Hooked On Books: The Source – with the author!

A discussion of The Source: How Rivers Made America and America Remade Its Rivers by Martin Doyle — with the author!

Description: In this fresh and powerful work of environmental history, Martin Doyle tells the epic story of America and its rivers, from the U.S. Constitution’s roots in interstate river navigation, the origins of the Army Corps of Engineers, the discovery of gold in 1848, and the construction of the Hoover Dam and the TVA during the New Deal, to the failure of the levees in Hurricane Katrina and the water wars in the west. Through his encounters with experts all over the country―a Mississippi River tugboat captain, an Erie Canal lock operator, a dendrochronologist who can predict the future based on the story trees tell about the past, a western rancher fighting for water rights―Doyle reveals the central role rivers have played in American history―and how vital they are to its future.

In addition to writing The Source, Martin Doyle is director of the Water Policy Program at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and a professor of river science and policy at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.

Publisher:‎ W. W. Norton & Company
Publication date:‎ February 6, 2018
Print length:‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10:‎ 0393242358

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About Hooked on Books

Each month, ORK members read a book and then meet (virtually) to discuss it. With guided questions and occasional special guests, participants will find new titles, consider themes, and be inspired by writing.

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To participate in the reading club, please register for Hooked on Books. You will receive an email with a link to the virtual meeting each month. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.

You do NOT have to join each month. Simply read the books and attend the sessions that are of interest, though we hope you will expand your reading horizons by trying new books.