Books like How To

How To by Randall Munroe reads as witty, informative. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Stiff

Mary Roach · 2003

Both explore science

60% genome match

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson · 2003

Both explore science

56% genome match

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler

Ryan North · 1999

Both explore science & problem-solving

72% genome match

The evolution of useful things

Henry Petroski · 1992

Both explore engineering & innovation

73% genome match

Stuff Matters

Mark Miodownik · 2013

Both explore innovation & engineering

69% genome match

The Way Things Work

David Macaulay · 1988

Both explore engineering & innovation

64% genome match

The Alchemy of Air

Thomas Hager · 2008

Both explore science & innovation

66% genome match

Ignition!

John D. Clark · 1972

Both explore innovation & engineering

75% genome match

So You've Been Publicly Shamed

Jon Ronson · 2015

Same nonfiction feel

62% genome match

The Victorian Internet

Tom Standage · 1998

Both explore innovation

62% genome match

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide To...)

Larry Gonick · 2005

Both explore science

62% genome match

What If?

Randall Munroe · 2014

Both explore physics & science

57% genome match