Double Helix by James Watson:           

"...the inside story of one of the key discoveries of the century, the structure of DNA...the superbly human tale of how a very unusual 23-year-old American saw his chance for scientific immortality and promptly set out to seize it."

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton: A killer virus enters the earth's atmosphere from space. Good description of techniques used to identify and control the spread of a potential killer microbe introduced into the general population.

Deadly Feasts by Richard Rhodes:        

Tracking the secrets of a terrifying new plague; you may not eat meat again after reading this one. "A cannibal feast in New Guinea at which no one survives." Mad Cow Disease, descriptions of new prion diseases.

Jurassic Park or Lost World  by Michael Crichton (or both, but counts as one choice):   Cloning dinosaurs, theories of extinction. Lots more fascinating science in the books than the movies, especially the sequel

A Match to the Heart by Gretel Ehrlich:        

The story of author's experience as a lightning strike victim, and her recovery. "...excursions into neurobiology, cardiology, the lore and science of lightning..." A fascinating and philosophical piece of writing. National bestseller.

Mount Dragon  by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child:   “...a suspenseful romp combining genetic engineering, virtual reality, and scientific ethics…an enigmatic research complex hidden in the desert of New Mexico... a medical breakthrough that may bring untold benefits to the human race, or mass human extinction.”

The Coming Plague by Laurie Garrett:    A compelling account of the challenges that nature throws at humans in the form of infectious diseases. The book covers 55 years of battles with microbes from Zaire to a Navajo reservation to the Bronx.

Chromosome 6 by Robin Cook:  

In his most prophetic thriller yet, the author challenges the medical ethics of genetic manipulation and cloning. In the jungles of equatorial Africa a biotechnology giant has taken transplant surgery and animal research to a new level. One mistake could bridge the evolutionary gap between ape and man.

Never Cry Wolf  by Farley Mowat:               

A young naturalist is dropped alone onto the frozen tundra to live among the wolf packs and study their ways. He discovers "not a den of marauding killers but a courageous family of skillful providers and devoted protectors of their young...A brilliant narrative on the myth and magic of wild wolves..."

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston:   

"...A provocative thriller that makes you wonder how much bioterrorism is taking place in the real world. Preston, best known for his terrifying non-fiction chronicle of the Ebola virus, The Hot Zone... is keen to convey the 'invisible history' of bioweapons engineering... and to show the unsung heroism of scientific detectives..."

The Hot Zone  by Richard Preston:    

“A highly infectious, deadly virus from the central African rain forest suddenly appears in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. There is no cure. In a few days 90 percent of its victims are dead. A secret military SWAT team of soldiers and scientists is mobilized to stop the outbreak of this exotic “hot” virus. The Hot Zone tells this dramatic story, giving a hair-raising account of the appearance of rare and lethal viruses and “crashes” into the human race.

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver:   The best-selling author tells three intertwined stories, full of wonderful characters, “sprinkling them with telling details about Kentucky’s flora and fauna. Moth, goats, and even snapping turtles are captured in their lush splendor…Ultimately, though she affirms that humans are only one link in the chain of life. Prodigal Summer  offers a pointedly eloquent argument for the necessity to live within nature’s strictures.”