Today’s the day when Kirk and Ray are handing out destroyed versions of Origin of Species!
If you had the chance and resources to hand out any one book to college kids around the world, what book would you choose?
The Afternoon Inquisition (or AI) is a question posed to you, the Skepchick community. Look for it to appear daily at 3pm ET.
Death From the Skies because there is astronomy, science, and fun all in one package. And I love astronomy, science, and fun.
Carl Sagan’s Demon-Haunted World would probably do the most good, although I fear we would need something a little shorter and more accessible to hook your average person, or even your average college student.
Roger Zelazny’s _Doorways in the Sand_ because it’s about the most fun I’ve ever had reading a book. It begins on a college campus at least.
1st choice Demon-Haunted World – 2nd choice Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea by Carl Zimmer.
Off the top of my head, Demon-Haunted World would be my first choice. If only because I’m re-reading it right now.
“Flim-Flam!”
I’m looking forward to the new Randi book, I’m sure that it’ll be worthy of handing out. On a related note, I have donated many copies of Origin of Species, through Donors Choose, and through local book drives. It’s shocking to find that some school districts will not pay for them. I understand having tight budgets, but I’m sure they draw line at Darwin for a reason.
The last book I actually donated to a library was “Little Brother”, by Cory Doctorow.
But there are so many good books… and the stuff that appeals to one group might not appeal to another. “Death by Black Hole” might be a good choice.
What book would I hand out?
Dennis Reynolds: An Erotic Life
The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy by the Late, Great Douglas Adams.
Things can get so serious at college, you need to remember how to laugh. And “Don’t Panic” is probably the best advice for anyone in any situation.
Plus, I like that Douglas Adams essentially invented the iphone in 1978.
The D&D Player’s Handbook?
Or maybe, to stay more in the spirit of this, The Greatest Show on Earth by Dawkins? I’m reading it right now and it’s pretty good.
I’d hand out Demon Haunted World also.
Richard Dawkin’s “The Selfish Gene”.
“Watership Down.” I just… It’s a really good book.
Honestly? The Manga Guide to Statistics (which is awesome). If more people understood how to actually use and interpret statistics, it might deflate a lot of the silly-ass arguments of everyone from ID-ers to anti-vaxxers.
Also, understanding statistics is kind of a critical-thinking course in disguise.