Recommended reading for secondary school students in Hong Kong includes "Gaia" by James Lovelock, which introduces a controversial theory about Earth's ecosystems and encourages critical thinking, despite some non-scientific elements. For those interested in oceanography, "Invitation to Oceanography" by Paul R. Pinet is suggested as a foundational text that is accessible and useful for beginners. Additionally, a website providing background information and a glossary of basic oceanography terms is available, enhancing the learning experience in this field. The discussion highlights the importance of identifying specific areas of interest within Earth sciences, such as environment, evolution, archaeology, geology, oceanography, geophysics, and climatology, to guide book recommendations.