Earlier in the year, in an effort to better organize my science reading, I drew up a list of categories to guide me along. I kept a Word file on my computer and fill it out as the months progressed, almost like a scavenger hunt. The system worked in prompting me to look for books outside my usual areas, and I will use it again in 2018.
Cosmology and Astrophysics
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson
Local Astronomy
Space Probes: From Sputnik to New Horizons, Phillipe Seguela. A largely-graphic history of various probe missions.
Geology
The Dragon Seekers: How an Extraordinary Circle of Fossillists Discovered the Dinosaurs, Christopher McGowan
Weather and Climate
Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History Erik Larsen.
Chemistry and Physics
The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean
Flora and Fauna
Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent, Valmik Thapar
Biology
I Contain Multitudes, Ed Yong
Anthropology
Cro Magnons: How the Ice Age Gave Birth to the First Modern Humans, Brian Fagan (well, almost. Halfway through it. )
Neurology and Psychology
The Future of the Mind, Michio Kaku
Science and Society
Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate, Vaclav Smil
Thinking Scientifically
Ask a Science Teacher, Larry Scheckel
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of Science’s Beautiful Basics, Natalie Angier
Reading Freely 
A science book popped onto my radar recently which looks very interesting: Think Like an Anthropologist by Matthew Engelke. It's on my Amazon Wish List so I'm hoping to pick it up @ some point in 2018.
i've been long an admirer of Michio Kaku: along with Tyson's, his books are above the average, i think…
i forgot to recommend Carl Sagan, although he might be a bit out of date, he's such a good writer that he's a pleasure to read…
I hadn't heard of that one, but will take a look at it. Thanks!
Ah, I've read all of Sagan with the exception of his book on nuclear winter. I like Tyson well enough — I used to listen to StarTalk radio, before he took a backseat to the comedians and celebrities — and Kaku has been enjoyable. I haven't started thinking about scien reads for next year, besides the biology stuff I alredy have. (Your Brain on Parasites & Gut)
I must definitely try to schedule more Science for next year…. Nothing at all planned at the moment. So far it's mostly history and politics or political history…. [grin]
Here is my highly recommended fauna suggestion:https://www.amazon.com/Big-Oyster-History-Half-Shell-ebook/dp/B000N2HCLA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514673691&sr=1-1&keywords=Big+oysterDelicious and entertaining!Best wishes from Tim (R.T.) at new address:https://inquiriesinformal.blogspot.com/
Though I've promised myself not to start any more challenges, this category method is a great idea! I've sure enjoyed reading your ratings/reviews this past year, and on a wide variety of topics. Good luck for 2018!
Thank you, and good to see you again!
Thank you! I've just discovered your podcast and am enjoying so far. 🙂
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