Adam Savage is best known as the co-host of the popular science entertainment television show, "MythBusters," where he applied scientific methods to test the validity of rumors, myths, movie scenes, adages, Internet videos, and news stories. Born in 1967 in New York, Savage has had a varied career, including stints as a graphic designer, carpenter, projectionist, and animator. His expertise in model-making and special effects showcased on "MythBusters" made him a beloved figure among science and engineering enthusiasts. Beyond television, Savage is an active educator and speaker, promoting science education and creativity through public discourse and at events like Maker Faire.
❝I have always been a voracious reader. I read for at least an hour every night. I read technical, nonfiction, fiction, the New Yorker. I love reading.❞ — Adam Savage
Adam Savage is a self-professed lifelong learner whose curiosity extends to a vast array of subjects, reflected in his reading habits. He frequently shares books and authors that have influenced him, spanning topics from science fiction to engineering and philosophy. His love for reading fuels his endless quest for knowledge and his enthusiasm for sharing what he learns with others. Savage’s approachable communication style and his advocacy for hands-on learning resonate in his personal and professional life, advocating for the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of discovery.
Adam Savage's Favorite Books
Last Updated: July 2024
The Second Kind of Impossible: The Extraordinary Quest for a New Form of Matter
Author: Paul Steinhardt
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Jan 8th, 2019
Steinhardt recounts his scientific journey to discover quasicrystals, a new form of matter that defies traditional crystallography, blending personal narrative with groundbreaking research.
The Big Sleep
Author: Raymond Chandler
Publisher: Sanage Publishing House Llp
Date: Jan 16th, 2023
Chandler's classic hardboiled detective novel introduces private investigator Philip Marlowe, who navigates a labyrinth of crime and corruption while solving a complex case in Los Angeles.
Inside Black Mirror
Author: Charlie Brooker
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Date: Nov 20th, 2018
This companion book to the acclaimed TV series Black Mirror provides insights into the creation of the show, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, interviews, and concept art that delve into the dystopian and thought-provoking episodes.
Visceral: The Art of Jason Edmiston
Author: Jason Edmiston
Publisher: Cernunnos
Date: Oct 18th, 2016
Edmiston's book showcases his dynamic and vividly detailed artwork, featuring a range of pop culture subjects, from movie characters to iconic musicians, rendered in his distinctive style.
The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel
Author: Michael Chabon
Publisher: Harper
Date: May 1st, 2007
Chabon's alternate history novel imagines a Jewish settlement in Alaska, where detective Meyer Landsman investigates the murder of a chess prodigy, uncovering deeper conspiracies in a vividly realized world.
Chapterhouse: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Ace
Date: Jun 4th, 2019
The sixth and final book in the original Dune series sees the Bene Gesserit struggling to rebuild their order on the desert planet Chapterhouse while facing an imminent invasion by the mysterious and powerful Honored Matres.
Death's End
Author: Cixin Liu
Publisher: Generic
Date: Jun 26th, 2024
The concluding novel in the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, it follows humanity's struggle for survival as they confront the realities of the dark forest theory and the existential threats posed by advanced alien civilizations.
1Q84: A Novel
Author: Haruki Murakami
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Oct 25th, 2011
Murakami's surreal and intricate novel intertwines the lives of a writer and a fitness instructor as they navigate a parallel world in Tokyo, encountering mysterious cults, supernatural phenomena, and a love story that transcends time and reality.
The Underground Railroad
Author: Colson Whitehead
Publisher: Doubleday
Date: Aug 2nd, 2016
Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as a literal train beneath the soil, following escaped slave Cora's perilous journey toward freedom from the antebellum South.
Let's Go (So We Can Get Back)
Author: Jeff Tweedy
Publisher: Dutton
Date: Nov 13th, 2018
Tweedy's memoir offers an intimate and candid look at his life and career, from his early days in music to his experiences as the frontman of Wilco, blending humor and insight with personal anecdotes.
Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History
Author: Daniel Wallace
Publisher: Insight Editions
Date: Oct 27th, 2015
Wallace offers a comprehensive and richly illustrated history of the Ghostbusters franchise, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, concept art, and interviews with the cast and crew.
Typeset in the Future: Typography and Design in Science Fiction Movies
Author: Dave Addey
Publisher: Abrams Books
Date: Dec 11th, 2018
Addey explores the use of typography and design in classic science fiction movies, analyzing how fonts and visual elements contribute to the futuristic aesthetic and storytelling.
Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Date: Oct 25th, 2016
Herbert's epic science fiction novel tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young nobleman who rises to power on the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the invaluable spice melange, amid political intrigue and epic battles.
Killing Commendatore: A Novel
Author: Haruki Murakami
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Oct 9th, 2018
Murakami's novel follows a portrait painter who discovers a mysterious painting in an attic, leading him on a surreal journey filled with metaphysical questions and supernatural occurrences.
Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World
Author: Matt Parker
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Date: Jan 21st, 2020
Parker's entertaining and enlightening book examines the mathematical mistakes and miscalculations that have led to real-world disasters, highlighting the importance of math in everyday life.
Supernova Era
Author: Cixin Liu
Publisher: Tor Books
Date: Oct 22nd, 2019
Liu's science fiction novel imagines a world where a supernova explosion renders all adults infertile and young people must take over running society, exploring themes of power, responsibility, and the resilience of humanity.
The Dark Forest
Author: Cixin Liu
Publisher: Generic
Date: Jun 26th, 2024
The second book in the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, it explores humanity's efforts to prepare for the impending arrival of the Trisolarans, delving into themes of cosmic sociology and the dark forest theory.
Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Making Solo: A Star Wars Story
Author: Rob Bredow
Publisher: Abrams Books
Date: Apr 16th, 2019
Bredow provides an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the making of Solo: A Star Wars Story, featuring exclusive interviews, concept art, and visual effects breakdowns from Industrial Light & Magic.
The Left Hand of Darkness
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Date: Oct 25th, 2016
Le Guin's groundbreaking science fiction novel explores themes of gender and politics on the planet Gethen, where the inhabitants can change their sex, through the eyes of a human envoy sent to negotiate an alliance.
Rick Baker: Metamorphosis
Author: J. W. Rinzler
Publisher: Abrams Books
Date: Oct 22nd, 2019
A detailed and visually stunning retrospective of Rick Baker's legendary career in special effects makeup, showcasing his groundbreaking work in film and television.
Shikasta
Author: Doris Lessing
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Oct 12th, 1979
Lessing's epic science fiction novel, part of her "Canopus in Argos: Archives" series, depicts the history of Earth (Shikasta) through the lens of interstellar colonizers, exploring themes of decay, renewal, and cosmic intervention.
Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home: A Cookbook
Author: Julia Child
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Date: Sep 14th, 1999
This cookbook features recipes and cooking techniques from culinary legends Julia Child and Jacques Pépin, offering a delightful blend of French and American cuisine for home cooks.
Binging With Babish: 100 Recipes Recreated from Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows
Author: Andrew Rea
Publisher: Harvest
Date: Oct 22nd, 2019
Rea offers a collection of recipes inspired by iconic dishes from popular movies and TV shows, bringing fictional foods to life with step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering photography.
The Luminaries: A Novel
Author: Eleanor Catton
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: Oct 15th, 2013
Catton's Man Booker Prize-winning novel is a complex and intricately plotted tale set in 1866 New Zealand, following the interconnected lives of prospectors and townsfolk during the gold rush.
Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History
Author: Michael Klastorin
Publisher: Harper
Date: Oct 20th, 2015
Klastorin and Atamaniuk present an exhaustive visual chronicle of the Back to the Future trilogy, including rare photos, production notes, and interviews with the filmmakers.
The Lady in the Lake
Author: Raymond Chandler
Publisher: Pearson Ed
Date: Feb 21st, 2008
Chandler's classic hardboiled novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy man's wife, uncovering a web of deceit, corruption, and murder in 1940s Los Angeles.
Love and Treasure
Author: Ayelet Waldman
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Apr 1st, 2014
Waldman's novel intertwines the stories of a Hungarian woman during World War II, a disillusioned American soldier, and a contemporary art dealer, all connected by a mysterious necklace from the Hungarian Gold Train.
Mirages: The Art of Laurent Durieux
Author: Laurent Durieux
Publisher: Cernunnos
Date: Mar 3rd, 2020
This collection highlights the evocative and cinematic artwork of Laurent Durieux, known for his reimagined movie posters and illustrations that capture the essence of classic films.
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Dune Messiah
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Ace
Date: Apr 4th, 2023
The second book in the Dune series, it continues the story of Paul Atreides as he grapples with the consequences of his ascendancy to emperor and the burdens of prescience.
The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date: Feb 11th, 2014
Andy Weir's novel tells the story of Mark Watney, a resourceful astronaut left behind on Mars, who must rely on his ingenuity and engineering skills to devise a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
The Goldfinch: A Novel
Author: Donna Tartt
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: Oct 22nd, 2013
Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the life of Theo Decker, whose world is turned upside down by a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading him on a journey of grief, crime, and redemption centered around a priceless painting.
Count Zero
Author: William Gibson
Publisher: Arbor House Pub Co
Date: Sep 16th, 1986
This cyberpunk sequel to Neuromancer follows three interwoven narratives involving a mercenary, a corporate executive, and a young hacker, as they navigate a world of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and corporate intrigue.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Publisher: Harper
Date: Jun 24th, 2003
Gabriel García Márquez's epic novel chronicles the rise and fall of the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo, blending magical realism with a poignant commentary on the solitude and the vicissitudes of human nature.
God Emperor of Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Ace
Date: Jun 4th, 2019
The fourth novel in the Dune series, it explores the reign of Leto II, who has transformed into a human-sandworm hybrid, and his millennia-long plan to shape the future of humanity through his tyrannical rule.
Star Trek: Costumes: Five decades of fashion from the Final Frontier
Author: Paula M. Block
Publisher: Insight Editions
Date: Oct 20th, 2015
This book provides an in-depth look at the iconic costumes from the Star Trek universe, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship behind five decades of fashion from the beloved series.
Seveneves: A Novel
Author: Neal Stephenson
Publisher: William Morrow
Date: May 19th, 2015
Stephenson's science fiction epic begins with the moon exploding and mankind facing extinction, detailing humanity's desperate efforts to ensure survival by sending an ark of survivors into space, leading to unforeseen consequences thousands of years later.
The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
Author: Julie Zhuo
Publisher: Portfolio
Date: Mar 19th, 2019
Zhuo, a seasoned tech executive, shares her insights and personal experiences in transitioning from an individual contributor to a highly effective manager, offering practical advice on leadership, decision-making, and team building.
Snow Crash: Deluxe Edition
Author: Neal Stephenson
Publisher: Del Rey
Date: Nov 22nd, 2022
This cyberpunk classic blends satire, virtual reality, and high-octane adventure as hacker and pizza delivery driver Hiro Protagonist navigates a dystopian future to thwart a mind-altering digital drug.
Children of Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Ace
Date: Apr 4th, 2023
The third installment in the Dune series follows the lives of Paul's twin children, Leto II and Ghanima, as they face political conspiracies and their own destinies in the shadow of their father's legacy.
Girl in Landscape
Author: Jonathan Lethem
Publisher: Doubleday
Date: Mar 16th, 1998
Lethem's coming-of-age science fiction novel follows young Pella Marsh as she and her family relocate to a distant planet, grappling with loss, alien landscapes, and the complexities of growing up in a new world.
Look Inside: Cutaway Illustrations and Visual Storytelling
Author: Juan Velasco
Publisher: Gestalten
Date: Nov 21st, 2016
Velasco's book showcases stunning cutaway illustrations and explores the techniques and stories behind the creation of detailed visual representations of complex subjects.
Mona Lisa Overdrive
Author: William Gibson
Publisher: Gollancz
Date: Feb 23rd, 2017
The third novel in Gibson's Sprawl trilogy, this cyberpunk classic continues to explore themes of artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and corporate intrigue in a near-future world where technology and humanity intersect in unexpected ways.
Alien Covenant: David's Drawings
Author: Dane Hallett
Publisher: Titan Books
Date: Sep 4th, 2018
This unique art book presents the intricate and eerie drawings created by the android David in Alien: Covenant, offering a glimpse into the dark and mysterious world of the film.
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Tartine Bread
Author: Chad Robertson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Date: Sep 29th, 2010
Robertson shares his expertise on the art of bread-making, providing detailed recipes and techniques for creating artisanal sourdough loaves at home, along with insights into the philosophy of baking.
Neuromancer
Author: William Gibson
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Date: Oct 25th, 2016
Gibson's seminal cyberpunk novel follows washed-up computer hacker Case as he is hired by a mysterious employer to pull off the ultimate hack, diving into a gritty future world dominated by AI, cybernetics, and virtual reality.
Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It
Author: Adam Savage
Publisher: Atria Books
Date: May 7th, 2019
Savage, co-host of MythBusters, shares his personal insights, stories, and practical advice on creativity, problem-solving, and the joys of making things.
Sandman: Overture
Author: Neil Gaiman
Publisher: Vertigo
Date: Nov 10th, 2015
This prequel to Gaiman's acclaimed Sandman series explores the events leading up to the capture of Dream, weaving a rich and visually stunning tale of cosmic adventure and mythological intrigue.
The Liars' Club: A Memoir
Author: Mary Karr
Publisher: Viking
Date: Jun 1st, 1995
Karr's memoir recounts her tumultuous childhood in a small Texas town, marked by her mother's mental illness and her father's storytelling, capturing the resilience and complexity of family bonds.
The Three-Body Problem
Author: Cixin Liu
Publisher: Generic
Date: Jun 26th, 2024
This science fiction novel, the first in the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, explores humanity's first contact with an alien civilization and the ensuing global crisis, blending scientific concepts with a gripping narrative.
Heretics of Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Publisher: Ace
Date: Jun 4th, 2019
The fifth book in the Dune series follows the rise of the Bene Gesserit after the fall of the God Emperor, as they navigate political intrigue and face new threats to maintain control over the empire.
Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie
Author: Ralph McQuarrie
Publisher: Abrams Books
Date: Sep 27th, 2016
This collection celebrates the iconic artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, whose visionary designs and illustrations played a pivotal role in shaping the Star Wars universe.
The Art Of War: Complete Text of Sun Tzu
Author: Sun Tzu
Publisher: Booklover’s Library Classics
Date: Jun 23rd, 2022
This ancient Chinese military treatise offers strategic insights and tactics for warfare, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, planning, and psychological warfare.
Leviathan Wakes
Author: James S. A. Corey
Publisher: Orbit
Date: Sep 21st, 2021
The first book in The Expanse series, it combines elements of science fiction and noir as a disparate group of characters uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens the stability of the solar system.
Diatoms: Biology and Morphology of the Genera
Author: F. E. Round
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: Dec 10th, 2007
Round provides a comprehensive study of diatoms, focusing on their biology, classification, and morphological diversity, making it an essential reference for researchers and students in the field.
Walt Disney's Disneyland
Author: Chris Nichols
Publisher: Taschen America Llc
Date: Jul 16th, 2018
This richly illustrated book provides a comprehensive history of Disneyland, capturing the vision, creativity, and innovation behind the creation and evolution of the iconic theme park.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
Author: Joshua Foer
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Date: Sep 20th, 2016
This captivating guidebook takes readers on a journey to some of the world's most unusual and fascinating places, highlighting lesser-known wonders and curiosities from around the globe.
The Electric State
Author: Simon Stålenhag
Publisher: Skybound Books
Date: Sep 25th, 2018
Stålenhag's illustrated novel combines stunning artwork and a haunting narrative to depict a dystopian America where a teenage girl and her robot travel across a desolate landscape filled with remnants of a high-tech war.
The Long Goodbye
Author: Raymond Chandler
Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
Date: Aug 12th, 1988
Chandler's classic noir novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he unravels a complex web of deception, betrayal, and murder in 1950s Los Angeles.
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Author: Steve Martin
Publisher: Scribner
Date: Nov 20th, 2007
Martin's memoir chronicles his journey from a young aspiring magician to a successful stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, offering insights into the world of comedy and his personal experiences in show business.
