Recs if you like Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History...

Niche nonfiction, aka micro-histories!

This list was a winner of the Q2 2026 Community Voting event - if you'd like to participate in the Quest, a link is pinned in the comments.

special interest weather forecasting & disasters, +climate change

As a climate scientist and paleoclimatologist with a passion for our world and science communication, I wanted to share my recommendations for Earth science books that are informative, engaging, and accessible. I intend to continue updating this list.

Nonfiction books on natural hazards and disasters, as categorized by the U.S. National Risk Index: Avalanche, coastal flooding, cold wave, drought, earthquake, hail, heat wave, hurricane, ice storm, landslide, lightning, riverine flooding, strong wind, tornado, tsunami, volcanic activity, wildfire, and winter weather.

Feel free to comment any recs, especially for books that take place outside of the U.S.

“Hey do you remember [insert horrible event here]? I should read a book about that.”

Books on disasters, horrible events, and scientific blunders.

Did I miss one? Let me know in the comments!

Research material and references from the podcast. Relying heavily on lists made by others.

"People need to be cautious because anything built by man can be destroyed by Mother Nature." - Russel L. Honoré, retired lieutenant general of the United States Army. This list is inspired by the terrifyingly beautiful intensity of nature at its most extreme. This is the nonfiction edition of this subject. Recommendations always welcome!

Nonfiction books about maritime misadventures