Check It Out:

If anybody has ever lived near water or known the joys of going for walks along the edge of a stream, river or ocean, gone swimming or fishing, taken a boat ride, or even just looked at water from a vantage point, you understand its magic. Water soothes our souls, provides mystery and allure, creates history and, most importantly, sustains life!

Here are some titles at the Newport Beach Public Library that revolve around this glorious liquid:

“Rivers of America” by Tim Palmer: An explorer, conservationist, photographer and writer, Palmer reminds us that there would be no life without water. He provides the reader with beautiful photographs but also reminds us that nearly half of America’s rivers are polluted and endangered, thus jeopardizing countless ecosystems. He also reports the efforts of river conservation groups, which provide an informative and hopeful perspective.

“Garden Pools, Fountains & Waterfalls” by Scott Atkinson and the editors of Sunset Books: This Sunset bestseller provides beautiful illustrations of various water features and provides step-by-step instructions for how to build your own backyard water garden features. It also includes information for how to build crossings for streams and ponds as well as types of plants and fish that can be included in a variety of water features.

“Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises: A Cruise Lover’s Guide to Selecting the Right Trip with the Best Ports of Call” by Linda Coffman: This cruising guide answers many questions for those pondering a Caribbean cruise. It informs the reader of what’s included in a cruise fare, which are the best and worst cabins on a ship, shopping areas to include while on land, and great shore excursions.

“The River Wife: A Novel” by Jonis Agee: Set in 19th century Missouri, this is the story of a wronged woman who haunts three generations of women. The story begins with protagonist Annie Lark, who is trapped in an earthquake beneath a roof beam in her house. Her family leaves her for dead.

A French fur trapper, Jacques, comes to her aid and nurses her back to health. They fall in love and live on the banks of the Mississippi.

Until once again, Annie is trapped this time by the river, but Jacques fails to save her. Years later, other women in Jacques’ life are haunted by Annie’s immortal spirit.