Whether you jump into a fun sci-fi thriller with geoscience undertones or do a nonfiction deep dive into a particular geological subdiscipline, reading can be a great way to enjoy your passion even more.
Two of AAPG’s newsletter editors, Rasoul Sorkhabi and Sharon Lyon, regularly recommend books they feel geoscientists would love to read. Sorkhabi is a geoscientist, professor and researcher at the University of Utah’s Energy and Geoscience Institute in Salt Lake City, and Lyon is a retired geology professor and best-selling author.
Here are some of their most-recent picks to add to your book bucket list – and check out Sorkhabi’s article on page 34 for a couple more astrogeological reads!
- “American Heat Engine: Hydrocarbons and the Power of the United States,” by Kent J. Williamson
In a recent edition of Core Elements covering the potential for onshore resource exploration in the United States, Sorkhabi recommends this book, which he said “blends industry and U.S. history into one narrative.”
“The book takes readers on a historical and geographic journey from the coal state of Virginia and oil state of Pennsylvania in the 19th century, to Texas during the shale revolution of the 21st century,” said Sorkhabi. “It shows how coal, oil, and gas have powered economic development, helped win world wars and fueled various industries. As scientists, we are usually concerned with the geology of resources. This book provides a historical, economic and political perspective on these resources.”
- “The Doc Ford Series,” by Randy Wayne White
Lyon shared geoscience-flavored trip tips for visiting Sanibel Island in Florida. The island’s orientation perpendicular to the mainland, coupled with its gentle underwater shelf, makes it a hotbed for seashells: More than 350 species of mollusk wash ashore on the beaches. Her vacation reading recommendation is a series of spy-fiction novels that includes references to South Florida geology.
“If you haven’t read the Doc Ford series by Randy Wayne White, start with ‘Sanibel Flats’ (Book No. 1) and work your way through ‘One Deadly Eye’ (Book No. 27),” said Lyon. “White expertly weaves his knowledge of the fauna and flora, history, meteorology and geology of south Florida in each book. Between chapters, dine at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille for a yummy taste of Sanibel.”
- “Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
Another go-to getaway spot, Hawaii’s Oahu is home to active volcanism and interesting geology. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted in September 2024. Despite the volcano’s power, visitors can still see Kilauea – a trip Lyon highly recommends taking. You can also take a fictional journey there as you read through “Eruption.”
“Michael Crichton’s partial manuscript has been completed by James Patterson. A volcanic eruption might destroy the Big Island of Hawaii. But more dangerous than the lava is a secret U.S. military installation and its contents, directly in the lava’s path. Can the lava be stopped, diverted or cooled? Will the volcanologists and the military leaders put their differences aside and collaborate to save the world? The story holds all the elements of a Crichton book: in-depth scientific research combined with suspense and nonstop action,” said Lyon.
- “A Beachcomber’s Guide to Fossils” by Bob, Pam and Ashby Gale
Lyon is a huge fossil-hunting and paleontology enthusiast. In fact, the two novels she has written are called “Fossil Woman” and “Fossil Thief.” In a GeoLifestyle edition on hunting for shark teeth, Lyon recommends this book to help collect fossils.
“I’ve found this book immensely helpful for identifying my beach finds. Each fossil is photographed from different angles, with concise information, including taxonomy,” said Lyon.
- “Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness” by David Attenborough and Colin Butfield
As part of his Core Elements edition celebrating World Ocean Day at the beginning of June, Sorkhabi recommended a new documentary film entitled, “Ocean With David Attenborough.” Attenborough is a British broadcaster, biologist, historian, and writer. He also co-wrote a book on which the documentary is based.
“(The film) premiered in London on May 8, celebrating David Attenborough’s 99th birthday … ‘In my lifetime,’ Attenborough wrote, ‘the world has lost over half of its coral …’ Attenborough supports the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties resolution to designate ٣٠ percent of the ocean as protected areas (from fishing and other human activities) by 2030,” said Sorkhabi.