See what happens when I'm not around....months pass with no good science book recommendations....
This one is wonderful: The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet by Robert M. Hazen:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-Eart...dp_kinw_strp_1
It appears to be very up to date scientifically (published last year) and written very well. I'd give it 5 of 5 stars!
Hazen is also that author of a few of the "Great Courses" (
http://www.thegreatcourses.com/tgc/p...il.aspx?pid=18 ) and numerous other books. I'm looking forward to checking out/reading more of his work.