A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
It's science told through the odd people who did it, so it works for experts and for curious non-scientists alike.
Science NerdsBook Lovers
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
~$14 typical price
The collection of stories from physicist Richard Feynman about safecracking, bongo drums, Los Alamos and the joy of figuring things out.
Why it makes a great gift
A cult favorite among scientists and engineers, and an easy, warm read for anyone who likes curious people.
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
A fast, funny, science-heavy read that works for longtime sci-fi fans and people who rarely read the genre.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy FansBook Lovers
The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
For the fan more interested in how cases get solved than in the crimes themselves.
True Crime FansBook Lovers
What It's Like to Be a Bird by David Sibley
It's for the birder who can already name the bird and now wants to know what it's up to.
Bird WatchersBook Lovers