Water

Water, by Steven Solomon, contains a sweeping history of the role of water in human society. Solomon travels chronologically and regionally as he uncovers major innovations and changes to the way we collect and use water

Solomon's narrative is compelling and rich, but this book is certainly not for everyone. At times it reads like a textbook and the intended audience mainly consists of scholars, students, and environmentalists.

Solomon makes a strong argument for water being the main force behind the progress of human civilization. In the final portion of the book he details the water supply and usage of each continent, highlighting areas which have severe water shortages. He claims that in the next 50 or so years we will see global conflict shift from being primarily over energy resources (oil) to being over fresh water. His outlook is quite frightening, and I'm inclined to believe it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - it was fantastic!

finished this book on 6/8...23 books, 100 days...at this rate I'll read 85 books.