BTB160: Longitude | Dava Sobel on the Magic of Science Writing and Lifelong Discovery

Today we have a very special guest: Dava Sobel, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, The Glass Universe, and The Planets. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages and continue to inspire readers around the world to see science through a more human lens. Known for blending meticulous research with emotional storytelling, Dava has built a lifelong career showing how curiosity and wonder can turn complex discoveries into timeless narratives. In this episode, Dava shares her journey from an uncertain college student with five majors to a celebrated science writer. She talks about how stumbling into journalism taught her to write with clarity, speed, and heart, and how that foundation led to Longitude, the book that changed everything. From its humble beginnings as a magazine article to becoming a global bestseller, Dava reveals the behind-the-scenes details of its success, including her collaboration with small publishers, the role of independent booksellers, and the personal touch of writing the story for her mother. Tune in for a conversation about the craft of science writing, the realities of life as an author, and the enduring magic of following your curiosity wherever it leads. Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com — Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show. — Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/ Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com If you"re interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com