Book gift for MIL who liked Spillover, Sapiens and Silk Roads

[Borridge]

So I am looking for a book gift for my super lovely MIL who does not read fiction.

Instead, she recently liked Spillover, Sapiens and Silk Roads (Frankopan). The history book was a challenging read for her so I am thinking more along the lines of natural sciences.

Can anyone recommend any good reads?

TIA

Homo Deus is the sequel to Sapiens

If she's not read any Malcolm Gladwell already I'd suggest something by him.

What about the History of the World in 1000 objects? (British museum)

Or something by Jared Diamond. Popular Science, easy to read.

Or Prisoners of Geography

Have a look at Rose George, she's written about various non-glamorous topics (container ships, toilets) but always gets brilliant reviews.

Since Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari has written Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century.

Humankind by Rutger Bregman is of a similar ilk to Harari.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake (I haven't read this but I know two people who loved it and raved about it).

Also - does she like art? I always think an art book is an extra special gift. I could list some recent ones if you're interested.

I was thinking Prisoners Of Geography if she's into politics at all, it's about how natural features (mountain ranges, access to water etc) have shaped the wars and politics of various regions (one per chapter)... er it's more interesting than it sounds

Also, Other Minds was good, about intelligence in octopus/cuttlefish

And if she's into psychology at all, Mistakes Were Made... But Not By Me' was great, about cognitive dissonance, how we struggle to change our minds, cover up mistakes etc. Might look a bit pointed if she was pro-Brexit though!

Sue Black’s books on her work as a forensic anthropologist abs anatomist are amazing. Her first is ”All that remains” which is more autobiographical and the second “written in bone” is a head to toe discussion about how the post-mortem body is used to identify the life of the person who lived in it.

It is fascinating, but sensitive subject matter.

Have a look at the Wellcome Trust book prize. It’s suspended at the moment but you can scroll down for the last shortlist and all previous winners.

There’s an amazing one about fungi somewhere - entangled life?

Prairie fires is a book I recommend again and again - find out if she ever read little house on the prairie!

I was going to suggest Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. I also have Other Minds on my to read pile.
I'm loving the title Mistakes were made, but not by me!

Ooh, thanks so much everyone. I'll be sure to find her something great amongst your suggestions. Possibly also for me .