Robert Downey, Jr., an actor with over 90 acting credits, such as "Iron Man" and "Oppenheimer," also founded the charity FootPrint Coalition. Passionate about sustainability, he co-authored "Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time" with Thomas Kostigen. The book discusses various ways to reduce an individual's carbon footprint.

Downey revealed books that influenced him in an interview.

Julian by Gore Vidal

It is a famous history novel involving Julian the Apostate, a 4th-century Roman emperor who fought against Christianity's spread. In the book, Julian is presented as a military genius, a writer, and a philosopher in a mental battle with Christianity, which cost him his life at age 32.

The religious and political disorder of the period in Vidal comes alive brilliantly, offering a subtle characterization of an angry monarch. Julian's reign is presented in the novel as a compelling, energetic, and courageous narrative of classical antiquity. 

American Prometheus by Kai Bird & Martin J. Sherwin

The book mainly focuses on the life of Oppenheimer, from his early days as a physicist to creating atomic bombs during the Second World War. The biography addresses Oppenheimer's influence during the Cold War and ethical questions about scientific development. Since it is arguably a brilliant and erudite book, he offers an in-depth analysis of the weak mind that has transformed American history during revolutionary times. 

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

The book is a profound debut novel set in 1975 Saigon during chaos. The story follows a man with dual allegiances, torn between political beliefs and personal loyalties. As the South Vietnamese army disintegrates, a general plans an escape to Los Angeles, unaware that a captain among them secretly reports to the Viet Cong.

The novel explores the captain's complex identity - a product of a mixed heritage, educated in America, and torn between conflicting loyalties. It weaves a gripping spy narrative, delves into extreme politics, and presents a poignant love story, examining the enduring impact of the Vietnam War on literature, film, and contemporary conflicts. 

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Hacking Planet Earth by Thomas M. Kostigen

"Hacking Planet Earth" by Thomas Kostigen explores cutting-edge technologies addressing climate change. Beyond traditional efforts, the book delves into geoengineering projects worldwide, offering solutions to climate-related challenges. From sun-shielding parasols to cloud-watering lasers, Kostigen introduces innovative ideas and the visionaries behind them.

The book paints a picture of the future through futuristic thinking, presenting readers with inspiring thoughts concerning transformative projects designed to contain the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable life. 

Short Cuts: Selected Stories by Raymond Carver

This collection by Raymond Carver, praised as 'one of the greatest short story writers,' presents nine stories and a poem providing a poignant portrayal of American innocence and loss. Adapted into the film "Short Cuts" by Robert Altman, the work exhibits Carver's deadpan humor and tender storytelling, showcasing his mastery of the contemporary short story genre. 

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