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Happy holidays y’all, and thanks for keeping up with us!
We want to pass along a special treat: an Ag & Water Desk reading list. Some of these resources are shared with new reporters joining the Desk and are a great primer on issues and voices in the Basin.
It’s been a stellar year for Mississippi River books, and there are many classics included here, too. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I hope you enjoy it and find something to snuggle up with near the fire, or if you’re like me, hide out to read and avoid your family.
James, by Percival Everett, 2024 — A retelling of Huck Finn from Jim’s perspective. Mind blowing. And Stephen Spielberg is making the movie! (Bonus points if you read Huck Finn simultaneously!)
The Great River, Boyce Upholt, 2024 — In this incredible debut, Boyce takes a wide-ranging, historic view of humans’ relationship with the river.
Peep Light, Stories of a Mississippi River Boat Captain, Lee Hendrix, 2024 — Captain Hendrix shares his unique perspective on modern-day riverboat life. He worked for 50 years as a pilot for the Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
The Wild Mississippi, Dean Klinkenberg, 2024 — Our friend Dean published this delightful travel guide, which is the perfect compliment to Boyce's book. It details outdoor adventures in all 10 mainstem basin states.
Holding Back the River, Tyler Kelley, 2022 — Explores aging infrastructure, increasing climate threats, and the human stories of those affected.
Katrina: A History, 1915–2015, Andy Horowitz, 2020 — Andy is one of my favorite environmental historians. This incisive book explores the power and politics behind Katrina and the disaster capitalism that followed.
The Gulf, Jack Davis, 2018 — This book explores the forces and history behind how we made the Gulf a sacrifice zone, and does so with flourish and colorful storytelling. Did you know the history of the modern conservation movement is rooted in Louisiana, and that
there used to be a market for sea turtle meat?
Old Man River, Paul Schneider, 2013 — If you like pirates and wild history stories, you’ll love this one, which I devoured. Schneider explores how the river shaped American history, and you’ll learn what "bargeboard" is along the way!
Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild, Lee Sandlin, 2011 — This riotous book tells the history of the river from the perspective of people and their fates. With brothels, pirate hideouts, Marie Laveau, John Murrell and his so-called “Mystic Clan,”
this one will keep you rapt!
The River We Have Wrought, John Anfinson, 2005 — This one is more technical and geological. It’s a bit dense, but it's a classic from one of our favorite river historians (and riverlorians!).
Rising Tide, John Barry, 1998 — John is one of the most knowledgeable and eminent authors on the river, and we love this important work. This book explores how the flood of 1927 forever reshaped the river and America.
Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Coast, Mike Tidwell, 2003 — This was the book that made me obsessed with the Louisiana coast and spurred my entire career. It is a beautifully written exploration of the culture and landscape of the
delta, and a eulogy to what is being lost.
Big River Magazine — This lovely magazine focuses on the upper river and is run by Desk friend and local institution Reggie McLeod. I look forward to every issue and might be the only New Orleans subscriber!
Open Rivers Journal — This open-access digital journal from the University of Minnesota highlights interconnections between ecological and social systems, including beautiful art.
Bonus points if you borrow these from your local library or purchase from a Black or POC-owned bookshop in your town. There are many in the basin.
Happy holidays from all of us at the Desk, and look for an end-of-year wrap up of our best work in 2024 coming next week.
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