Here are some of New England’s science book clubs you should know about

Science book clubs play a vital role in bringing local communities together to explore new ideas, share knowledge, and spark meaningful conversations about the world around us. They create spaces where people with a shared curiosity can dive into complex topics in science over a relaxed and engaging setting. With book clubs on the rise, I grew curious about science clubs specifically in New England given that it is a major hub for science and innovation. 

A number of questions came to mind. A number of questions came to mind. How do these clubs operate? How often do they meet? Who leads them? Where are they located? Who is their audience? What kinds of books do they explore? Who do they partner with to run the science book clubs? And how are they impacting the communities they serve? Here is the start of that investigation.

If you are actively looking for such clubs, the first one you are likely to run into is the Book Club for the Curious, which is hosted by the Museum of Science in Boston. The club offers a virtual opportunity for conversation at the intersection of science, technology, and society. Each month, members explore a new book that delves into a different side of science. In February, they’ll tackle Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia, a deep dive into the science of aging and how we can all live longer, healthier lives. The beauty of this club is its accessibility—meetings are held virtually, and it’s free to join.

Another one you may run into is the Nature and Environment Book Club which offers in-person gatherings every month at the Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. This club focuses on environmental issues and sustainability, encouraging members to explore the state of the planet and discuss ways to address the challenges ahead. On February 12th, the group will meet to discuss the next thought-provoking book on their list.

An extension of the Science Friday radio show, SciFri Book Club takes the spirit of science communication and turns it into a vibrant community of readers. Each month, the club selects a new book ranging from science fiction to nonfiction, with occasional forays into science-themed poetry.

Unlike other groups, this group meets weekly, giving readers the opportunity for a more flexible reading schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free to join their online community space. This February, the SciFri Book Club is reading Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas by Jennifer Raff, which uses genomes to tell the story of the peopling of the Americas.

For readers who like options, Bookclubs.com provides a platform to manage and organize virtual or in-person book clubs. The website hosts several science-focused clubs that cater to a variety of interests. One standout is the Science Stuff Book Club, which meets virtually on the third week of every month, offering the chance to engage in lively conversations about everything from new innovations to mind-bending scientific concepts.

For those who want to get more specific, Greenhouse Gathering brings readers together every ten weeks for a virtual discussion of books centered on climate change and environmental sustainability. It’s a space for those who want to read both fiction and nonfiction that confronts the climate crisis head-on.

And for a more introspective take, the Being Human Book Club meets online the last week of the month to delve into the science of psychology, sociology, and human behavior, unraveling the complexities of who we are and why we do what we do. With its diverse offerings, Bookclubs.com lets you explore the vast world of science from the comfort of your own home, surrounded by fellow thinkers.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and we have barely scratched the surface in answering the questions posed earlier. Stay tuned as we continue our journey in exploring science clubs across New England. 

This is a developing story. 

Emma Sobieski

Sobieski is a science writer and covers the latest news in informal science, public engagement, and science communication in the New England area for the Civic Science Times. Sobieski is based in New Hampshire.

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