Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: The Wave

The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey 2010

Toronto-born journalist and author, Susan Casey tells the stories of big wave surfers and oceanographers, from Hawaii to Alaska to the tip of Africa. The book reveals the science of waves, i.e. giant water (the largest wave ever recorded is 1740 feet high!) including the challenges waves pose to shipping, and the stories of a group of surfers she shadowed for her story. She also interviews scientists exploring the danger that global warming will bring us more and larger waves. She makes the world of big wave surfers and the jargon of physicists engaging. It was interesting to join the world’s legendary surfers in their world. An approachable, engaging read. For more about the author: http://www.susancasey.com/

Target audience: An exciting and informative read for readers of any age perhaps looking to venture into non-fiction