Rebecca Lawton, Writer and Scientist, Home Page

Water-powered writing & surviving.

^{Becca Lawton, Stanislaus River. Photo by Gary Genest, 1973.}

“Reading Water is both mirror and map, a reminder that a life can take the shape of the river itself . . .” — Ellen Meloy, author, Eating Stone and The Anthropology of Turquoise

“Reading Water is the spiritual autobiography of a true whitewater gypsy, giving us a seasoned depiction of the nomadic culture, empty canyons, and wild western rivers that define and haunt her . . .” — David James Duncan, author, The River Why and Sun House

“Reading water” in river parlance means studying rough & quiet waters for deep understanding.

To me, geeking out on water is a lot like doing close readings of prose & poetry.

Reading Water is also the name of my first book of essays on rivers, guiding, and making a writer’s life.

find Reading Water here