Book description
A âtimely, informative, and fascinatingâ study of 8 inventionsâand how they shaped our worldâwith âtotally compellingâ insights on little-known inventors throughout history (Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prizeâwinning author of The Sixth Extinction)
In The Alchemy of Us, scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines 8 inventions and reveals how they shapedâŚ
Why read it?
1 author picked The Alchemy of Us as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Ainissa Ramirez is a scientist and a storyteller, and from page one of this book, I found myself transfixed by her ability to make complex things comprehensible. From the springs that make clocks work and the carbon filaments that help us see to the electrons in glass that now power computers and smartphones, Ramirez taught me how much matter matters in understanding technological developments of the present moment.
My favorite part of the book is her writing style, as she begins each chapter with an inviting anecdote, like how Abraham Lincolnâs body was carried in a funeral rail car madeâŚ
From Rachel's list on technologies that seem boring but arenât.
If you love The Alchemy of Us...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancĂŠ, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, HeddaâŚ
Want books like The Alchemy of Us?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Alchemy of Us.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
đ If you like The Alchemy of Us, you might also like...
Deadly Revenge
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed withâŚ
The Duty of Memory
Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.
This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and womenâŚ
