The best new popular science books of February 2026

It's nowhere near early enough for those of us in the northern hemisphere to start struggling against winter's somnolent spell, so there's no need for excuses as you take to your bed with a pile of good books. And there's plenty to keep you occupied while you eschew the chilly outdoors. This month, we have climate hope from a well-placed environmental reporter, formerly of this parish, an honest memoir from a star scientist and a jaw-dropping account of the commodification of women's bodies. Given the Valentine's Day fun this month, we also have a book that may challenge what we thought we knew about finding love. It's always good to get all the help we can in that department - enjoy! "On clear moonlit nights we sometimes step outside and howl at the moon together. It is cathartic, primal and a really good laugh. I am not sure what our neighbours think about it, though."