It’s a drought. We need more rain.

Just give ’em Rain. I don’t mean the stuff falling from the sky. I mean Cynthia Barnett’s natural and cultural history of the stuff falling from the sky. Terrific book, just made the list of finalists being considered for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Even if they’re not a water nerd, they’ll love it.

If they’re a kid? Give ’em The Tree Rings’ Tale, which I wrote a while back. Nah, who am I kidding, the kids’ll like Rain too. Just give ’em that.