Bruce Barcott

If a megaquake like the one that hit Japan last March were to strike the U.S., the Pacific Northwest coast would be the likeliest spot. Geologists have their eyes on the Cascadia subduction zone, a 740-mile seam where the Juan de Fuca and North American plates meet. The CSZ has been building up tension for more than 300 years, say some seismologists. If that te

Arctic adventurer Lynne Cox tackles the legend of Roald Amundsen

Alexandra Fuller's Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness

Two new books detail the ongoing search for drifter Everett Ruess, plus required reading for August

One year after the spill, two books examine the causes and effects of BP's Deepwater Horizon disaster.

A new memoir from a fire lookout makes a convincing case for quitting your job.

Two new island novels explore what it means to leave everyday life far, far behind.

A new account of the Dalai Lama's escape from Tibet turns history into riveting adventure.

A wild journey into the world of giant waves—and the crazed surfers who seek them out.

A new master of natural-history writing emerges with the story of a killer tiger in wildest Russia.

Break out the hammocks and beach chairs! Presenting the best new books of summer.

Into Teen Air

The list of seven summits climbers used to read like an alpinist all-star team. Now there are kids who can include it on their college applications.

Destination: Everywhere

Two fiction titans imagine life on the feral side.

By Brad Matsen (PANTHEON, $28)