I don’t read a ton of non-fiction, but I picked this one up in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Galveston, and I am SO glad that I did. It’s hard to even believe that Isaac’s Storm is non-fiction, because it’s as gripping, vivid, and engrossing as the best fiction out there.

As for content: Erik Larson gives an historical account of the deadliest hurricane to every hit the US, and the effects on the community of Galveston, Texas. By the time I was mid-way through this book, I found myself intrigued by topics I’d never taken even a slight interest in before – storm patterns, barometer readings, the history of the national weather bureau. I love when a book helps me learn and care about new things, and Larson has a really unique ability to create that kind of engagement with his readers.

So even if you don’t typically love to study the weather, get this book and, chances are, you might start. Plus, trust me on this, you won’t be able to put it down.