Best Rivers in Earth Science Books of 2026

Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters by Steven Koonin is an eye-opening book that debunks the myths and misinformation surrounding climate change. The author, a distinguished scientist and former top science advisor to the Obama administration, uses his decades of experience to provide up-to-date insights and expert perspective free from political agendas. Koonin takes readers behind the headlines to explain what science really says (and doesn't say) about our changing climate. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the climate issue and be a savvier consumer of science media in general.

Cosmos, by Carl Sagan, is an all-time bestselling science book that retraces the 14 billion years of cosmic evolution that have transformed matter into consciousness. The book explores various topics such as the origin of life, the human brain, spacecraft missions, and the evolution of galaxies. With a lyrical literary style, Sagan dazzles the mind with the miracle of our survival, framed by the stately galaxies of space. The book is brilliantly written and its scope is truly magnificent. It is a must-read for anyone interested in astronomy and science in general.

Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson is a gripping account of the deadliest hurricane in history that hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900. The author chronicles the story of Isaac Cline, the resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau, who failed to predict the magnitude of the storm and found himself the victim of a devastating personal tragedy. Larson's writing is luminous, and the story is absolutely gripping, making it a must-read for those interested in U.S. State & Local History Books. Overall, Isaac's Storm is a well-told story that is both fascinating and terrifying, and a great reminder of the power of nature.

The book "Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water, Revised Edition" by Marc Reisner is a comprehensive and eye-opening account of the West's water crisis. It covers the history of the earliest settlers who were promised paradise, the ruthless tactics employed by Los Angeles politicians and business interests, and the bitter rivalry between two government giants, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The book also includes a new postscript by Lawrie Mott, updating Western water issues over the last two decades. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the drought ravaging the West and the region's prospects for changing course before it is too late."

"Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols is a groundbreaking book that explores the impact of water on our mental and physical well-being. Nichols combines scientific research with personal stories to demonstrate the benefits of being near water, including improved performance, reduced anxiety, and increased professional success. The book is highly readable and thought-provoking, making a persuasive case for the healing power of water. Overall, "Blue Mind" is a unique and inspiring read that will change the way you think about our connection to water.

All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids is an excellent guide for toddlers and preschoolers to understand how weather works. The author, Huda Harajli, who is also an elementary school teacher, provides simple explanations on the four seasons, clouds formation, rain, rainbow, storms, and other meteorological phenomena. The colorful and adorable illustrations help kids engage with what they're learning, while older readers will enjoy the fun facts. If you're looking for a weather book for your child, this book is a great choice.

The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing is a comprehensive guidebook, written by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers, that offers expert advice on all aspects of fly fishing. From casting techniques to selecting the right fly, this book provides a simple and digestible primer on the basic elements of fly fishing. With 240 tips, this book is insightful, plainly spoken, and entertaining, making it suitable for both novices and experts alike. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to hone their skills in fly fishing.

The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing by Tom Rosenbauer, with the support of The Orvis Company, is a comprehensive guide for those who want to learn the fundamentals of fly fishing. This book provides step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photographs to help new fly fishers select the right tackle, cast a line with accuracy, choose the correct fly, tie fishing knots, and much more. It also contains helpful safety advice and basic angling terms. The book is a perfect guide for anyone who wants to start catching trout, bass, and other fish today. Overall, The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing is a must-read for beginners who want to learn fly-fishing techniques and gain skill and finesse in this sport.

Dr. Patrick Moore's book, "Fake Invisible Catastrophes and Threats of Doom," exposes the misinformation and outright lies used to scare people about the future of the Earth. The book contains 98 color photographs, illustrations, and charts, and is aimed at parents who disagree with the "progressive" school curriculum and its alarmism about the future. Moore shows that citizens are being misinformed by environmental doomsday prophesies that they cannot verify for themselves. The book provides an alternative to the bleak future predicted by the merchants of doom. It is a unique and informative read that challenges the current popular narrative on environmental issues.

Reading the Glass: A Captain's View of Weather, Water, and Life on Ships is a captivating blend of science and memoir, chronicling Elliot Rappaport's experiences as a sea captain and his understanding of weather patterns from three decades at sea. Through a series of tall ship voyages, Rappaport takes readers on a journey from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, explaining the moving parts of our atmosphere and the larger patterns it holds. The book is written in stunning prose, brimming with wisdom, curiosity, and humor, making it an immensely rewarding and entertaining read for anyone interested in climatology and maritime adventures.