The Joy of Abstraction: An Exploration of Math, Category Theory, and Life by Dr. Eugenia Cheng

Mathematician and popular science author Eugenia Cheng is on a mission to show that mathematics can be flexible, creative, and visual. This joyful journey through the world of abstract mathematics into category theory demystifies mathematical thought processes and helps the reader develop their own thinking, with no formal mathematical background needed.

The book brings abstract mathematical ideas down to earth using examples of social justice, current events, and everyday life – from privilege to COVID-19 to driving routes. The journey begins with the ideas and workings of abstract mathematics, after which it leads gently into more technical material and key concepts in category theory like natural transformations, duality, and even a glimpse of ongoing research in higher-dimensional category theory. The Joy of Abstraction promises to help readers dig deeper into mathematical concepts and build their mathematical background.

Recipe for Survival: What You Can Do to Live a Healthier and More Environmentally Friendly Life by Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes

What can people do to improve their health and Earth’s health at the same time? How can one become a healthier and more sustainable consumer? In this straightforward, easy-to-understand and entertaining book, dietitian and environmentalist Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes outlines actions everyone can take. Many people feel overwhelmed by the scope of climate change and believe that only large, sweeping changes will make any difference. Yet the choices people make every day can have effects on climate change, the oceans, the land, and other species.

This book outlines the problems all people are facing, and then presents ideas or 'recipes' to empower individuals and communities, to help everyone make a difference. Recipe For Survival provides guidance that readers can use right now to improve their health, their family's health, and the health of the environment simultaneously.

Our Plastic Problem and How to Solve It by Dr. Sarah J. Morath

Plastic pollution is a global problem that defies a singular solution. Our Plastic Problem and How to Solve It considers plastic’s harm to the environment, from its production to its disposal, and offers a spectrum of solutions that require action by local and federal governments, businesses and non-profits, and individuals. Using specific examples and case studies, the book describes the history and chemistry of plastic, illustrates its harms, and points toward specific legislation and policies to offer concrete solutions.

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and has impacts on soil, food, air, and water. To solve the world’s plastic problem, collaboration across disciplines will be critical; innovations in science, law, and design will be essential. The book demonstrates the need to approach environmental problems from an interdisciplinary lens, and will benefit anyone interested in learning more about the harms and solutions associated with plastic pollution.

Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life by Dr. Charlotte Markey

Adultish is offers a comprehensive guide to taking on adulthood with body confidence. In a world where body satisfaction plummets during adolescence, and a global pandemic and social media frenzy have created extra pressure, Adultish is a survival kit for young adults. An all-inclusive book that is based on scientific research, it provides evidence-based information on everything from social media and sex to mental health and nutrition. Packed with valuable features like Q&As, myth-busting, real-life stories, and expert advice, it is a go-to source for discovering the importance of self-acceptance and embarking on a journey towards loving the skin one is in.

Chapters include relatable and inspiring personal stories from real people that bring topics to life, and Q&As and myth-busting sections in each chapter that provide easily accessible answers to common questions. Adultish offers evidence-based, reliable information at a time where there is so much misinformation about body image and other related issues like nutrition, eating disorders and mental health.

Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone by Netta Weinstein, Heather Hansen, and Thuy-vy T. Nguyen

The average adult spends nearly one-third of their waking life alone. How does one overcome the stigma of solitude and find strength in going it alone? Whether one loves it or tries to avoid it, one can make better use of that time.

The science of solitude shows that alone time can be a powerful space used to tap into countless benefits. Translating key research findings into actionable facts and advice, this book shows that alone time can boost well-being. From relaxation and recharging to problem solving and emotional regulation, solitude can benefit personal growth, contentment, creativity, and our relationships with ourselves and others. By learning what makes people better at spending time alone, one can use these principles to move toward an improved, happier self.