the team aimed for a broad interpretation of science that would still appeal to science-minded readers. Kane emphasizes the importance of a book having a spark or je ne sais quoi that keeps it memorable and shareable long after reading.

"This is Scientific American's first year doing a best fiction and best nonfiction of the year list." - Bree Kane

Nonfiction picks and why they stand out

Kate Marvel's Human Nature is highlighted as a standout nonfiction work that connects climate science with literature and archaeology, grounding broad environmental concerns in historical context and personal reflection. Kane notes their audience's reactions—ranging from anger to hope—and describes Marvel's writing as a wild, readable ride that remains thought-provoking rather than merely depressing.

"Human Nature shook me to my core." - Bree Kane

Another nonfiction major pick is They Poisoned the World by Mariah Blake, praised as epic in its science writing. The book investigates Forever Chemicals (PFAS) and the communities affected, weaving hundreds of interviews with local residents and detailed histories of environmental contamination. The team appreciates that the book presents a serious issue without leaving readers destitute, instead motivating informed action.

Fiction picks and the appeal of speculative storytelling

Among fiction selections, Kane highlights Hole in the Sky by Daniel H. Wilson, a first-contact thriller that reimagines the encounter with aliens as seen through a Cherokee reservation, focusing on father-daughter dynamics and Indigenous perspectives. The discussion underscores how the author challenges conventional Western-first-contact tropes and invites readers to reconsider who is contacting whom and how scientific concepts are represented in fiction.

"Hole in the Sky" - Bree Kane

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a space romance set against NASA-adjacent backdrops, is noted for a portrayal of astronauts' personal lives that resonates with authenticity, particularly for readers who enjoy scientifically plausible settings. The performance of the romance as a compelling, character-driven story is praised, with remarks about readers sobbing in a meaningful way at the narrative's end.

"Atmosphere exceeded our expectations so much." - Bree Kane

Where to read the full lists

Kane confirms that all three lists—the staff favorites, best fiction, and best nonfiction—will be available online later in the week, inviting listeners to explore the selections and share their own picks. The episode closes with acknowledgments of the team behind Science Quickly and a reminder to tune in for an upcoming installment on postpartum depression innovations.

"these are the books that you just keep telling people about" - Bree Kane