“We humans, alone on Earth, are powerful enough to create worlds, and then destroy them.”
Science isn’t just about equations and experiments – it’s also about the brilliant minds who push the boundaries on knowledge. The best science memoirs offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of famous scientists, revealing their struggles, triumphs and groundbreaking discoveries. Whether you’re looking for memoirs of scientists such as Richard Feynman, Jane Goodall or Marie Curie, these non-fiction books about scientists bring their stories to life in an engaging and awe-inspiring way. Today at What We Reading, we’re curating the best memoirs written by scientists; from personal reflections on discovery to firsthand accounts of major breakthroughs. If you love books about the lives of scientists, autobiographies that mix science with storytelling, or simply want to know more about what makes great minds tick, these reads are the scientist biographies for you!
“Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!”: Adventures Of A Curious Character (Richard P. Feynman #1) – Richard P. Feynman
First up on our list of the most extraordinary science memoirs is physicist Richard Feynman’s work, Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman. A funny and insightful look into his life, career and unconventional way of thinking, Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, played a central role in the development of quantum electrodynamics; however, the book is less about his scientific accomplishments, and more about his curiosity, mischief and adventures outside the lab.
Through an assortment of loosely connected anecdotes, Feynman recounts his experiences as a young scientist working on the Manhattan Project, his time as a professor, and his various odd hobbies – including safe-cracking, playing the bongos and experimenting with artistic pursuits. His stories illustrate his playful intellect, relentless curiosity and scepticism towards authority, making the book both hugely entertaining and totally inspiring.
Rocket Girl: The Story Of Mary Sherman Morgan, America’s First Female Rocket Scientist – George D. Morgan
Rocket Girl is a fascinating biography that sheds light on a largely unknown but pivotal figure in American space history. Mary Sherman Morgan was a brilliant chemist who played a crucial role in developing Hydyne, the fuel that powered the first successful U.S. satellite launch, yet her contributions went unrecognised for decades.
Penned by her son, the book is both a scientific history and a personal journey, as Morgan ties together his mother’s hidden legacy. Born into poverty in North Dakota, Mary overcame a lack of formal education and societal expectations to become the only woman among nine hundred engineers at North American Aviation. Despite her trailblazing work, she remained largely overlooked in the history of rocketry. Thanks to extensive research and powerful storytelling, Rocket Girl finally brings her achievements to light, capturing the struggles of women in a male-dominated field and offering one of the most compelling science memoirs about the Space Race.
A Life On Our Planet: My Witness Statement And A Vision For The Future – David Attenborough
David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet is both a memoir and a call to action, offering a powerful meditation on the state of the natural world. As one of the most revered natural historians, Attenborough shares his firsthand experiences of environmental change, having witnessed the decline of biodiversity over his decades of exploring the planet.
The book is structured in three parts: Attenborough’s recollections of a once-thriving world, an honest assessment of the damage humanity has caused, and a hopeful vision for the future. He charts the devastating consequences of deforestation, overfishing and climate change, but also presents convincing solutions, making the case that a shift toward sustainable practices can help restore balance to the Earth. Written with the kind of wisdom and urgency that makes Attenborough one of the most beloved scientists on the planet, A Life on Our Planet is not just a personal reflection but also a blueprint for change.
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Lab Girl – Hope Jahren
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren is a beautifully written memoir that blends science, personal storytelling and deep reflections on nature. As a geobiologist, Jahren takes readers on a journey through her lifelong love of plants, from her childhood fascination with her father’s laboratory to her career as a research scientist.
Like A Life on Our Planet, the book is split into three sections, mirroring the life cycle of a plant – roots, leaves flowers and fruits – symbolising Jahren’s growth as both a scientist and a person. She shares the challenges of being a woman in science, the struggles of securing research funding, as well as the emotional highs and lows of academic life. At the heart of this scientist’s memoir is Jahren’s endearing friendship with Bill, her eccentric lab partner, whose presence adds humour and heart to the narrative.
Curie: A Life – Susan Quinn
Curie: A Life by Susan Quinn is a thoroughly researched and compelling biography of Marie Curie, one of the most influential scientists in history. Unlike many accounts that focus squarely on Curie’s scientific achievements, what makes this science biography so unique is Quinn’s efforts to delve into the personal, emotional and political struggles that moulded her life.
The biography explores Curie’s early years in Poland, her relentless pursuit of education despite societal barriers, and her groundbreaking work on radioactivity, which would earn her two Nobel Prizes. Quinn also examines Curie’s complex personal life, including her relationship with Pierre Curie, the challenges she faced as a female scientist, and the public scandal that surrounded her later relationship with physicist Paul Langevin. Rich in historical context and emotional depth, Quinn succeeds in presenting Marie Curie as not just a scientific genius, but also a complex, determined and deeply human figure.
Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey – Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall’s Reason for Hope is a deeply personal and one of the most inspiring science memoirs that goes beyond her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees to explore her spiritual beliefs, struggles and hopes for the future. Unlike her scientific writings, this book offers a more intimate lens through the experiences that shaped her worldview, from her childhood love for animals to her pioneering research in Gombe, Tanzania.
Goodall shares the challenges and tragedies she has faced, including the loss of loved ones and the destruction of the natural world; yet, she remains unwaveringly optimistic. She reflects on the interconnectedness of all living things, the urgent need for conservation and the spiritual insights that have guided her through difficult times. Written with wisdom, warmth and an infectious sense of purpose, Reason for Hope is a moving testament to resilience and hope. It remains an absolute must-read for anyone interested in conservation, philosophy and the power of the human spirit.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
