Why am I passionate about this?

With a background in theoretical astrophysics and a life-long passion for science fiction, I am now lucky enough to have a dream job of working in one of my favorite sci-fi worlds: Star Trek. This role as science advisor for the franchise has bridged my career between hard science and fictional writing. Like many fans, I am one who simply wants to walk, live, and breathe in these fictional worlds that bring us so much joy. I always look for new ways to immerse myself, be it episode or movie rewatches, extended universe shows, comics, video games, and yes, books!


I wrote

The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel

By Erin Macdonald,

Book cover of The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel

What is my book about?

As a fan of science as well as science fiction, Dr. Erin Macdonald (PhD, Astrophysics) takes you on an audio…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of A Stitch in Time

Erin Macdonald Why did I love this book?

A Stitch in Time is far and beyond my favorite expanded universe book of any science-fiction property. Written by Andrew Robinson, who played the beloved character Garak on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, this novel intricately weaves Garak’s mysterious past (answering many questions!) with his time on Deep Space Nine and what happens after the Dominion War. If you always wanted to learn more about Garak’s story, no one knows or tells it better than the man himself. Rare in print, but available electronically, it’s a must-read for DS9 fans.

By Andrew J. Robinson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Stitch in Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The enigmatic Garak - Cardassian-in-exile on space station Deep Space Nine - refers to himself as "just a simple tailor", but everyone knows that there's more to him than that. Why was he banished from his home planet? And why does he choose exile on Deep Space Nine?


Book cover of Bloodline (Star Wars)

Erin Macdonald Why did I love this book?

Leia Organa has always been my favorite character from the Star Wars universe; she’s strong, capable, and witty while being a great leader but acknowledging vulnerability. Bloodline by Claudia Grey perfectly captures the untold times in the years between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens and Leia’s work as a senator, fending off threats to the Republic. A combination of both political intrigue and action, anyone wanting to learn more about Leia’s life and decisions should definitely pick up this book.

By Claudia Gray,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bloodline (Star Wars) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Sunday Times Bestseller

WITNESS THE BIRTH OF THE RESISTANCE

When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory.

Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy-from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos in the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First…


Book cover of Revelation

Erin Macdonald Why did I love this book?

Oh, Mass Effect. It may not be as known to people as the Trek or Wars, but in my opinion, this world is just as rich and enticing. The original video game trilogy allows you to play Commander Shepard, carrying over your relationships and decisions while saving the galaxy from an imminent threat. Mass Effect: Revelation sets up the history of the characters and world that you encounter throughout the adventures of Commander Shepard, including the history of your mentor, Captain Anderson (or “Space Dad” as I like to call him), and his relationship with Kahlee Sanders and the growing threat to the galaxy. A must-read for anyone whom 100+ hours of gameplay wasn’t satisfying enough!

By Drew Karpyshyn,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Revelation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The thrilling prequel to the award-winning video game from BioWare

Every advanced society in the galaxy relies on the technology of the Protheans, an ancient species that vanished fifty thousand years ago. After discovering a cache of Prothean technology on Mars in 2148, humanity is spreading to the stars; the newest interstellar species, struggling to carve out its place in the greater galactic community.

On the edge of colonized space, ship commander and Alliance war hero David Anderson investigates the remains of a top secret military research station; smoking ruins littered with bodies and unanswered questions. Who attacked this post…


Book cover of Mosaic (Star Trek Voyager)

Erin Macdonald Why did I love this book?

Ah, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. A fictional character from Star Trek: Voyager who has managed to become my (and many others) mentor in life, leadership, and careers. Mosaic tells the backstory of our beloved Captain, from her home life in Indiana to her time as a science officer and eventually becoming Captain of her own starship. This story by Jeri Taylor (who served as Executive Producer on Voyager for five seasons) captures Janeway in a way rarely seen outside of Kate Mulgrew herself. As a bonus, you can listen to an abridged version read by Kate as well!

By Jeri Taylor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mosaic (Star Trek Voyager) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The life story of Captain Kathryn Janeway, one of personal bravery, loyalty, tragedy and triumph. From her childhood to her time at Starfleet Academy, from her first love to her first command, she has to face the challenges and conflicts that made her the woman she is today.


Book cover of Star Wars From a Certain Point of View

Erin Macdonald Why did I love this book?

With only two books out (referencing Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back) the From a Certain Point of View books are brilliant. So brilliant. I can’t explain how much I love these books in one short paragraph. They are a collection of short stories written by dozens of authors who recall events in the films both big and small. Did you ever want to know who the guy is on Hoth who interrupts Han and Leia arguing? Well, now you do! With each story taking only about 20 minutes to read, they’re a perfect nighttime story that add such richness to the films we’ve all seen dozens, if not hundreds, of times.

By Renée Ahdieh, Meg Cabot, Pierce Brown , Sabaa Tahir , Nnedi Okorafor , Tom Angleberger , Jeffrey Brown , Rae Carson , Zoraida Cordova , Delilah S. Dawson , Kelly Sue DeConnick , Ian Doescher , Alexander Freed , Jason Fry , Kieron Gillen , Christie Golden , Claudia Gray , Paul S. Kemp , Mur Lafferty , Daniel M. Lavery , Ken Liu , John Jackson Miller , Daniel José Older , Beth Revis , Madeleine Roux , Greg Rucka , Cavan Scott , Gary D. Schmidt , Charles Soule , Elizabeth Wein , Chuck Wendig , Gary Whitta

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Wars From a Certain Point of View as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience that sheds new light on the original film.

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and a galaxy full of possibilities. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, more than forty contributors lend their vision to this retelling of Star Wars. Each of the forty short stories reimagines a moment from the original film, but through the eyes of a supporting character. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors, trendsetting artists, and…


Explore my book 😀

The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel

By Erin Macdonald,

Book cover of The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel

What is my book about?

As a fan of science as well as science fiction, Dr. Erin Macdonald (PhD, Astrophysics) takes you on an audio journey through the fantastical uses of spacetime in science fiction. Beginning with quick lessons on Newtonian and Einstein gravity, you’ll learn about the different ways we see artificial gravity, multiverses, and even time travel in popular science fiction and how it relates to actual science. Written and narrated by Dr. Erin, this is a perfect introduction to spacetime and physics while geeking out with fellow science fiction fans!

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Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

By Mimi Zieman,

Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Mimi Zieman Author Of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an OB/GYN, passionate about adventuring beyond what’s expected. This has led me to pivot multiple times in my career, now focusing on writing. I’ve written a play, The Post-Roe Monologues, to elevate women’s stories. I cherish the curiosity that drives outer and inner exploration, and I love memoirs that skillfully weave the two. The books on this list feature extraordinary women who took risks, left comfort and safety, and battled vulnerability to step into the unknown. These authors moved beyond the stories they’d believed about themselves–or that others told about them. They invite you to think about living fuller and bigger lives. 

Mimi's book list on women exploring the world and self

What is my book about?

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up the East Face without the use of supplemental oxygen, Sherpa support, or chance for rescue. When three climbers disappear during their summit attempt, Zieman reaches the knife edge of her limits and digs deeply to fight for the climbers’ lives and to find her voice.


Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

By Mimi Zieman,

What is this book about?

The plan was outrageous: A small team of four climbers would attempt a new route on the East Face of Mt. Everest, considered the most remote and dangerous side of the mountain, which had only been successfully climbed once before. Unlike the first large team, Mimi Zieman and her team would climb without using supplemental oxygen or porter support. While the unpredictable weather and high altitude of 29,035 feet make climbing Everest perilous in any condition, attempting a new route, with no idea of what obstacles lay ahead, was especially audacious. Team members were expected to push themselves to their…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in space warfare, close encounters, and space horror?

Space Warfare 48 books
Close Encounters 52 books
Space Horror 26 books