Congratulations on having actually read it! 

I was surprised to realize, once I'd read it myself, that more than one prominent blogger/scientist had built their reputation largely on, um, "appropriating" material from Food and Western Disease.

Yes, it's an excellent reference, though it must still be taken with a grain of salt -- the anti-salt sections, for instance, are being obsoleted by the evidence.  However, you are correct that it's the scientific foundation for "paleo".

I haven't updated this list in far too long, and have several books I need to add to it.  Thanks for the reminder!

JS

It's by far the most educational and informative book out there in regards to diet. It's extensively researched by a leading scientist/doctor in the field and is the go-to source before you pick up any other book in regards to nutrition or what kind of diet you should be eating. This is it folks, this book tells you everything in an unbiased manner. If you don't have a scientific background, you will be looking up a lot of words, but it's still worth it.

Nick Lane's "Power, Sex, Suicide" talks about that, though it's not the focus (the focus is the origin of eukaryotes).

Interestingly, I didn't read Ishmael until after I had written TGC, and others told me there were some similiarities.

E Craig:

Bozo Sapiens is an entertaining and thorough (though breezy and informal) book on the subject of human cognitive error.

Edgar:

It's on my "to read" list.

JS

The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature by Matt Ridley

I did find a lot of new-to-me information on logical fallacies/errors in thought patterns in You Are Not So Smart by David McRainey. Much as the title may imply, I previously thought I had a pretty solid grasp on the many ways our thinking can go awry.  This book introduced me to a few new ones.  I'm not certain if I'm happy or a bit uneasy after reading it, but there you go, I found it interesting.

Free Will by Sam Harris is another recent read that I 'enjoyed' (if that's the right word).

"Margaretrc:

I haven't finished "Greatest Show On Earth" yet.  I like it so far, but style-wise it's in a bit of an uncomfortable place — it can't decide if it wants to be a polemic or a sincere attempt to convince.  

It's a solid book, full of interesting facts (if at perhaps excessive length), but I'm still hoping for something better.  Jerry Coyne is next on the list."

Agreed. I finished it but I almost didn't. I like Dawkins but that book made too many attitude shifts.

Life's Origin: The Beginnings of Biological Evolution by J William Schopf is decent.

I want to read more books on abiogenesis. Specifically how life could have been started on earth by volcanic lightning. Super awesome stuff.

A good starting off point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller%E2%80%93Urey_experiment

Thanks for the feedback, and no, that's not an off-topic rant!  I agree with you that I want to read about "Why Evolution Is True", not "Why Creationism Is False", and I'm still looking for the best book to recommend in that area.

JS

There are so many interesting ideas in evolution, so when I read about evolution, it is evolution that I want to learn about.   The only idea about creationism that I find interesting is why people want to believe it, which is rather off topic for evolution per se.

Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to say this ...

Beth

I haven't finished "Greatest Show On Earth" yet.  I like it so far, but style-wise it's in a bit of an uncomfortable place — it can't decide if it wants to be a polemic or a sincere attempt to convince.  

It's a solid book, full of interesting facts (if at perhaps excessive length), but I'm still hoping for something better.  Jerry Coyne is next on the list.

JS

Margaretrc:

Thanks for the suggestions!  Basically I'm asking if there's anything better, more up-to-date, and easier to read than "The Blind Watchmaker".

JS

P.S.  My son, who is more of a Computer Science person--doesn't normally like Biology--picked up and started reading "The Greatest Show On Earth" when he was here visiting and ended up taking it home with him because he wasn't finished when it was time for him to leave.  He said he like it a lot.

Margaretrc:

Thanks for the suggestions!  Basically I'm asking if there's anything better, more up-to-date, and easier to read than "The Blind Watchmaker".

JS

I totally apologize. Dawkins' book is "The Greatest Show on Earth", not the Greatest Story Ever Told. I didn't have the book in front of me and goofed.  That is his latest book and it's a wonderful primer on evolution and the evidence for it.  It is much newer and easier to read than "The Blind Watchmaker", Which I've also read (and like tremendously!)

I love that book too -- but Dennett isn't exactly beginner reading!  Sometimes I wish he was just a touch less smart so he'd be easier to follow.

JS

Thanks for the suggestions!  Basically I'm asking if there's anything better, more up-to-date, and easier to read than "The Blind Watchmaker".

JS