Dive into the literary world of Adam Savage, Special Effects Designer.

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

Alien Covenant: David's Drawings

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.

Heretics of Dune

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.

Sandman: Overture

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 Art Of War: Complete Text of Sun Tzu

This ancient Chinese military treatise offers strategic insights and tactics for warfare, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, planning, and psychological warfare.
Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman  Neil deGrasse Tyson  Tupac Shakur 

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

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.
Also recommended by:
Bill Nye 

The Three-Body Problem

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.

The Long Goodbye

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.
Also recommended by:
Jordan Peterson 

The Left Hand of Darkness

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.

The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You

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.
Also recommended by:
Sam Altman  Bill Nye 

Leviathan Wakes

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.

The Second Kind of Impossible: The Extraordinary Quest for a New Form of Matter

Steinhardt recounts his scientific journey to discover quasicrystals, a new form of matter that defies traditional crystallography, blending personal narrative with groundbreaking research.

The Dark Forest

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.

Children of Dune

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.

Tartine Bread

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.

The Underground Railroad

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.
Also recommended by:
Oprah Winfrey 

Death's End

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.

Dune

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.

Supernova Era

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.
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