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

The Goldfinch: A Novel

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.

Look Inside: Cutaway Illustrations and Visual Storytelling

Velasco's book showcases stunning cutaway illustrations and explores the techniques and stories behind the creation of detailed visual representations of complex subjects.

Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen

Guzmán's cookbook celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, featur

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 Lady in the Lake

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.

Girl in Landscape

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.

Mona Lisa Overdrive

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.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

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

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.

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 Martian

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.
Also recommended by:
Tom Hanks 

The Big Sleep

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.
Also recommended by:
Jordan Peterson 

Diatoms: Biology and Morphology of the Genera

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.

Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Making Solo: A Star Wars Story

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.

Visceral: The Art of Jason Edmiston

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 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.

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.

Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History

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.

Mirages: The Art of Laurent Durieux

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.

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.

Star Trek: Costumes: Five decades of fashion from the Final Frontier

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.

Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home: A Cookbook

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.

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.

Neuromancer

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.

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 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  Tupac Shakur  Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Walt Disney's Disneyland

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.

1Q84: A Novel

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.

Let's Go (So We Can Get Back)

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.

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.

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.

Snow Crash: Deluxe Edition

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.
Also recommended by:
Larry Page 

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.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders

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 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.

Binging With Babish: 100 Recipes Recreated from Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows

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 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 

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 

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.

Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History

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.

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 

Inside Black Mirror

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.

The Liars' Club: A Memoir

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 Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel

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.

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Count Zero

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.

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.

Chapterhouse: Dune

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.

Dune Messiah

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.

Seveneves: A Novel

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.
Also recommended by:
Bill Gates 

The Electric State

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.

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.

Love and Treasure

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.

Shikasta

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.

Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It

Savage, co-host of MythBusters, shares his personal insights, stories, and practical advice on creativity, problem-solving, and the joys of making things.

The Luminaries: A Novel

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.

Rick Baker: Metamorphosis

A detailed and visually stunning retrospective of Rick Baker's legendary career in special effects makeup, showcasing his groundbreaking work in film and television.

Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie

This collection celebrates the iconic artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, whose visionary designs and illustrations played a pivotal role in shaping the Star Wars universe.

Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World

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.

Killing Commendatore: A Novel

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.

Typeset in the Future: Typography and Design in Science Fiction Movies

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.
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