What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean
Ocean life is threatened more than at any other time in history. Marine biologist Helen Scales wants us to fight for a better future.
In September and October 2026, the Science Friday Book Club will read “What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean” by Helen Scales. With a scientist’s attention to detail and a storyteller’s sense of narrative, Scales traces the changing ocean from prehistoric times to today, showcasing a complex and mysterious underwater world teeming with life. But that world is facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, toxic chemicals, and human interaction. Rather than giving in to doomerism, Scales emphasizes ways people are working to conserve our ocean, infusing the text with joy and enthusiasm. The result is a compelling, inspiring, empathetic book that reminds us we have the power to turn the tide. You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
Keep an eye on this webpage for updates. Or join our Book Club newsletter or community group to get alerts about this and upcoming books when they are announced. In the meantime, visit our collection on Bookshop.org to enjoy previous and current Book Club selections.
This Book Club season kicks off on Tuesday, September 1, and you can read along with us! Discussion questions are shared in the community group on Monday of each week and via the newsletter on Wednesdays.
Grab your own copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have “What the Wild Sea Can Be” in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save the date(s): SciFri Book Club events
Book Club Kickoff
Got thoughts about our podcast episode featuring Helen Scales? Let’s talk about it! Join us on Zoom for a free, informal conversation to kick off our reading of “What the Wild Sea Can Be.” We’ll dig into the interview, share first impressions, and get oriented on what’s ahead. No prior reading is required, and if you haven’t heard the interview yet, we’ll catch you up. Everyone is welcome!
- When: Tuesday, September 8 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
Please note that this is the working schedule, but of course, the news could change our plans.
Author Q&A Livestream with Helen Scales
Dr. Helen Scales is a marine biologist, bestselling author, and broadcaster dedicated to sharing the ocean’s living wonders with people of all ages. Learn about her work and writing as we discuss “What the Wild Sea Can Be” and more. Come with your curiosity—we’ll be taking your questions in the YouTube livestream chat. You do not need to have read the book to participate.
- When: Friday, September 25 at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s YouTube channel
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
We are pleased to offer live English closed captioning for this event. If you RSVP, you will receive the recording link after the event.
Book Club Community Meeting
Want to connect with other Science Friday Book Club members, share your thoughts about the reading, and discover resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you! While the conversation will focus on themes and topics from the current book, you’re welcome to join us regardless of how far you’ve read; no spoilers. Come and chat!
- When: Thursday, October 22 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
Join our community group
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read, and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly reads and join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.