Mama's Last Hug -- Frans de Waal
This book is a good balance of science and storytelling. De Waal makes a sobering and passionate argument for the better understanding of animals- not as "primitive versions" of ourselves, but as living organisms that are emotional, intelligent, opportunistic and socially adept. For example, chimpanzees display jealousy over other chimps receiving better gifts, and bonobos, our “closest social relatives,” prefer sex and grooming over fighting. If you are a pet owner, animal lover, or are genuinely interested in the non-human animal world, this is worth a read.