August's Hottest New Nonfiction Books

I. Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History, with Eels by Ellen Ruppel Shell (August 6)

Fans of microhistory and true crime will find a rare treat in Ellen Ruppel Shell’s Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History, with Eels. This gripping narrative takes readers on an unexpected journey into the mysterious world of eels, creatures that have fascinated and perplexed scientists for centuries. Despite countless attempts, eels have never been successfully bred in captivity, a biological puzzle that has contributed to the rise of a shadowy, multimillion-dollar black market trade. This illicit industry centers around the capture and illegal sale of juvenile eels, known as "glass eels," which are smuggled across borders and sold for staggering profits, particularly in Asia where they are considered a delicacy.

Ellen Ruppel Shell expertly weaves together the natural history of these elusive creatures with the dark underbelly of the global eel trade, revealing how environmental conservation, international crime, and human greed intersect. The book provides a deep dive into the economic forces that drive this black market, the environmental consequences of overfishing, and the international efforts to curb the illegal trade. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Shell offers readers not just a story of eels, but a broader reflection on the consequences of exploiting nature for profit, making Slippery Beast a compelling read for anyone interested in the hidden connections between natural history and criminal enterprise.

II. Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women by Ellen Atlanta (August 6)

In Pixel Flesh, Ellen Atlanta offers a searing critique of the modern beauty industry, challenging the pervasive narrative that today’s beauty culture is a form of empowerment for women. With a compelling blend of extensive research and personal insight, Atlanta delves into the destructive impact of toxic beauty standards on women’s lives. The book explores the insidious ways that societal pressures around appearance lead to widespread dissatisfaction, fueling industries like plastic surgery and diet culture that thrive on women’s insecurities.

Atlanta doesn't just stop at examining the external pressures; she also addresses the internal struggles women face in trying to meet these impossible standards, particularly in the age of social media where flawless, filtered images dominate. She discusses how these unrealistic ideals have led to a rise in cosmetic procedures, body dysmorphia, and mental health issues, especially among young women. Atlanta’s personal stories bring authenticity and relatability to her arguments, as she shares her own experiences of grappling with these challenges.

Pixel Flesh is a powerful call to action for women to reclaim their self-worth from a culture that profits from their insecurities. Atlanta encourages readers to critically examine the messages they receive about beauty and to reject the notion that their value is tied to their appearance. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the harmful effects of the beauty industry and seeking to break free from its toxic grip.

III. Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence by Sara Imari Walker (August 6)

In Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence, physicist and astrobiologist Sara Imari Walker delves into some of the most profound questions humanity has ever faced: What is life, and how did it originate? Drawing from her extensive background in both physics and biology, Walker challenges conventional scientific thinking and proposes an entirely new paradigm for understanding the emergence of life. She argues that life is not just a biological phenomenon but also a fundamental aspect of the universe, governed by the same physical laws that shape the cosmos.

Walker’s exploration takes readers on a journey through cutting-edge research in physics, information theory, and complexity science, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of life. She examines how life might have arisen from the complex interplay of matter and energy, and what this new understanding could mean for our search for life beyond Earth. By reframing life as an emergent property of the universe, Walker opens up new possibilities for understanding not just how life began on Earth, but how it might arise elsewhere in the cosmos.

This book is not just a scientific inquiry but also a philosophical exploration, encouraging readers to rethink the boundaries between the living and non-living, and to consider the implications of a universe where life might be more common—and more diverse—than we ever imagined. Life as No One Knows It is a groundbreaking work that will appeal to anyone interested in the mysteries of life, the universe, and our place within it.