Books I've Read

8/10 Lovely introduction to cell and structural biology with some inspiring and beautiful watercolour art. Makes you appreciate the level of complexity and organisation required for life to exist. Strongly recommend, especially for biology students.

5.5/10 James Watson's account for the discovery of DNA. He will not be remembered fondly. He was an asshole, and the book carried with it an arrogant tone. He got cancelled before cancel culture was a thing... Let that sink in. Discovering the secret of life at the age of 24, knowing you will forever be remembered in history got to his head. His ego reached new heights, and the book is a result of that.

8/10 Recommend to me personally by a Nobel Laureate, so I read the book very slowly. This book is probably the birth of Self Help books/gurus being a thing. All Self Help books are banal to some degree, this was no exception. But this has quite an interesting chapter on when to say no. Which was ironic since by it's same logic I should have said no to reading this book.

8/10 "The widespread sense that not only is capitalism the only viable political and economic system, but also that it is now impossible even to imagine a coherent alternative to it." Highlights 3 areas where capitalism fails: Bureaucracy, climate change and mental health. The last which Mark Fisher struggled with himself. Really great book (recommended by Jaime!)

8/10 A Crash Course in emotional intelligence and maturity. The contents of this book should be taught across every school in the country. "We are concerned more about our childrens ability at maths and science than we are at their ability for kindness and forming relationships". It's high time we see the importance of teaching philosophy in schools, and Alain de Botton is responsible for a new wave of Philosophy. education.

7.5/10 Nice overview of Graphene and the technological advances that will hopefully come from it. From batteries, to new materials, it ends with an optimistic tone for future technology and gives a nice portrayal of the discovery by Andre Geim. Clegg's books are quite good, and I definitely prefer him to Nick Clegg!

8/10 Basic premise: Be nice to people, and give them what they want. Advice was kind of obvious. Some fun analogues, such as why dogs are so likeable

8/10 ghost written, but Tyson Fury is one of the most extraordinary people in the world, and the autobiography almost feels like fiction. Guarantee his life will be turned into Hollywood movie.

10/10 J.D.Bernal is a remarkable hero. Nicknamed the "sage" due to his encyclopaedic knowledge, he was arguably the first renegade scientist, becoming science advisor to Winston Churchill despite his communist beliefs during WW2 and helped plan the famous invasion of Normandy. After the war, he became president of the world peace council championing world peace in the new era of weapons of mass destruction. One of the few people who during that period had meetings at the White House, 10 downing street, the Kremlin and in China with general Mao. His science career is even more remarkable. Responsible for discovering the structure of water and graphite using X-ray crystallography and kick starting the field of molecular biology and many more. His fundamental research on protein x-ray crystallography is responsible for the Nobel prizes of at-least 6 people, and his book "the social function of science" was a first of it's kind and inspiration for much future work on the interface between science and society and the basis for the Labour parties first science policy . He was always an advocate for freedom and equality, be that in society with his communist beliefs, but also his controversial love life too. he lived the life of at least 10 people, and always maintained a passionate for lifelong learning.

9/10 Amazing and inspiring book that gives a complete overview of Depression from symptoms, susceptibility and treatment from a professor's first hand experience following the death of his wife. Only downside is that it's now rather outdated as it was written before the impact of social media. Would highly recommend this book to anyone inquisitive about depression and wants an overview of personal experience and current treatment available.

7/10 Neat little book on creating a start-up and coming up with ideas. Very simple reading and gives you everything you need to take initiative and come up with a business plan.

8/10 If you've enjoyed previous Sally Rooney novels, you'll likely enjoy this one. There is a mysticism about her which has made her an immensely successful writer despite this only being her 3rd novel. She is the J.K Rowling of our generation, and her insights into relationships through fiction is immensely relatable and a joy to read. Her own frustrations with fame as a writer seep through in the character Alice, who never fully feels satisfied of her own work or accomplishments. I would strongly recommend any of Sally Rooney's books, and this is no exception, but felt it didn't eclipse normal people.

9/10 Lovely book which follows the creation of PayPal and creating a tech based start-up. Very inspiring to read about the entrepreneurship mind and business approach that surrounds silicon valley and venture capital.

8/10 Hard read but good to understand the ecosystem of science as a whole. It mentions drawbacks in the science system, but often fails to provide solutions to them, which is disappointing considering Jeremy always seems to be full of ideas.

7/10 Gave this book to my ex (who studied maths) for Valentines day, and she broke up with me, so don't have fond memories associated with it, but found it a nice little book to read. It's based on her ted talk of the same name. Although don't recommend gifting it to your significant other :(

9/10 A midnight library: a place we go after we die and explores different parallel universes where we relive our different parallel lives and have the ability to change our regrets. Matt Haig is one of the best authors when it comes to exploring through fiction what it means to be human. Being made into a film, so if you don't want to read it, wait for that.

6/10 Made me appreciate being a man. Concerned with how often acupuncture and homeopathy are recommended for seemingly every illness in this book. But apart from that quite a good book to refer to woman's health issues and educate yourself on the health relating to half the population. Would recommend getting an updated version though.

8.5/10 “Impossible to receive or provide real therapeutic help as long as the personal, emotional confrontation with one’s own past is avoided.”
The author has played a huge role in her field and has largely influenced current counselling and psychoanalysis approaches that heavily focus on and explore the impact of emotional trauma and abuse leftover from childhood and how it seeps into your life as an adult.
It further explores the idea of the "inner child" that needs nurturing. Tips and advice the book gives to parents is for children to be listened to and understood is incredibly important for their emotional development and sense of self.
According to the book, you need to find and live by your “true-self”. They described that without doing so is what doctors call “depression”, which seems incredibly pseudo-scientific. The book fails to explore and account for a biological/genetic basis of depression in any detail, and views the "nature vs nurture" argument for depression very much in favour of the nurture side. Which is at odds when it comes to current treatment of depression which usually focusing on antidepressants.
Overall interesting book to read, would recommend to someone looking on a book that explores the role childhood plays in mental health later on in life.

7/10 Feynman, witty and smart, but often his stories feel enhanced/embellished. I'm sad to read how openly misogynistic he was, which changed my perception of him. He was an inspiring scientist and teacher who cared deeply about being educated and educating others. The world was his playground, but so were women.

10/10 An alien finds himself trapped in a human body, and slowly discovers what it means to be human. Can't recommend this book enough.

8/10 Read just before a trip to Lisbon and where I learned Portugal Is UK’s oldest ally. Covers history from the roman conquest and the death of Viriathus, to its colonial power, and rule over Madeira, Cape Verde islands, Angola and Brazil and ties to the slave trade and sugar farms in Brazil. To the war with Spain and the Spanish armada leaving Lisbon in 1588 on a failed mission to invade Britain. It further covers the importance of fishing and port in the economy of Portugal and the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 where 85% of the buildings were destroyed. It cover’s the invasion of Lisbon by Napoleon and Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822 similar to United states independence from Britain. The republican revolution of 1910 lead to instability in Portugal, and the eventual dictatorship by Salazar (Where the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Salazar Slytherin comes from) leading the Estado Novo (new state) and second republic. His government was one of fascism and traditionalism, outlawing free trade unions. Portugal remained Neutral during World War 2, and many refugees fled the war through Portugal as a result. Salazar had his opposition killed, namely Humberto Delgado in 1965, and of which the Lisbon Airport is named after. Carnation Revolution in 1974 led to the release of political prisoners, free press and the rise of socialist and communist parties as well as the joining of the now European union in 1986 alongside Spain. Access to the European Market did wonders for the Portuguese economy, but suffered in some sectors, namely farming where it couldn't compete with the likes of France. Although Portugal was deeply affected by the early 1990s recession and economic problems in 2000s, leading to increased migration to Angola and Mozambique, previous colonies of Portugal. Jose Socrates , the then prime minister
introduced increasing austerity measures, closing schools and hospitals around the country and promoted private investment. He was the first former prime minister to be guilty of corruption and money laundering. Already in a large debt ratio to help fund new EU members, Portugal was hit hard during the global financial crisis of 2008, more so thanks to the current scandalous government, introducing huge austerity measures and huge rates of unemployment which damaged pensioners and families the hardest. A bailout came in 2011 to the order of €78 Billion. Namely from IMF and European Central Bank. Moody, the leading rating agency described Portugal’s credit rating as “junk status” at the time and Portugal faced similar problems to that of Greece today. Portugal has one of the oldest populations in Europe, and there is pressure on the youth to support their families. The current economy is one that relies heavily on tourism (20% of it's GDP), and was hit particularly hard during the pandemic with a lack of tourists as a result.

10/10 The most relatable romance novel I've read. Highly recommend. Inspired to read it by the BBC TV show, I've realised the only reason the show was so good is because it followed the book exactly. Harry potter take note! Also has the best pick up line in existence: "Have you read the communist manifesto?"

8/10 Francis Crick, an inspiration to many, and rather likeable in his own charming way. Mentions his journey of discovering the structure of DNA. Gossip Test: What people (and you) gossip about is what you are interested in. Helped him to decide his research area.

9/10 A true classic. Fabulous book, very emotional and moving, would recommend.

8/10 A complete guide to a PhD, from interviews, to picking your topic/supervisor to writing up your Thesis and deciding what to do afterwards. Based in the field on nanoscience/physics but the advice is very applicable to anyone considering or starting a PhD.

8/10 Details the rise to stardom of Conor Mcgregor, from an apprentice plumber from Crumlin Ireland, to Mixed Martial Arts world champion. Covering his early life, and pivotal fights in his career which honed his unique style, from developing his ground game, counter-fighting style, and infamous left straight. He exuded supreme confidence, which often came across as arrogance even in his days as an amateur. An important emphasis in the book is on his relationship with his coach John Kavanagh (who began learning MMA after getting severely beaten in front of his then girlfriend) who took him under his wing, and showed him what true mixed martial arts is. The book does a great deal about peering inside the mind of Conor Mcgregor and his mentality which made him feel destined for greatness. Jack Slack has arguably one of the richest analytical minds which allows him to effortless break down fights as if you were watching a chess game. I would also strongly recommend his podcasts on breaking doing fights for those who want to further appreciate the complexity of combat sports, from boxing, to grappling, and ultimately mixed martial arts fighting.

8/10 Gave insight into changing how you look at failure, and the benefit in living honestly and communicating well. Insightful section on what it's like to be a 40 year old woman without kids. Although didn't like the forced narrative that was likely picked up from her being a journalist. Surprisingly fun and pleasant read, although someone should tell her that getting into Cambridge doesn't make you smart, often it just means your privileged (I should know, I am one).

9/10 Really enjoyed this book. Very well written book, full of analogies to explain the economy in layman terms and why it is the way it is. The part where you realise the economy is founded on debt and magic money created from thin air was rather eye-opening. Maybe he'll be president of Greece one day.

9/10 Advice for those that want to read more: "Read what you love, until you love to read." If you want a book that shows the mindset of the new era of digital entrepreneurship with easily digestible information, this is it. Wish I read sooner. Perfect book to give to a 15 year old nerd. Dense on information and low in complexity.

7/10. Nice book which explains teenage behaviour based on biology. It's not that long since I was one and explains why I was so prone to making dumb decisions. Wish my parents read this book during my teenage phase... The book namely approaches teenagers through a combination of anthropology, biology and our own personal experience, with the author having a background in veterinary medicine. I liked the books approach, combining personal, cultural and biological elements in a somewhat easy manor to follow. Some points are backed up by science, while others highlight trends in behaviour and generalise to the point of being pseudoscientific.
I read the book as a continuation period of trying to understand myself, with my teenage years being one of the most crucial for our personal development and moulding our identity (where our brain is at it’s largest and most flexible). It’s also a stage where we are very impressionable, sleep more, take more risks and begin to experiment. At least these were some of the themes the book explored, and the biological pathways which trigger puberty as well as the unintended side effects, both physically and mentally. Young people are torn apart by insecurity and self-doubt during a period where youth should be seen as a gift not an ordeal, something I related too. You become sad, confused and anxiety kicks in, often for the first time. We start to care and worry about other people’s opinions of ourselves. Also learned about ‘boy lag’ which explains why the girls in my class felt so tall.
“Evolution created teenagers because they are the best way to become adults. A slow growing brain is the price we pay for being so intelligent.“ A quote I rather enjoyed. No other living species are offspring dependent for over 20 years. Let’s also not forget that human brains haven’t changed much in 150,000 years and not adequately adapted to modern society. Adults make their own decision. Children have decisions made for them, teenagers are in the middle.

5/10 More a magazine than a book. Helpful if you want to start running, or training for your first race but won't help motivate you.

8/10 Book about the Wunderkind Jan Hendrik Schon, a German physicist who was considered a future Nobel prize winner for his research on Organic semiconductors, including allegedly observing superconductivity in plastics (“plastic fantastic”). His 4 year career publishing fraudulent data was based on doing science backwards. Starting with the conclusions and then faking data to prove it. It shines light on many issues of academia, namely its publish or perish nature, not about being right but being first, little supervisor interaction, but most importantly the myth that science is self-correcting, which works only if scientists are honest.
Jan never kept a lab journal, and was never seen running experiments and had a previous history of muddling data during his PhD. He always stated that he didn’t falsify data, just “made mistakes” but vanished to Germany soon after the external report was published proving him to be a fraud, and hasn’t been heard of since.
The Book Crystal fire describes the invention of the transistor in 1947 and the birth of bell labs, this book marks its sad end to what is considered the mecca of fundamental physics research, and a research institute that arguably has had more impact on the world than any other. But the truth is Jan didn’t make it up “we all did”, the field wanted this to be true, and satisfied the audience. Arriving to Bell labs in 1999 coincided with the dot com bubble burst and bell labs was desperate for results to justify being funded, Jan was their poster boy.
Henning Sirringhuas, a current Professor of physics at Cambridge and my previous supervisor was in the field at the time, and who struggled to reproduce some of the results Jan was proposing. He later created Plastic Logic, a technology company creating plastic electronics.
Book recommended by Chris, thank you Stephan for lending me the book!

Venki's journey in science is a deeply fascinating and inspiring. He grew up in a middle class family in India, and always felt like an outsider. He went to America for his PhD in physics, in which the only notable thing during his PhD was “Marrying his wife”. He felt Physics was too mature a field, and made the transition from physics and biology like many famous biologists before him, most notably Francis Crick, Aaron Klug, and more recently Richard Henderson. He turned down postdoc positions to become a student again and take classes to learn the fundamentals of biology to pursue his academic journey. He progressed through into a postdoc position and entered the field of structural biology. His ability to sniff out a good problem in academia led him to take the gamble and through his hat into the ring and entered the race to deduce the structure of the ribosome (the protein that makes proteins!). This would consume him for the next few years, in fierce competition, we only remember the winner, the ups and downs, and the insight into the competition in science was gripping and eye-opening. It’s often hard to separate science from the person and the book shows scientists around him as human, with their own thoughts, motives and flaws. During this time, he moved labs to the LMB, which brought, a pay cut, lost time in the race, and adapting to British culture. But he played the long game, and believed the LMB was the best place for him due to their history on tackling deeply important problems. His gamble paid off, and he stamped his legacy when his lab was the first to solve the structure using X-ray crystallography, and felt the rumours that it was Nobel prize winning work was unjust. His pre-Nobelitis quickly became post-Nobelitis and he added to the long history of Nobel prize winners from the MRC LMB. His research output surprisingly increased following the Nobel Prize, which is exceptionally rare, and took on far more administration duties as a result, most notably as president of the royal society, like Issac Newton, one of his scientific heroes. It was even more exciting to hear him describe his two favourite Canadian postdocs, Martin and Lori, who I’ve had the luxury of getting to chat too, and who aren’t just great scientists, but amazing people to be around.

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7.5/10 Talks about Disaster capitalism and the "shock doctrine", whereby governments can push forward new laws to exploit the public during war and disasters they wouldn't otherwise be able and lead to the rich exploiting the poor. Alarming read, will likely turn you politically active. You'll hate the system and realise democracy as it is being sold to us in the west is an illusion.

8/10 Great book for bottling the essence of what it means to be a scientist. Also mentioned his "plenty of room at the bottom" lecture which help kickstart the area of nanoscience research. Neat little book and easily accessible for all readers. It tries to hone in on the joy of discovery that kids often have when learning. It will do wonders for you if you can hold onto that later in life.

7/10 Nice book on the interactions of light and matter. Great reading if you're doing a PhD in optics!

8/10 Very honest description of what an academic career will entail, filled with many analogies and examples for advice at every stage of your career, from PhD, to Postdoc and associate professor onwards. Would strongly recommend to anyone considering an academic career.

7/10 David Deutsch is a rather smart men. Not for just his research work, but how he does such a magnificent job explaining some rather difficult concepts. His analogies are rather superb, which is often the case when it comes to physicists.

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