Well tbh I don’t study the mathematical side of particle physics because that’s WAAAAY out of my league. Conceptually particle physics isn’t too hard to grasp and it’s just a very scary word! There are plenty of books about string theory and quantum physics written for the popular audience that are a lot of fun to read. I especially recommend Brian Greene’s works. Similarly, there’s a lot of stuff regarding beginning and amateur astronomy as well.
It’s neat that society places scientists on such a high pedestal, but it’s not like we have brain implants! We’re regular ol’ people too.