I agree with your recommendation of Dava Sobel's book. I recommend it to many of my (science) students, as either (a) a present for a family member who has an

I agree with your recommendation of Dava Sobel's book. I recommend it to many of my (science) students, as either (a) a present for a family member who has an interest in science, navigation, history, etc. or (b) a hint that students can give to family members who want to give them a gift. Many of these students have told me how much they enjoyed the book, and none have told me the reverse. Undergrads can be a tough audience, so this reception is a very good recommendation for this book. And this is not the only engaging book Sobel has written ... I would recommend any of them.