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It’s Rodeo Week here in Tucson, so it’s only fitting that we have a roundup of our own. A book roundup. What are the best books for your nerd? What are the nerds reading?
Because nerds come in all categories – computer nerds, history nerds, science nerds, space nerds, sci-fi nerds, math nerds, even just plain nerd nerds – we have a selection ranging from space related to nerdy history, and even a list for little nerds.
The Emperor of All Maladies
by Siddartha Mukherjee
by Siddartha Mukherjee 
This is a big book, and by big, I mean in both ideas and size. Coming in at 600 pages, your history buff nerd will be in heaven. Tracing all the way back to the Egyptians, this book traces the history of cancer from discovery to treatments. This is also a great read for any medicine nerds.
Death by Black Hole
by Neil deGrasse Tyson
by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson makes being a space nerd cool. In Death by Black Hole, he takes on astrophysics in a way that makes it accessible to the nerd and non-nerd alike. One great perk is that the Audiobook is narrated by Dr. deGrasse Tyson himself. One of my favorite quotes was written by him. “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.”
The Martian
by Andy Weir
by Andy Weir
One of my personal favorites. After I read the book, I was so excited for the movie to come out. My husband laughs at me because every time it is on TV I end up watching it. I tell myself that I will just see what part of the movie they are on and I get sucked in. Andy Weir’s novel became an Internet sensation in 2011 when he began publishing parts of it online. The story of a lone scientist surviving on Mars captured the imagination of a new generation of science fiction fans. Weir’s sense of humor, his believable use of actual science, and the exciting story are sure to delight any nerd.
I, Robot
by Isaac Asimov
by Isaac Asimov
I, Robot is a classic. It was written in 1950 by Isaac Asimov, who was a professor of biochemistry and a Mensa member. The title, I, Robot, screams nerd from the get-go. Robopsychologist Susan Calvin is the protagonist, and the book is her telling a reporter of her interaction with robots. I, Robot really lives up to the nerdiness promised in the title.
Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics first appears in this collection of stories. The Laws are:
- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws
We can only hope that when the robots do take over, that they obey these laws.
Stranger in a Strange Land
by Robert A Heinlein
by Robert A Heinlein
This list could include several titles from Robert Heinlein, Starship Troopers and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, immediately come to mind. His most important work according to most hardcore sci-fi fans remains Stranger in a Strange Land. This is the story of a boy from Mars who comes to Earth only to find he possesses extraordinary powers. All of Heinlein’s work should be appreciated but Stranger in a Strange Land is essential reading for nerds of today.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
by Douglas Adams
This book has everything and what self-respecting nerd wouldn’t want to read a book that purports to find the answer to life, the universe, and everything? The answer is 42 by the way. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy features a beleaguered non-hero, Arthur Dent, who is rescued when the Earth is destroyed. If you don’t know the importance of a good towel or what a Babel Fish does or why every geek smartass on the planet answers your questions with “42,” this book will tell you. This is basically the nerd bible.
A Brief History of Time
by Stephen Hawking
by Stephen Hawking
His Royan Nerdiness Stephen Hawking was a god among nerds. This classic will both inspire and humble you. Dr, Hawking sealed his standing as a nerd god with this classic. If you’ve ever wanted to have your mind blown just read this and join Stephen Hawking as he unravels the possibility of time travel, dives into wormholes, and all in all, make you feel insignificant in the scope of the universe.
Ender’s Game
by Orson Scott Card
by Orson Scott Card 
As an insectoid alien species plans the third invasion of Earth, children are trained to defeat the buggers. Andrew Wiggins is selected to attend International Fleet(I.F.) because of his spectacular ability to size up a conflict, simulated or real, and find a way to win it. Wiggins is separated from his fellow recruits to ensure that he will not be too comfortable in his environment and is put through a series of competitive war simulations where he shows his dominance in every arena. The novel was rewritten in 1991 to add a more political twist and has spawned some fairly nasty arguments about what’s really happening.
The Lord of the Rings
by J.R.R. Tolkien
by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is the fantasy bible for nerds. Yes, I know The Lord of the Rings is actually three books, but since it is one work, they will all fall in one place on this list. You can cheat a little and just go for The Hobbit, but you’ll end up back here anyway. There is no way to overstate Tolkien’s impact on the world of fantasy fiction to nerds. The genre exploded in popularity after Lord of the Rings movies were released. Practically every current cultural reference to elves, magic jewelry, dwarves or bows can be traced back to Tolkien.
The Time Machine
by. H.G Wells
by. H.G Wells
The science fiction genre is often viewed as a twentieth-century phenomenon. True nerds know the rich history of sci-fi started earlier with pioneer authors like H.G. Wells. Written in 1895, The Time Machine dreams up the idea of using a device to travel through time. This quickly became a staple of fiction of all kinds. Influential and often copied is the post-apocalyptic tale of conflict between a peaceful and violent society. The Time Machine’s reputation has never dimmed in the century since it was published and it has been the subject of many parodies. Humans may be no closer to time travel than we were a century ago, but the concept remains just as captivating.
Books for Little Nerds
NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society
by Michael Buckley
by Michael Buckley
NERDS combines all the excitement of international espionage with all the awkwardness of elementary school. This book follows a group of unpopular students, Duncan, Ruby, Heathcliff, Julio, Matilda, and Jackson, who run a spy network from inside their school. Using science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and they battle a mix of villains including the Hyena, a former junior beauty pageant contestant turned assassin.
Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint
by Raymond Abrashkin and Jay Williams
by Raymond Abrashkin and Jay Williams
A childhood favorite, Danny Dunn is a series of 15 fiction books about a headstrong redheaded boy and his adventures with science and math. Most of Danny’s adventures involve getting into and out of trouble by using real science. The first of the series was written in 1956 and some of the books were instrumental in introducing girls to the idea of STEM. Irene Miller, who was first introduced in the 1958 book Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine
Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett Johnson
by Crockett Johnson 
This is a favorite for toddlers. Harold is able to use his purple crayon to create a world of his own just by drawing it. He uses his powerful crayon to transport bedtime into balloon rides, a circus, a fairy tale garden, and even a trip to Mars. Harold always ends his adventures by drawing his own home and bed so he can go to sleep. This is a creative book that allows little pre-readers to explore their own creativity.
To a true nerd, a well-stocked library is a place of escape and renewal. There are so many other books that I would have liked to have included in this list, but the post would be never-ending.
What are some of your favorite books that did not make the list?
If your nerd enjoys reading books on their phone or tablet, be sure to check out my post How Can I Keep My Nerd’s Phone Clean?
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