Rights for rivers and ice cream for all: top reads for the summer holidays

A new wave of literature exploring humanity's relationship with nature and science is capturing attention during the summer reading season. Among these works, Robert Macfarlane's Is a River Alive? stands out for its poetic exploration of rivers as living entities. Published by Penguin in 2026, the book delves into the ecological significance of three distinct river systems, Ecuador’s Río Los Cedros, the polluted waters of Chennai, India, and the legally recognized Mutehekau Shipu in Quebec, Canada. Macfarlane’s narrative emphasizes the urgent need to view rivers not as mere resources but as vital components of the global ecosystem. The author draws upon vivid imagery from Ecuador’s cloud forests, where bioluminescent fungi illuminate the forest floor, to underscore the interconnectedness of life. His journey through these regions highlights the threats posed by human activity, such as gold mining in the Amazon basin and urban pollution in Indian cities. Macfarlane’s reflections resonate with those working in environmental science, including Moriba Jah, a space environmentalist who sees parallels between the treatment of rivers and the degradation of Earth’s orbital environment. Another notable contribution to the discourse comes from Martin Goodman’s My Head for a Tree, published by Profile in 2025. This book recounts the history of the Bishnoi community in India, known for their unwavering commitment to protecting nature. Goodman traces the origins of their conservation ethos back to the 18th century, when members of the Bishnoi community sacrificed their lives to protect sacred trees from destruction. Today, the community continues to balance traditional values with modern realities, engaging in agriculture and running businesses while maintaining their dedication to environmental preservation. Goodman’s narrative reveals the complexities within the Bishnoi lifestyle, illustrating how their deep connection to nature coexists with practical necessities. One community member explains the dual role of being both a provider and a protector, highlighting the nuanced relationship between humans and the environment. Seema Mundoli, a scholar, notes that the Bishnoi story offers contemporary readers both inspiration and a reminder of the enduring power of grassroots environmental movements. In contrast to the ecological themes explored in Is a River Alive? and My Head for a Tree, Jessica Riskin’s The Power of Life, published by Riverhead in 2026, challenges conventional scientific thought. The book re-examines the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a pioneering naturalist often overshadowed by Charles Darwin. Riskin argues that Lamarck’s theories, though controversial, offer valuable insights into the active role organisms play in shaping their evolution. Riskin’s analysis extends beyond historical context, addressing the ideological conflicts that influenced the development of modern evolutionary theory. Her perspective aligns with recent advancements in artificial intelligence research, suggesting that life is not passively molded by external factors but actively participates in its own transformation. Blaise Agüera y Arcas, a researcher in AI, supports this viewpoint, emphasizing the potential implications for future scientific understanding. Fred Appelbaum’s Living Medicine, released by Mayo Clinic Press in 2023, shifts focus to the medical realm, examining the impact of bone-marrow transplants on patients battling cancer. The book provides insight into the intricate processes involved in such treatments, shedding light on the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare professionals. With approximately 22,000 individuals receiving these transplants annually in the United States alone, Appelbaum underscores the critical importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field of medicine. These diverse literary contributions reflect broader societal conversations about the interplay between nature, science, and human responsibility. From advocating for the rights of rivers to re-evaluating foundational biological theories, each book contributes to a growing awareness of the complex relationships that define our planet. As readers engage with these narratives, they are encouraged to consider the profound implications of how we perceive and interact with the natural world.