Product Description
New York Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires novels

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin, her husband, the djinn David, and the Earth herself have been poisoned by a substance that destroys the magic that keeps the world alive. The poison is destabilizing the entire balance of power, bestowing magic upon those who have never had it, and removing it form those who need it. It's just a matter of time before the delicate balance of nature explodes into chaos-and doom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Good Ending to the Series
Now that Joanne and David sacrificed their powers to stop Bad Bob, they have to set out to find a way to get them back. Unfortunately, the black corner they created becomes a problem as it starts to kill the Djinn that are on board the ship with them. Once they finally reach shore, Joanne realizes that although their mission is a suicide one, they must take the risk. They may just be the only hope at stopping Mother Earth from wiping all trace of humanity from the earth. There are more than a few bumps along the way, but what else can you expect for a danger magnet like Joanne.

I was really glad Joanne and David got to enjoy a little time together before they set out on this crazy journey. He was a little awkward at first since being human is completely different for him, but quickly got the "hang" of it. It was really sweet and nice to see them together completely as equals, something they have never experienced before. This time together seemed to give the little break they both needed before they set out on a path that almost guarantees their destruction.

When a series ends it almost always is bittersweet for me. It is really to see the characters finally get some resolution. However, it is always sad to have to say goodbye. I think this series ended at just the right time. I don't think Joanne could have suffered and recovered from much more without it being completely unbelievable. The resolution came as a bit of a surprise, but it worked well. It wasn't happily ever after for everyone, but that does make it a more realistic outcome, even if some things really stink. Joanne and David finally find their peace and get something they never thought they could have. All in all it was a great end to an absolutely great series.

Once again I'll say that this series is truly a must read. Its a long, crazy adventure that makes you care for the characters and root for their success and ultimate survival. You will be amazed at the things Joanne survives and how she holds to her integrity and determination to save others throughout even the worst of times. Two thumbs way up!

I'm a junky
This Rachelle Caine series is so well written. I loved the story line and it moves quickly. I found I couldn't put this series down. The heroin is so fun, interesting. So worth the read!

Sad that it's over...
This is the last book in the series, and I wish I had known that going in, though I began to have sneaking suspicions that it was while reading it.It was entertaining as always and a good book, but there were a few things that bothered me.Spoiler Alert!!!Don't read past here if you haven't read it yet.The ending bothered me because it never addressed what was going to happen with her and David.It was eight years later, so she had to be almost forty.Is he just going to stick by her until she dies of old age, or is she somehow going to find a way to be a Djinn?Imara said something about how she could save her at one point.Did that mean making her immortal?Also, I always hate the endings where they end up with kids.Oh, look, I had an exciting life until I got knocked up.Now all I do is change diapers and wash sippy cups.It's just sad that her life became so... mundane.And I didn't understand why this pregnancy was so different from when she was expecting Imara.Also, I don't think there is any way that Lewis really loved her.He was constantly trying to sacrifice her.This didn't bother me, though.Just an observation.Anyway, it was a really good series, despite the few things at the end that bothered me, and I will definitely miss it.

Great conclusion to a well-loved series
I was a faithful reader of Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series since the first book was published, and I was saddened and disappointed to see the series come to an end.However, I found Total Eclipse a satifying send-off to the series, and an appropriate tribute to Joanne, David, Lewis, and all of Caine's other unforgettable characters.It's actually refreshing to have a series end on a high note, and not simply limp along long after the storyline has been exhausted just so the author can keep selling books!

(The reviewer was compensated for posting this review.However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)

Great ending to a wonderful series!
Total Eclipse is the last book in author Rachel Caine's pulse-pounding Weather Warden series. Though I'm sad to see Joanne Baldwin's story end, it came to a thrilling conclusion in Total Eclipse that's perfectly satisfying for Warden fans and paranormal romance fans.

Having settled down (or, trying to) with husband and Djinn David, Joanne thinks (well, hopes) that life as a Weather Warden is over. But when David is poisoned by a substance that slow seeps the life out of him. Joanne must embrace her Warden powers and find a cure. Not only is David, at risk, however, but the Earth itself becomes poisoned by the same substance and it's up to Joanne to race against time and save the world...again.

Though the plot feels a little recycled from previous books and from other sources, Caine manages to create non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action on every page. Sure, it does get a tiny bit deus ex machina, but it just plain works. Caine pulls out all the stops from this wonderfully satisfying finale.

Though Joanne has retired, the Weather Warden universe lives on in Caine's new Outcast series about a fallen Djinn named Cassiel (who, by the way, makes a cameo in Total Eclipse). While I hasn't too excited about the first book in the series, Undone, the series lets fans continue to experience the exciting Weather Warden universe and give a glimpse into the continuing life of everyone's favorite Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin. ... Read more

Product Description
Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin has protected the human race from monster storms, been killed, reborn as a Djinn, and then restored to her original form. Now she's throwing the dice to stop an infinitely powerful, deeply disturbed kid-who is holed up in a Vegas hotel-from bringing on a new ice age. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Suspenseful
Poor Joanne has really had a rough couple of weeks. She started on the run from murder charges, died, was reborn as a djinn, died again, and came back as a human. This book starts with Joanne and David trying to reach Las Vegas to stop the teenager, Kevin, who stole powers and enslaved the leader of the Djinn, Jonathan. Unfortunately they have not been able to make any progress as Kevin, via Jonathan always finds them before they get even close. Joanne finds herself stuck in the middle of a secret society and quickly learns she cannot trust anyone because even her friend seem to have no issue with using her as a pawn.

I've come to realize that I really should just expect the unexpected in this series. I cannot count how many times I thought "Woah, didn't see that one coming." Its amazing to see everything that is thrown at Joanne, yet she still seems to survive and come up kicking. At one point, Jonathan, who seems to have it out for her, even says "You really know how to survive, I'll give you that." I really admire her strength and determination to do the right thing. Yes, she does have a major weakness for cars and shopping, which she does at really odd moments, but in the end she makes sure to fight for what is right even if it means not taking the easy way out.

I'm starting to worry a little about Joanne and David's future. They just haven't been able to have any real time together, something always seems to tear them apart. I hope things do not fizzle between them. I love their chemistry and a lot of what I love of this series is the dynamic between the two. Hopefully they will at least get a little time together if not some peace in future books. However, with the way things ended in this book, it makes their future seem even more shaky.

This book was just as suspenseful as the first two. I love how the author integrates things from Joanne's past and makes them relevant to things happening now. Considering how she is always out to save the world, it was nice to see that she might actually be an important part of the puzzle, versus just a girl with a hero complex. This book is a great read, but beware that you will want to have the next book ready as the ending of this one will make you want to jump right into the following one.

Not the best in the series, but still fun
Joanne Baldwin is a weather warden. Weather wardens protect the innocent masses (that's us) from nasty weather -- and the big secret is that nasty weather would probably have killed us all if it weren't for their protection. Mother nature is not so kind, after all. The Weather Warden Series is fun and addictive, but I was a little less happy with Chill Factor than with its two predecessors.

Joanne is a strong woman in body and spirit. She has a realistic sense of her own limitations -- and she then pushes past those limits, fighting for what she believes. She's not always right and her priorities aren't always where they necessarily should be: yes, damnit, she's going to shop for clothes under the shadow of impending doom. But that's part of the fun. We're not looking at an omniscient narrator here, by any means, or a super-brainy untangler of all things mysterious. But she's fun to root for, and her weather-controlling powers are very cool and compellingly described. And if I were a woman with a lot of money and the desire to accessorize, she'd be my go-to shopping companion for sure.

Chill Factor kept me turning the virtual pages on my iPhone, and it makes me want to read the next book in the series. And yet, certain things about the book left me disgruntled. It felt a little bit rough around the edges, as if this shouldn't have been quite the final draft. The example that sticks in my mind is in the description of an intense windstorm. In the windstorm, things get shredded. This gets shredded, that gets shredded, Joanne is worried about getting shredded. It was odd to see the same word used so many times in a few pages -- and distracting.

Not just wording, but the mechanics of the storytelling sometimes seemed sticky. Joanne gets beaten over the head a few too many times in this book. Crash! The world goes blurry. Bam! Big headache. Whack! Concussion. I understand that she's enduring much physical abuse here, but how many head injuries is poor Joanne going to sustain? Getting knocked unconscious was used too many times as a device to render her (or other characters) helpless so that they could be moved around or captured.

And that brings me to the final point I want to make about Chill Factor: helplessness. I felt a strength in Joanne in the first two books that was somehow missing in this one. Here, she's constantly being pushed around by circumstance and by powerful beings or strong people with weapons. She fights back, but circumstance and the other characters are moving her the entire time, when she should be driving the story at least some of the time, if that makes any sense.

I've spent so much time criticizing this book so I should end by reiterating that I still liked it, and I still recommend the Weather Warden series to anyone who likes contemporary, action packed tales with a nice paranormal twist.

Can't a girl be cut a break?Another great one.
The poor girl never seems to cut a break.Can you say nine-lives.Actually, she has been killed previously; so I guess she isn't the luckiest gal alive.Again, Ms.Caine knocks it of the park for me.All I can say issads for the protagonist and the constant heartache. However, how can anyones life be this dramatic?

The best.
The best one yet so I went ahead and gave it 5 stars even though I hate how short it is and it ending with yet another cliff hanger.

realy awesome series keeps getting better
Joanne finds herself in Vegas trying to find a troubled teen Kevin, that has the most powerful Djinn in the world at his beck and call.
Kevin was a severly abused child and has a warped sense of love and hate.
Djinn are dying and the wardens are in trouble, then a secret society trys to recruit Joanne into helping them with destryikng Kevin and getting rid of the problem.
Joanne is in a struggle to find balance and find her peace in this situation. Plus she is getting drained from her Djinn Lover David.
What choices will she finally choose?
... Read more

Product Description
The genie is out of the bottle. Rogue Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is racing to New York to warn her former colleagues of the impending apocalypse. An ancient agreement between the Djinn and the Wardens has been broken, and the furious Djinn, slaves to the Wardens for millennia, are now free of mortal control. With more than half the Wardens unaccounted for in the wake of the Djinn uprising, Joanne realizes that the natural disasters they've combated for so long were merely symptoms of restless Mother Nature fidgeting in her sleep. Now she's waking up - and she's angry - ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Joanne's Biggest Challenge Yet
After narrowly escaping the event of the last book, Joanne has a whole new challenge, maybe the biggest one yet, motherhood. When Johnathan sacrificed himself for David to be restored as a djinn, he also gave life to Joanne's djinn daughter, Imara. She never really believed Imara could possibly be able to be born without David's death, and she really did not expect her to be born as a six foot tall amazonian goddess. Imara looks just like Joanne, just made "exotic." Now that all the normal djinn, including David, have been possessed by mother nature and turned against all of humanity, Joanne realized its up to her to try and convince Mother they are worthy of survival. If she fails, so does all of humanity.

Even though it came at a complete shock, Joanne takes to motherhood very well. She instantly forms an unbreakable bond of love with her daughter and would do anything to protect her. This is kind of ironic considering Imara is a djinn who is so much more powerful than a human, but a mother wanting to protect her child truly is universal. Imara has all of the knowledge from both her parents, but she still has a vulnerable aspect to her. At times it is almost easy to forget she is only a few days old, but then she will do or say something to show that vulnerability. I don't know if it was as a result of Joanne and David's immense love for her, but I found myself instantly caring for her. She was born just in time for the world to start crumbling, and must learn immediately the hard lessons of life.

Joanne has always been special. When she was human, she was abnormally powerful with weather, then she became a djinn and all the powers that came with that. Now that David is no longer draining her, Joanne's powers are finally back in full force, with a new addition as well. Her change back to human made her manifest new powers in the fire warden category, which is extremely rare. Putting her powers aside, there is something even more special about her. She is the only one who even has a chance at convincing Mother Earth of humanity's worthiness. It isn't really clear why this is, but my guess would be that it is because of her constant self-sacrifice and drive to do the right thing no matter the cost.

This is yet another fast paced book in the Weather Warden series that will not disappoint. Each book makes me only care more for the characters, especially the newest one, Imara. The ending is very heart wrenching, and lives up to cliffhangers of the previous books. Just like its predecessors, this book is a must read for any urban fantasy lover.

Joanne battles Djinn and Mother Earth
Weather Warden Joanne is running to New York to warn the others about the Djinn war., The earth is waking up and is angry about the state of affairs. Joanne tries to contact the Oracle who can talk to the mother, but is thwarted byother Djinn. More than half of the Warden's are missing or dead by the time Joanne talks to the first Oracle.
She finds the Oracle has been infected with a deamon mark ...will Joanne take on another demon mark to save the Earth? Or will she be too late?

Excellent Read
Another great installment, and even better than windfall.I'm glad Jo is back to the packed life of a Warden.Her calling was not channel 5's Weather Girl.I think the story progressed further past my imagining.Very original and not a dull moment.

Needs more Flame...
The Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine has really been a hit or miss series for me so far.Some of the books have been near perfect urban fantasy in my opinion.None have been stinkers but not quite as strong.Firestorm, book #5 was just okay for me.Firestorm sees Joanne and David as the parents of an adult-looking half djinn/half human daughter Imara.Jonathan, the now deceased djinn leader has left David as ruler.Ashan is the third in the leadership hierarchy and he isn't happy about it.The djinn are free now, released from servitude by Jonathan's death. There is nothing tying them to the Wardens and other humans.The Earth Mother is waking up and someone has been feeding her information about how the humans have destroyed the planet and each other and Mother isn't happy. The apocalypse or end of days is upon Earth as djinn start killing Wardens and natural disasters plague all parts of the globe.Joanne is tasked with the job of finding and calming the Mother, while trying to stay out of the paths of djinn and demons.I just didn't think the story was as exciting as it should have been.David had to rescue Joanne from trouble at least three times, which I though was a lot for one book.Joanne is supposed to be smart and powerful.I'm not big on David or Imara fan,and they were both featured prominently in the story.The weather changing scenes were dull for some reason.The most exciting scenes were a forest fire scene and a turbulent plane ride scene.The ending lead up was intense and an almost turn around point for me....I loved much about the conclusion but I felt the Earth Mother thing ended with more of a whimper than a bang. And can we kill off Sarah, Jo's sister, PLEASE?Psycho boyfriend Eamon's bit here is entertaining, but Joanne's sister is just an idiot.The cliffhanger (Its Rachel Caine- there is going to be one!)here is extremely interesting and I jumped right into the next book because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen.Overall the book was ok but definitely a far cry from the strongest of the series.If you've invested enough into the series to have read the first four books you should pick up this one.

Angieville: FIRESTORM
The no holds barred, pedal to the metal pace of these books is going to be the death of me. I didn't even feel like I read this one. More like it was downloaded to my brain in a series of high-speed images and I was left to make sense of it all after the fact. In this installment, the Wardens organization is a complete shambles. Both David and Lewis have inherited unwanted leadership burdens, becoming the unwilling de facto leaders of what's left of the free Djinn and the Wardens respectively. Inextricably tied to both men and both groups, Jo finds herself stretched to the breaking point trying to maintain her loyalty and avoid dying. Again.

FIRESTORM also introduces the concept of the Oracles--supernatural, primal beings who serve as connections between the Djinn and Mother Earth herself. Something dark and nasty begins targeting the Oracles in an attempt to gain entrance to this world and Jo finds herself racing from one Oracle to the next trying to keep the dark and nasty at bay. I felt like Jo was left more alone than she's ever been in this book. Every side character seems to have multiple allegiances and not one of them can be trusted to Be There. Period. And honestly, I don't know if any of them deserve her. The possibility of any of these groups (Wardens, Djinn, Ma'at) co-existing peacefully is also seeming less and less likely. I have to say, though, I did like what happened at the end. Although if I'd had to wait a year for the follow-up book, I probably wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it. As it was, I simply set FIRESTORM down and calmly started in on the first page of Thin Air (Weather Warden, Book 6). ... Read more

Product Description
Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin's stormy personal life is taking its toll on her patience-and her powers. But when the truce between the Wardens and the mystical Djinn starts to self-destruct, Joanne finds herself forced to choose between saving her Djinn lover, saving her Warden abilities-and saving humanity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Very Fast Paced
Joanne, the poor girl, has so many different sides gunning for her. The wardens want to magically neuter her now that she is no longer under her thumb. David's condition is quickly deteriorating as well as her own powers. Johnathan wants to destroy her because he blames her for David's condition. Half the Djinn want her dead along with the rest of humanity. As if that wasn't enough, the mess with Quinn is coming back to haunt her in the form of a very determined cop as well as someone even more sinister than Quinn himself. She also is trying to deal with now being poor and a slimy, pig of a boss.

In her mind, her biggest fight is David's condition, all the other issues take a far backseat. If she doesn't find a way to fix him, he will continue to lose power until he becomes just a mindless, power sucking, killing machine. She needs her powers more than ever to protect herself now that the peace between the wardens and the djinn is crumbling. However, in order to keep David alive and himself, she must let him continue to slowly eat away at her powers, but that puts her and her unborn djinn child at an extreme risk of being completely drained to death. She has to basically choose between herself and her unborn child and the man she loves more than anything. I think the only reason she is even considering not choosing David over herself is because of that potential baby. In the past she has never hesitated to sacrifice herself for others, but how do you pick the love of your life over your own child?

Just like the previous ones in the series, this book is extremely fast paced and one thing after another is thrown at Joanne. It seems it will only be a matter of time before she won't be able to pick up the pieces anymore. It ended with yet another cliff hanger, and the next book promises to be even more of a "nail bitter" than this one. This is most definitely not a series to read out of order as one book thoroughly leads into the next. Make sure to start at the beginning, and you won't be disappointed.

very good book
i love the entire weather warden series so far. this one though was exhausting to read. i enjoyed the story very much but it seemed like one thing after another was happening to try and kill off the main character :) didn't give the reader much of a break :) but well worth the read and i can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

Angst at it's finest
Okay, I have to admit this is my least favorite book; which seems to contradict the average reviews.I am not a fan of hearing about shopping or her life as a weather girl.The new life Jo was trying on, didn't seem to match her past personality.She's definitely not the type to put up with the crap she was getting from her new job, boss, and life.It was also more than irritating to read her putting up with insensitive sister and crushing to hear have to deal with the loss of her love.All, in all not a bad book; just frustrating to read.

Love the story.
This was one of the better ones but still short and ending with a cliff hanger.

wow can you say a really bad day for Joanne??
Joanne is trying so hard to be "normal" and fit in. She gets a job as a Weather Girl at a local station.
Meanwhile she gets a visit from her formally rich sister who is running from a bad divorce.
Her sister moves in, and finds a cute but mysterious boyfriend.
Joanne has got so many problems with horney weather men and a van that is stalking her day and night.
Sarah gets in head over heals with her British beau and Joanne is trying to keep her wits about her with David who is slowly draining her and dying himself.
Some of the constant problems she has is kind of overwhelming, but this book ends with a really good break to go into another novel.
Kind of makes you want to buy the next to find out: will David ever be restored? Will Joanne ever have her and Davids baby?
Who is the mysterious people that want the Djinn bottles blackmarketed?
... Read more

Product Description
Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as a Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Great fast paced read
Wow, I thought the first book was good, but this one blew it out of the water. It picks up right where the last one left off with Joanne trying to figure out her new Djinn powers. Even though David tries to hide it from her, Joanne quickly finds out there are consequences for him saving her. The leader of the djinns, Jonathan, gives her a week to learn how to support her own power or both David and her will lose their lives. Jonathan sends her to another djinn for training but a disturbance ethereal plane starts reeking havoc, leaving Joanne to try and save the day. Again.

We learned more about what djinns really are. I find their "ethereal" lack of true bodies to be interesting, as they are truly just pure energy. It takes conscious effort to take maintain human form, something Joanne really struggles with at first. Her battles with reforming without nudity make for some comedic scenes. Unfortunately, before she can really start to train herself, Joanne gets claimed by a human It was horrible for Joanne to see firsthand how helpless a bound djinn really is. When their master orders them to do something, they have no choice but to obey regardless of how horrific the order is. Luckily she uses her innate sassiness to her advantage to keep some semblance of control over her own actions.

There are plenty of twists and turns, (and some "untwists" of events from the first book), that just kept me on the edge of my seat. This definitely is a book you will wind up reading in one session as you will not be able to put it down. The ending was a cliffhanger leading right into the next book, and I can't wait to see how Joanne digs herself out of yet another mess.

It took a while to warm up to it.
Unlike the previous book, which hit the road running, this one took some time to get into. How long? Too long. I was actually ready to give up on it when, by sheer luck, I read a little more while waiting for my daughter to fall asleep. Honestly, you can practically skip the first 40 pages and not have missed much (unless you really like a detailed account of how beautiful Joanne thinks David is). I have to wonder if a sequal could have been avoided if those first 40 plus pages were just a bit tighter. Still, all in all, I enjoyed the book and will definitely pick up the sequel. So Rachel Caine, you better not disappoint.

Another great one
One of the best reads in quite some time. I was completely on board with Jo's life as Djinn,and everything that surrounded it.Without giving too much away, I thought this was another skillfully crafted and intelligent book for the series.Not a dull moment, but definitely a start of some serious conflict & heartache for the protagonist and her HEA.

pass the bottle
Joanne Baldwin...
dear lovers of magical fiction,
... has become a djinn, sort of, and must deal with the consequences of this fact. This second of the Weather Warden series starts a bit slowly in our opinion, but is good when it gets going and is a satisfying reading experience. If you like the first in the series, you'll most probably like this second book and, like us, look to the third with hopeful expectation.
kyela,
the silver elves

Good story.
Once again, I enjoyed the story but hated the length and cliff hanger ending. The author could do so much more with this series. It's a shame. ... Read more

Product Description
The myths, history, wives-tales, oddities, and wonders of a subject that comes up every day: the weather.

Weather enthusiasts (or just the weather-curious) will discover surprising facts, myths, and oddities in this fascinating book of useful (and sometimes useless) information. With his expertise as a meteorologist and editor, Paul Yeager takes readers on a journey through the curious world of weather, revealing myths and misconceptions, sharing weird phenomena, and explaining how weather has affected history. Readers will discover a host of fascinating weather facts, including:
- Which city is actually the windiest
- How the temperature affects tire pressure
- Why humidity makes hair go limp or frizzy
- Why a coming storm causes sore joints
- Why watering a garden after it rains is a good idea ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Enjoyable read...and learn something too
Like the other reviewers before me, I too liked the book.I often struggle with finding time to read and this is ideal to carry around for a few minutes here and there.

Weather often comes up in conversation...and you'll find yourself telling others about the information you read here - from weather "proverbs" like "In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb" to historical events like Washington Crossing the Delaware to Chicago's nickname of the Windy City.After reading this book, you'll amuse and surprise others as a sparkling weather conversationalist!

You'll also be amused with the humorous style.Even so, it doesn't hide the fact that the author really knows his subject AND how to explain it to non-scientists.I think that younger teens with an interest in weather and science would enjoy it as well as adults with a casual interest in weather.Sports fans would especially enjoy the section about how weather played a part of some big games.Anyone who ever watches the Weather Channel for fun would enjoy this.

I read Yeager's previous book (Literally, the Best Language Book Ever) as well.Though both were similar in form and style, I found I liked Weather Whys more.

Great Little Weather Book
I've never been a huge weather fanatic, but I've always been somewhat interested in the weather. I'm more interested than ever now...this book was perfect for me. It has some easy to understand information about how the weather works, but more importantly as far as I'm concerned, it has a lot of information about how the weather affects our lives in ways I never thought of...sporting events, health, history, etc...and it's done with a light, sometimes humorous writing style.

I hate to admit it, but I found out that I'm guilty of many of the weather myths the author talked about. I thought Chicago was the windiest city. I even thought that every big snowstorm was automatically a blizzard. I did know that Seattle's not the rainiest city--it's great here in the summer!

I also like the weather wives tale section--it reminded me of some the things my grandfather used to say about the old days.

I learned a lot.

Loved the book
Great book. I'm one of those people who watches the Weather Channel all the time for entertainment, so I know enough about the weather, but this book gives a lot of great stories and information about weather.

It is NOT a science book, so if you're looking for something to tell you about how meteorologists forecast the weather, then this isn't for you. But if you like the weather, you'll love it and be surprised at how much about it you DON'T know.

This book does have some of the science---he talks about what dewpoint temperature means, how hail forms, how hurricanes form----but he focuses more on other parts of the weather that most of us don't know about. He debunks some weather myths, like how it actually can't be 100 degrees and 100% humidity and how it actually can be 45 degrees and still snow. There was a chapter on how weather affected some major sports events---one of them was strange since it was actually an INDOOR event. He talks about why your nose runs when it's cold outside, why your hair frizzes in humidity, where the saying RED SUN AT NIGHT, SAILORS DELIGHT comes from, some historic snowstorms, etc. Very cool stuff.

And he's pretty funny, so it's an easy read-----a good book for when you want something light but educational and fun. I actually feel as if I can talk more about the weather and how it relates to everything now and know what I'm talking about.

Informational, yet entertaining, for anyone with even a passing interest in the weather
I have come to know Paul Yeager through our mutual experiences blogging about the weather.We share a fascination with the atmosphere around us and the sometimes explainable (but many times not) phenomena that come to make up the "weather."Paul's blog,[..], is an excellent resource and frequently contains interesting insight, but his most recent foray into publishing - Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities (Perigee, $14.95) - is a must-read.

Unlike many books on the topic though, it is not just a must-read for meteorologists, atmospheric scientists, and weather geeks in general.Paul notes that "weather is the most universal of topics" and I believe Weather Whys is one book that will appeal to folks across the spectrum - from the seasoned weather professional, to the weather enthusiast, to one with even a passing interest in the weather.His folksy story-telling tone, a broad knowledge in an array of atmospheric topics, and the ability to explain complex processes in a way that an average middle school student could understand, have come together in Weather Whys to produce a text that is not only information and educational, but entertaining from cover to cover.

As the subtitle suggests, Weather Whys describes in detail where many of the myths and old wives tales originate, separates truth from fiction, and explains some of the idiosyncrasies that makes up the science - or perhaps it is the art - of meteorology.The best part of Paul's writing style is his ability to relate to the general public, who has a basic understanding of weather obtained from their local TV weathercaster and any number of cable programs (and even an entire channel) devoted to the topic.

If you are in the least bit interested in why it cannot be 100 degrees with 100% humidity, whether you should include snow skis in your checked luggage on your next trip to Hawaii, or whether there really is a "calm before the storm," I highly encourage you to check out Weather Whys by Paul Yeager - and buy a copy for that middle school-age cousin who has begun showing an interest in the weather.Not only are you guaranteed to learn something new, you will probably chuckle in the process.

Erik Proseus
[..]
The MWN Blog
... Read more

Product Description
The Cat and company travel by hot air balloon up and into various weather phenomena including rain, snow, thunder, tornadoes, and (yikes!) even hurricanes! Along the way they learn about thermometers, anemometers, wind vanes, cloud formations, humidity, fog, smog, weather folklore, and how to stay safe in lightning. Written and illustrated in Seussian style, this a great addition to the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Nice intro to what can be a boring subject for little ones
Nicely told narration about the various elements of the weather. Honestly, it's hard to keep the attention span of our little one for this book, but overall it is well told and kept to the point. Recommended.

Amy's review
My five year old loves this book. He is fascinated with the weather and this book explains a lot. Highly recommend Dr. Seuss, especially the teaching series.

Educational, Rhyming Fun
This book is a great way to introduce your kids to some basic weather info and langauge. I would say it is for 3 1/2 and up -- nice rhyming with a famliar character.

Great first science book
This series probably counts as my toddler's first real science books, which is saying a lot for a very young person.This book is a hit, along with the one on butterflies.Recommended.

Happy Grandson
My grandson was very happy with this book.He loves reading books by Dr. Seuss and knows when he comes to Grandma's house a new one will be waiting for him.The book was presented as "used" but it looks brand new!Delivery time was as promised.Only negative comment for all the used books I have purchased thus far is that the postage charged has been far more than the book. ... Read more

Product Description

Droughts. Floods.
Climate refugees.
Global warming isn't just about polar bears anymore.

Customer Reviews (9)

A solid overview of the possible impacts of global warming
I receive alarmist and conspiracy-theory emails from a dear friend and I love her anyway. Over the past year or so, she has been led to believe, based on the writings of a few with an angry politically-based agenda, that global warming does not exist and that for example, ex-VP Al Gore and others are pushing this "unproven theory" because he has investments in technologies that would "profit" from global warming.
Whew!
My gut tells me their opinions are nonsense. I have been somewhat desperate to find a non-technical book that would explain the science and the documented climate record and the possible future effects on the planet in a way I can understand. I needed a book I could understand while tired at night with one elbow on the pillow and eyelids growing heavy.
This is just the book. Cullen is a seasoned journalist and researcher who writes clearly and piles up her facts well. Personally, I never felt I needed to be convinced about the "reality" of global warming, but if I had some doubts as the rising tide of conspiracy theory emails arrived in my email in-basket, this book put those little doubts to rest.
I recommend this book to the intelligent (like me), informed, but non-science-oriented reader who needs to have a basic understanding of this issue and how it will become ever more pressing and crucial in the days to come.

A striking, dramatic survey key to any general or science lending library
The Weather of the Future: Heat Waves, Extreme Storms, and Other Scenes from a Climate-Changed Planet offers a fine, serious look at how the world will look in 2050 if the current levels of carbon emissions are maintained. Climate change is no longer a future worry: it's a present-day phenomenon that affects current lives. Chapters use the latest scientific research to examining real-world scenarios and at-risk locations around the world in a striking, dramatic survey key to any general or science lending library.

Very disappointing
I was relatively excited when I heard about this book, since our future as a species interests me greatly.It belongs to the genre of post-global warming books, wherein global warming is taken as a given and human inaction is assumed, leading to dire consequences and reflections on our suicidality.Others in the same category include James Hansen's book Storms of my grandchildren, Six Degrees, Requiem for a species, and my personal favourite, Down to the wire.All these are actually better written and more gripping that Heidi Cullen's book.My chief complaint about it is that most of the book is given over to interviews with other climatologists and scientists who discuss their particular expertises.The whole fails to come together as a result, and the author's own opinions are often missing in action.Several chapters appear to be one interview after another stitched together with some relatively boilerplate style writing.Probably this style of overdramatic pronouncement sounds good on TV but it really falls flat for me when read.
In the first section of the book she summarizes the evidence for global warming and the state of current thinking, material which has been covered extensively by now in many, many books.The bulk of the book discusses individual areas of the world and how they will be affected.These chapters are very uneven, with some interesting analyses, and some that simply fail altogether.As an example of the latter there is the discussion about the Inuit, who have a lifestyle obviously completely based on sea-ice and snow.There is no contemplation about how their entire lifestyle will change when there is neither ice nor snow, which is exactly what one would have expected.Instead there is the false dramatic ending: "but they will adapt, as they always have."Will they?If they all wind up on welfare with no lifestyle to speak of, is that adapting, or a very tragic ending to their culture?There is no consideration of these issues.What about the chance that others from further south will come up and take over their land and drive them out?To me this seems a very likely possibility.Another very disappointing ending occurs in the Bangladesh chapter, which we all know will end horribly tragically.Will millions of them move to Russia?Of course not.Yet she has the gall to say at the end of the chapter, millions will be climate refugees into India.Will they?What about the wall that was mentioned earlier, that India is building to keep such millions out of its country? It seems quite obvious that when India is starving itself, it's hardly likely bangladeshis will be welcomed.More likely there will be a lot of starvation and a lot of war, let's hope not world-wide.
The worst chapter is the epilogue, in which she discusses the end of the akkadian empire as a result of changing climate and the tragic story of Easter Island.The latter was much better discussed by Jared Diamond in Collapse, and the author actually quotes from him here.Not an impressive finish to borrow from another writer as a conclusion.
Here is an example of poor writing from the New York chapter I can't resist quoting (or paraphrasing): " in 2050 when Hurricane Xavier sprang up from the bathtub of the atlantic had finally arrived people sat back and watched it like the world series."What?? They watched a hurricane destroy Manhattan like a baseball game ?My jaw dropped when I read this, the last paragraph of the chapter.There was not much imagination applied to the effects of the hurricane on Manhattan here.Simple stating that repairs will be costly is a failure of storytelling completely.

In summary I don't really recommend this book at all, in comparison to the aforementioned post-climate change books, Jim Hensen's in particular is one that I would reread every year (until his prophecies come to pass).

The sky is falling!
This book is adisappointment; it is not a legitimate work of science, despite the author's impressive credentials. It is fear-mongering, with worst-case scenarios presented as our future.To be fair, the book starts out well, with some good background on the history of climate science. Unfortunately, after that it becomes simply an attempt to scare the reader with dire predictions. These predictions are far from certainties. I don't know, for example, what the weather in New York in 2050 will be--and I don't think Dr.Cullen does either.

A climate scientist named Mike Hulme has once said, "The language of catastrophe is not the language of science." The Weather of the Future would make an interesting Hollywood movie, but it fails as a persuasive analysis of climate change.There are far better books on this subject, for instance, Claire Parkinson's recent book, Coming Climate Crisis. If your goal is scaring your friends, get them Weather of the Future. If you want a rational analysis of the issue, try another book.

The Weather of the Future (Harper)
For a look at what the world may look like in the event that we do little or nothing to combat carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, comes "The Weather of the Future" (Harper) by meteorologist/climatologist, Heidi Cullen. Cullen, a research scientist at the non-profit outfit, Climate Central, (and former host of the Weather Channel's `Forecast Earth') describes in detail what is likely to occur at seven different hot-spot locations around the planet in the wake of elevated temperatures and rising waters. Using predictive modeling from a variety of accredited sources, Cullen describes what effects can be expected in areas from New York City (major hurricanes, rampant flooding) to Bangladesh (becoming a massive refugee state) to the farm regions of Central California (massive drought) as well as the implications for Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Greenland's arctic ice cap and others. Using data models from NASA, the IPCC, MIT, the California Climate Change Center and others, Cullen predicts a seismic shift in global weather patterns, sea life, agriculture and terrain that, while may be off in some meaningful ways (as expected in a 50 year prediction) certainly cover the range of detailed possibilities awaiting our future. Her personal, yet readable account, is of course, speculative in nature, but with all the research and modeling referenced here and elsewhere, it's hard not to believe that somewhere in these patterns lies our own inconvenient truth. ... Read more

Product Description
Hired as a bodyguard at an exclusive society wedding, Spenser witnesses an unexpected crime: the kidnapping of the young bride, which opens the door for murder, family secrets, and the reappearance of an old nemesis.

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Customer Reviews (69)

Terrible ending
I don't know what's going on with Robert Parker,but this Spenser novel isn't like the old ones. The book didn't draw me in until Chapter 8. I thought the plot and concept were good, but that's about it.

SPOILERFOLLOWS. Don't read if you are getting the book:

The ending was awful. Basically Spenser lets a mass murderer go free, a guy who murders a minister, a wedding groom, and several security guys in cold blood. Why did Spenser let him go? Because the bad guy's semi-legitimate daughter won't have anyone left after her mother gets put away? Gimme a break!!! What kind of a person would let a young woman go off with psychopathic father like that. Ridiculous!

Spoiler Alert!
SPOILER ALERT!

In this one, Spenser is hired to cover a rich-couple's wedding (on a private island, no less), and takes Susan along.

A team of assassins arrives, kills the groom, kidnaps the bride, AND KILLS SUSAN SILVERMAN!!!!!!!!

Yes, the tedious Susan is finally (FINALLY!) terminated.

This causes jubilation at the wedding, and everybody forgets the groom (and also the minister, who has been killed), and even the kidnapped bride, and celebrates.

The Gray Man and Spenser reconcile, because GM has done what Spenser should have done years ago: get rid of Susan.

Everyone lives happily ever after.

No.Only kidding.

Susan doesn't die.Darn it.

She continues her tedious existence and pops up here from time to time, making the novel even less coherent than it already is.

Most people don't like the unfinished ending.But I think that's the best part.

The complexity of the crime in combination with the softness of the ending weaken what could have been a very powerful book
While this book still sparkles with the crispness and quality of the dialog and there is an adversary worthy of Spenser, the circumstances of the main crime and the resolution are a bit too extreme.
Gold digger extraordinaire Heidi Bradshaw has amassed a fortune through marrying and divorcing well several times and her daughter is about to be married. Even though the wedding will take place on a private island and she has hired an excellent security firm, Heidi also hires Spenser to attend. He is given no real instructions regarding his role, so with Susan Silverman at his side, Spenser is in the crowd as the "happy" couple is about to wed.
However, an extremely sophisticated group arrives by helicopter, kidnaps the bride and kills the groom and every member of the security detail. This group is led by Rugar a.k.a. the Gray Man and when a hurricane arrives, Spenser is able to escape and extract Susan from the group of hostages. Even though Spenser is paid off, his sense of pride and responsibility keeps him working the case, which is baffling because there is no ransom note. The trail involves local crime lords, international spying, child sexual abuse and the honor among thugs for hire. There is a resolution, but it is extremely tame, there is no climactic shootout or confrontation.
The main crime is so sophisticated that the complexity is on the border of overwhelming, it could have been toned down a bit and that would have improved the story. Given the number of deaths, while the ending is somewhat noble, it evokes no real tension or excitement. One of the high points is when Spenser, Hawk, Susan and Pearl are having Thanksgiving dinner together and Susan voices the love they have for each other.

Two stars because it is Parker
I am a long time RBP fan.That is now said.However, this book should have been 3 chapters long.One in which he gets hired, one to go to the wedding see Gray Man, kill him and then a wrap up chapter.Despite the fact that the rest of the book is pretty standard (if not tired) RBP Spenser, the whole book does not work because of the beginning. It is his JOB to be there for his employer.Yet Spenser drags Susan along to his job, sees his Arch Enemy and does NOTHING!!!!What the hell did he think GM was there for?!At bare minimum Susan should have been sent home and Hawk called in to deal with this.Also, wayyyyyy too much Susan.It would be OK if she would do something.By now it is like watching paint dry when she is in a chapter.Let something happen to her like some of the previous novels.Or better yet, make a couple of books with barely a reference to her at all.

Thank goodness, I got this one from the Library.I give it two stars just because of RBP. Don't waste your money.

Quick fix for most of this book:

If RBP had not let The Gray Man be seen at the start of the wedding and let it be a surprise later that it was him, the book would have worked and everyone would be happy (at least I would have).I just cant believe ole Spense let it happen that way.

Spenser, come back!
First on, let's focus on the positives: for almost four decades the Spenser stories have collectively been, without doubt, one of the greatest detective series ever.He and his allies (most notably his paramour Susan Silverman and his tougher-than-nails sidekick Hawk) have meted out their own special justice in over three dozen mysteries--most but not all in the Boston area.

Throughout this series Spenser's fans could always count upon his quick wit, fast hands, an unshakeable ethical code, and his "See It Through to the End" credo.Whether the cases involved a missing person, a cheating spouse, personal security, or even carrying out vengeance, Spenser's work always carried with it an ethical dilemma from which true justice would have to be extracted, with or without the consent of his employer.

I've been reading these novels ever since my late college years in the early 1970s ("The Godwulf Manuscript"), and I have always been enthused every time a new Spenser paperback hit the shelves.During the interim I felt I always got what I'd paid for: humor, adventure, a clever plot, and a compelling case that moored my guy in a quandary that required an unusual and clever resolution. And I loved Parker's spare writing style, one that always seemed to me to symbolize how Hemingway would have written had he a sense of humor.

That is, until recently.Not usually a naysayer, I've heard the complaints of others and yet I tried to ignore what they were saying: the formula is getting stale; there have been too many trips to the well; no new ground is being broken.But I hung in there...the books were still fun, and I'd rather spend my time inside Spenser's head, even on a bad day, than with most characters on their best.

But with "Rough Weather," I have to admit that I, too, am getting bored.It's not just that for the umpteenth time he's re-treading an old character, doing more or less a sequel. No, it's more than that.It's kind of a...well...a boredom has set in.Like so many other fans, I think Mr. Parker is just earning a paycheck.

As I read "Rough Weather" I once again watched as all the basic elements were wheeled out: the sexy repartee between Our Hero and the perpetually "ready for a roll in the hay" Ms. Silverman; the racially centered badinage between him and Hawk (whose most essential feature lately is to alternate his speaking style between that of a street thug and a college graduate); the inevitable punch out scene where our Hunk knocks out a tough guy; and the women who throw themselves at him but he remains true to Dear Old Sue.

But it goes further than even that: in "Rough Weather," the antagonist doesn't even remain consistent within his own characterization.He's appeared before, and up until now the most interesting thing about him has been his sheer professionalism; he is maddeningly thorough and NEVER makes a mistake.In fact, he's the one foe who has come closest to ending Spenser's reign.But by the end of this novel he's behaving like a sniveling fool.

And yes, everything HAS been done before. We know that Spenser is going to run up against some amalgamate of evil corporate types; sexually frustrated women who spin out of control when he walks by; pseudo intellectuals who appear to know it all but are only a Spenser quip away from a humbling experience; tough brutes who would scare the pants off you and me, but Spenser and Hawk routinely dispatch like they're swatting flies, and the perennially steamy repartee between Spenser and Susan, who falls into a swoon with him about a dozen times a book.

Unfortunately, I think, after all of this time, that P.I. Spenser may finally be facing the one fundamental foe he cannot vanquish, the one enemy he cannot overcome: a languid Robert B. Parker, who has gotten too comfortable himself, and is content with doing what Our Hero never would: phoning it in.
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Product Description
First in the new Weather Warden series...

Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Usually, all it takes is a wave of her hand to tame the most violent weather. But now, she's trying to outrun another kind of storm: accusations of corruption and murder. So, she's resorting to the very human tactic of running for her life...

Her only hope is Lewis, the most powerful warden known. Unfortunately, he's stolen not one but three bottles of Djinn-making him the most wanted man on earth. Still, she's racing hard to find him-before the bad weather closes in fast... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (113)

Fun and Sassy Main Character
Joanne's character is fun and sassy. She loves "real" cars and isn't afraid to dress sexy and be proud of it. She has a kick butt and take names attitude, and has the power to back that attitude up.There were several times in the book where she could have just taken the easy way out. However, she chose not to because doing so would have put innocent people at risk. Any time it came to a choice between the safety of others and her own, she always put her own safety second. This is such an admirable trait to add to other great characteristics.

This book had a lot of "flashbacks" to previous events in Joanne's life. Usually I do not care for flashbacks to the past in books, because they usually make the story choppy and break up the flow. However, these flashbacks were really well done and only added to the story. They gave just the right amount of information and were led into and out of perfectly.

David's character, as well as his motives, were much of a mystery for most of the book. However, his heart seems to be in the right place and set on Joanne. The romance between them, while a little on the fast side was enjoyable. It played a major part of the book, but didn't become excessive and take over the plot. The two make a realistic pair, and I really enjoyed the interaction between them, especially Joanne's sassiness. I hate it when one person becomes so complacent that the other person's personality completely takes over, but that was definitely not the case in this book. Neither of them just jumped in head over heels for the other one. They both kept their stubbornness and didn't bend over backwards for the other, keeping themselves separate people.

This book was full of suspense and twists and turns. The ending completely surprised me and the future books will only be even better because of those events. This is definitely a must read, I cannot believe I didn't read this sooner! Pick it up now, you won't be disappointed.

Hot PNR/UF
"Chaos happens.Plan for speed."Paranormal romance so hot you'll feel like a Fire Warden is in the room with you, working their magic, as you read.Who would have thought the weather could be so exciting...and sexy?Ill Wind(Weather Warden, book 1) is a fast paced urban fantasy thrill ride that builds like a gathering storm.Joanne Baldwin is a fabulously tough heroine who likes fast cars, strong magic, and hot men.Not necessarily in that order.I will never think of Djinn, or the weather, the same way again!

I recommend Ill Wind (Weather Warden, book 1) to readers of paranormal romance, fantasy, suspense, and especially to fans of urban fantasy.

I think the car love put me off a bit
I picked up this series expecting a Dresden-Files type urban fantasy. In accordance with these expectations I was even prepared to read a couple of books into the series to see if it got better as it went along. And whilst I wasn't disappointed, precisely, having read a couple in the series I don't feel particularly motivated to read any more.

What I liked:
-original idea (for me at least): nature is out to get us, and without the Wardens the earthquakes/tornadoes/floods/other assorted natural disasters we currently suffer would be much worse. So much worse in fact that humanity could be wiped out.

-I'm a big fan of elemental powers, so the whole Earth Wardens/Fire Wardens/Weather Wardens structure got a big tick from me.

-the weather magic that Joanne uses is well-described, different, and fascinating.

-the addition of djinn to the world adds another dimension to the basic elemental powers.

And the things I liked less:

-the main character. Not entirely sure what is was about her that got on my nerves. You know sometimes you meet people and although they seem perfectly nice, you form an instant aversion to something about the way they speak, or their expressions, and the more they keep talking the more it starts to sound like fingernails being scratched down a blackboard until you really wish you could leave. Well, that's what Joanne was like for me. She's supposed to be this noble, strong-minded character with a fashion sense and a love of fast cars but to me she came across as a bit shallow, selfish, thick, and annoyingly snarky with boring obsessions. Since these books are told from Joanne's point of view you can't really escape her.

-The cars: I am supremely uninterested in cars. Now, I could probably put up with the main character's obsession with them if 90% of the book wasn't set on the road, in a car. Booooring. I thought this might improve with future installments, but the other ones I've read all seem to be set mostly in cars as well.

-The lact of plot progression disguised through cunning use of action scenes: although the pacing in the book feels very fast, like you rarely get a chance to stop and catch your breath, on reflection very little happened in terms of plot progression. Joanne spent 90% of the book travelling from A to B and being delayed/attacked/ by the weather/djinn/wardens but although there's a lot of action in these scenes, the plot progresses at a surprisingly slow pace. If the author hadn't frugally doled out snippets of info on the main character's history/motivations along the way there would have been very little else to keep you hooked until the final showdown at the end.

-Didn't feel like it improved much over the couple of books in the series I read: still the same annoying Joanne, same annoying car-based scenes, same painfully slow doling out of info interspersed with action scenes. (The irony is I'm sure some people describe the Dresden Files similarly, but I love love love them)

Conclusions:
That all said, it's not a bad book/series. If you like other urban fantasy authors it's probably worth checking out the first one from the library to see if this one's your style or not. The weather warden idea is definitely promising and you may not dislike the main character like I did. Personally, I don't think I'll read any more in this series unless I hear some really moving recommendations about the series/main character progressing.

Quite A Thrill Ride!
I just finished my reread of this book.I have two new books in the series - the final two books - and I want to be totally fresh for the conclusion, so I plan to read them all again.Reading this was almost like reading it for the first time again.I remembered the broad strokes of the story, but I had forgotten all the little details and twists that made it so interesting.I'm very pleased to report that my enthusiasm for this story has not dimmed with time!

I absolutely love the way this story is set up.We are dropped directly into the action.We know something bad has happened, because Jo is on the run, but we are not certain of the particulars.Things unfold slowly for us through flashbacks and conversations with other characters.We slowly get to see Jo's world and the situation she has found herself in.We also get introduced to some very interesting secondary characters.

I absolutely loved the way the author set up the world.I have never read anything else even remotely close to this.I find it all quite fascinating.We have the Weather Wardens, the Djinn they control, a conscious Mother Nature, etc.It all combined to make a fascinating new world.

The detail that the author includes about the way the Wardens manipulate the elements was absolutely phenomenal.I loved watching Jo work out ways to get hostile weather elements to disperse without disrupting the entire weather system and creating a backlash.I found it all extremely interesting.I'm very pleased that the author didn't just brush over these details.

We got a very nice introduction to several secondary characters.David was very intriguing, and genuinely nice.I also loved that we learned a little twist about his history with Jo.I thought that added a very believable slant to his initial reasons for approaching her.I also loved learning about Lewis.Kudos to the author for creating such an interesting character through flashbacks alone.We don't meet Lewis for most of the book, but we feel that we know him regardless.I loved getting to meet Alice and Rahel.The Djinn are so interesting, but you can also see the clear capability for cruelty beneath the surface.They are not a race to be toyed with lightly.

Unfortunately, I couldn't give this book a full five stars.The action feels high paced, and I love the fact that things are constantly happening, but it leaves the character development feeling a bit of a lack.The characters are fun and entertaining, but they aren't very deep.It didn't bother me, but it might bother some people.Also, the romance is very underdeveloped.It's a nice side element, but don't go into the story expecting this to be a huge focus.

I also felt that there were a few details that were much too hazy on the specifics.I brushed most of them aside and blamed them on the weakness of the 1st person pov, but they can't all be all be excused by that.I was expecting to be unclear about certain details.By its very nature, 1st person prevents the reader from getting a well rounded view of events.We only get to see what the narrator does, and we only get outside events specifically explained to us when someone's explaining things to the character.Unfortunately, some things are left a mystery here.

***SPOILERS***

How exactly was the "villain" of the piece throwing weather at Jo?That wasn't one of his/her powers.How did that same person capture and keep Lewis - who is super powerful?Also, how was that person controlling him at the end?

***END SPOILERS***

Other than those few gripes, I was pretty pleased.Even those irritants were easy to brush aside though.

The end was quite a big surprise for the reader.I'd recommend having the second book on hand when you read this one so you can start it immediately!

Once it gets going, a pretty good book.
I took me awhile to get hooked into this book...but I did about half way through it. Not bad, not great, but a good story. ... Read more

Product Description
A hilarious new novel of greed and corruption from the bestselling author of "Strip Tease". The story focuses on southern Florida at the height of the tourist season, when a ferocious hurricane hits--luring con artists, carpetbaggers, and would-be saviors like hyenas to the lion's kill. "Hiaasen himself is a one-man force of nature". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (88)

That's their nature

Do you like "crazy" in your books? Carl Hiaasen is one of a select company of writers that dishes up "crazy" all the way.The setting for Stormy Weather is southern Florida immediately after a devastating hurricane. Entire neighborhoods are wrecked, in some cases due to reckless disregard of building codes. Looters, rubberneckers and opportunists are drawn to Dade County in droves, showing the worst in human nature--but so hilariously.

Hiaasen's cast of characters are all outrageous in one way or another, and their stories inevitably intersect:

* Max and Bonnie Lamb, honeymooners from New York; their young marriage goes off the rails when Max is abducted while avidly making vacation videos of the destruction.

* Skink, a one-eyed ex-governor of Florida who got offside with developers, quit his job, and went troppo; Skink abducts Max because he was outraged by the ad man's voyeurism.

* Augustine Herrera, a skull-juggling coma survivor searching for his uncle's escaped exotic animal collection, rescues the stranded Bonnie Lamb and wins her over with his rough charm.

* Snapper and Edie, a couple of grifters teaming up to commit insurance fraud, pick the wrong scammer to scam; their plan escalates wildly out of control, as you know from the beginning it will.

* A spectacularly corrupt building inspector trying to do "damage control" by sacrificing animals to the Santeria god Chango; Avila is gored by a reluctant goat and later reinvents himself as a Cuban "rafter."

The action takes place in hotels and roofless houses, in a remote bivouac in the Keys, and in the post-apocalyptic city streets and highways. The characters inflict outrageous damage on each other, but in the end most of the "good guys" go on to rebuild new and better lives, while the "bad guys" come to fitting ends.

Hiaasen has a killingly funny way of delivering wry, sarcastic paragraphs that cut to the quick of human nature.I listened to the audio, narrated by George Wilson whose gravelly rendition amped up the acerbic humor with every intonation. Read or listen, your choice, but if you like the work of Christopher Moore, Douglas Adams, or Kurt Vonnegut, you'll probably love this book. I certainly did.

Linda Bulger, 2010

Carl Hiaison is the best.
I love all of Carl Hiaison's books.Partly because he writes about the Florida I live in and love, even with all its quirks and crooks. His sense of humor matches mine so am always amused by the characters he writes about.Would it be so that we ever had a Governor with ethics such as Skink!The hurricane and the aftermath is much the same as Hurricane Andrew, when every cockroach from Florida and reprobates from other states came for the picking of anything they could get.Skink had the right idea.Even if you don't live in Florida, I think you will like this book and be able to compare it somewhat to where ever you live.

Stormy
THE SETUP
A hurricane devastates South Florida..Newlywed tourists Max and Bernie Lamb drive down from Disney World, because Max is obsessed with making home movies of the damage and devastation.Eddie Marsh who has been trolling for Kennedys in Palm Beach, teams up with ex-con Snapper (aka Lester Madox Parsons), to pull an insurance con.That's the setup.

THE OTHER MAJOR CHARACTERS
Avila - a former (crooked, of that's not a redundancy) Dade County building inspector
Tony Torres - a crooked house trailer salesman
Skink (do not confuse with "Snapper") -aka Clinton Tyree - recluse ex-governor of Florida
Jim Tile - a Florida Highway Patrolman, and friend of Skink
Brenda Roarke - policewoman, Jim Tile's girlfriend
Augustine - an insurance-settlement-wealthy semi-retired guy, somewhat a young version of Skink.
Ira Jackson - a NYC thug who had purchased a house trailer for his mother (killed in the storm) from Tony Torres
Fred Dove - property insurance adjuster, seduced by Eddie Marsh.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
"Stormy Weather" fairly accurately describes South Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992--with the exception that the chaos and desperation are understated.Simply driving to friends or relatives (or trying to return home) was no easy matter with major highways full of trees, downed live electric lines, and no traffic lights.Whole subdivisions were inaccessible to ice-trucks and other relief when it finally came.The incredibly oppressive heat and humidity after the storm, for weeks without electricity are not described.For the few lucky who had generators, gasoline was hard to find, because the local gas stations were closed for lack of electricity to run the pumps.Dozens of fires were caused by overheated generators and many other deaths by related accidents.Much of the county was without water.As for the people, it's a numbers game, with a population of 5 million, there has to be (and are) thousands as insane as the characters in "Stormy Weather", and like California, South Florida has way more than its fair share of crazies.

CAVEATS
"Stormy Weather" is a slow roller-coaster ride--lacking clear buildup, climax, and resolution.Often slow--the end is welcome.

"Stormy Weather" is not quite so surreal as most other adult Hiaasen novels, mostly because the real actual historic situation was surreal.

VERDICT
An entertaining read, filled with bizarre characters.

Loved Stormy Weather!
I love, love, LOVE Carl Hiaasen!This book did not disappoint!

My father has been reading Mr. Hiaasen's books for years and years now.He recommended them to me and gave me Skinny Dip to read first.From the first page I was hooked!I have now read almost all of his books.He is so funny!The writing is some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading.Stormy Weather was one of my favorites.It had everything!From wild, thieving monkeys, to criminals, to con-artists, to gangsters, to the always present normal couple of characters.And of course you have to pay homage to "The Captain"!

Bottom line is that this man is a genious and I will read ANYTHING he every writes!

One of Hiassen's better books
short review - a great summer read and a very good Carl book, which means Florida and odd characters. ... Read more

Product Description
Weather

Will it be warm or cold? Should we wear shorts or pants? Shoes or boots? Read and find out why the weather is so difficult to predict.

Customer Reviews (4)

Interesting and Vocabulary Builder
The books in this series explain things that kids need to know in a way they can understand. Young elementary kids (grade K-2) will learn from these as a read a loud and kids a little older (grade 3-5) would enjoy these as an independent read and vocabulary builder. You can easily plan a study unit around each of these books or use them as an addition to the curriculum you alread use. They can be read in one sitting without boring the child. The photos are a great plus and help hold the kids attention. This particular book has been our favorite since my daughter in interested in meterology. I recommend using this series as a summer education builder. Use one book each week as a theme throughout your summer. Never stop learning!

Great Book
This is a great book for teaching elementary students about the weather. The text is complimented by the inviting illustrations. It is a delightful book!

A great book for budding scientists
This is another great book in the Let's Read and Find Out Science series.Younger children (like my son who was age 4 when we first began with this book) and older children (who are reading on their own) will be delighted and educated with this book.Whimsical illustrations demonstrate complex scientific information in a very approachable manner.

In this book children will learn overarching concepts of meteorolgy and actual scientific terminology in a progressive manner.Children will learn about:

1. Fronts (Cold and Warm) and their affect on weather.
2. How air pressure is determined and what happens in Low Pressure vs. High Pressure. They learn about barometers.
3. Wind speed and direction, including names of instruments (wind vane and anemometer).

The colorful illustrations and simple diagrams reinforce the infomration contained in the book and help children understand the basic concepts of a weather formation.

Diagrams include:

1. Fronts & Front Formations
2. Water Vapor
3. Weather Maps
4. High & Low Pressure Systems

This book is an excellent addition to your science library.Perfect for budding scientists...or to generate a budding scientist by feeding their minds with sound teaching about the world around us rather than empty stories.

This book makes learning about weather easier for children!
This is an excellent book for children learning about weather. It provides a great look at many aspects of weather that children can understand and enjoy. This book is a great supplemental tool to use in the classroom. The information and wonderful illustrations enable children to receive a clear understanding of the many aspects of weather. ... Read more

Product Description
With experiments, observations and activities children ages seven to thirteen will learn to predict the weather by understanding the science behind it. From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons to our changing seasons, weather forecasting is a year-round, practical science that children will have fun learning about. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Book
We just got the book but
I believe it is a great book.It is written well and understandable for young children.It has several activities for the children to do.My 7 yr old loves it.

MADE LEARNING FUN
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK FOR MY GREAT NEPHEWS FOR XMAS. THEY ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A METERIOLOGIST AND LOVED THIS BOOK.I WOULD RECOMMEND IT FOR ANY YOUNG PERSON INTERESTED IN WEATHER.IT IS EASY TO READ AND THEY REALLY HAD FUN BUILDING A WEATHER STATION.tHIS WAS A GREAT PURCHASE.

This author has actually met a child
This book is a fabulous text for introducing the beginning "meterologist" to the weather.My children adore the hands-projects, illustrations, and the cartoons added for comic-relief.As a parent, I loved seeing my three children work together on a project.The excitement created in my home was a joy to watch.As a homeschooling parent, hearing them jump out of bed asking, "Can we do science first?" was delightful.

good book
This is really good book about making weather tools, and learning about the weather. iits an awesome book!!!!!!

Kid's Weather
Fabulous!Mark Breen's new book helps kids and grown-ups understand how the weather works.He gives great instructions on how to build weather instruments.He gives lots of hints for predicting the weather, including looking out the window. The Weather Man's Song is a hit! ... Read more

Product Description
Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is on vacation when her Djinn lover, David, asks Joanne to marry him. SheÂ’s thrilled to say yes, even if some others may be less than happy about it.

Unfortunately, Joanne’s pre-marital bliss is ended by a devastating earthquake in Florida. And she can’t ask David and his kind for assistance. Because the cause of the quake is unlike anything Joanne has ever encountered—and a power even the Djinn cannot perceive. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Slower Paced "Bridge" Book
Planning a wedding can sometimes drive a normal person insane. However, a wedding for Joanne can only be a recipe for disaster. Not only is Joanne a danger magnet, but everyone seems to want to prevent the wedding. The djinn don't want to stop it to make sure they cannot be bound as slaves again due to the vows David will make. Many wardens are against it due to lingering mistrust from the djinn attacks. But, the biggest danger might just be a new group called the Sentinels. They want the complete and total destruction of the djinn, as well as any warden who stands in their way. Of course, Joanne being who she is, is target priority one.

I was glad Imara wasn't really dead, but her new life is sort of bittersweet. Now that she is the new Earth Oracle, she cannot really leave her post inside that church. She really isn't the same anymore, she is so much more. Imara can no longer make decisions to support either of her parents, as she must serve Mother Earth above all. I was really hoping to see more of the mother/daughter dynamic that really only lasted one book, but it just does not look like that will be possible now. In the end, Joanne really did lose her daughter, even though she still is alive.

I found David's lack of trust and belief in Joanne in this book to be a little frustrating. I understand that being a djinn, he really knows "everything." But you would think after all they have been through together he would trust her when she says something is there even if he cannot see it. It was explained that the stuff actually made djinns incapable of understanding, but I still thought the bond between him and Joanne would have surpassed that.

This book was a little slower paced than the previous ones. I saw it as more of a bridge book. I don't think it was quite up to the par set by the other books, but it was still pretty good. There is only two books left in the series, and I can only imagine whats in store for Joanne before she finally gets some peace. Well, I hope there is at least a little peace in store for her. She's been through so much, its amazing shes even still trying at all.

Very good story.
I love this heroine and the story, but once again I'd only give it 4 stars for being just 320 pages and ending with yet another cliff hanger. Although the read is good and I enjoyed it, the author could do so much more with these stories.

Can't wait for more
Ms. Caine continues to entertain with this installment of the Weather Warden series.The plot continues to develop along unexpected paths.I'm pleased to see a local writer doing so well.

And you thought your wedding was bad
Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is finally marrying David, the Djinn of her dreams.You'd think this would be a happy occasion.You'd, of course, be wrong.

Neither the Weather Wardens nor the Djinn approve of the match.Worse, the press is suddenly aware of the Wardens and seems to be destined to hound Jo's every step, which seems to be frought with disaster--particularly in terms of fulfilling the mundane wedding details.

Jo discovers there's a new group in town, the Sentinels, who are bent on destroying the link between Wardens and their partner Djinn.Bad Bob, who she thought she'd killed oh-so-many-times before is back and he's in the lead, but she really doesn't know who she can trust.

It's with a heavy heart I write this review. Rachel Caine is one of my favorite fantasy authors.I love the Weather Wardens series.Have been hooked since the beginning, but I am not sure I'll go much further.Bad Bob was interesting as a villain the first few times he showed up, now I just want to see someone new and interesting for the Good Guys to fight.Worse, Caine's left us with a cliffhanger ending which will not resolve until Book Eight.

Rebecca Kyle, January 2009

Really deserves 3.5
Joanna Baldwin, our favorite weather warden is back!Here's the good news, she and David are getting married.Bad news..... there's a group named the Sentinels who are anti-djinn and out to get her w/ a vengeance.Finally we get to see Jo and Dave in a relaxed setting (for a while anyway).Imara is involved in this installment but I'd like to see more depth into her character.She could be an exquisite storyline, but Rachel never seems to put more thought into the character but drops her name every now and again.I did find a bit of inconsistency w/ how the Djinn can be enslaved and also Jo's own enslavement w/ the demon mark.Further, Bad Bob's character was a train-wreck of inconsistency w/ him dying or not dying, being a demon or no demon; there was no clarity there.Kevin seems to be maturing, Lewis is always Lewis and Rahel is still as complex and dangerous as ever.I find the whole concept of bringing stable antimatter on earth extremely interesting.I also like that the Wardens and Djinn decided to go public. Although there seems to be a bit of confusion w/ this book, I'm still looking forward to the next installment.

... Read more

Product Description
Earth's atmosphere, common IFR procedures, high-altitude weather, and special area weather considerations are thoroughly discussed. This is FAA handbook AC00-6A, the first revision since 1975. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Aviation Weather Incomplete!
I was excited to find this book available in a digital edition; however, what a total let down it was when I actually opened the book and found many important figures missing. There should be a disclosure statement regarding the fact that the digital edition is incomplete. I feel that I have been ripped off! This is bad business!! I wish there was a way to get my money back.

Sloppy conversion led to complete let down
I was really looking forward to this book.But, entire figures are missing, the OCR presumably didn't work in some areas, and footnotes are cut off, not to mention being spaced in between paragraphs.I understand there must be some constraints when converting a book created for the analog world into a digital format, but for only two dollars less than the paperback, I feel completely ripped off.It is more work to try to figure out what this edition is trying to say than it is worth the money.Frankly, this is a safety issue to some degree as this book is about effectively reading weather for the purpose of aviation.Here's an example.If i really wanted to understand wind shear, i might be interested in the figure accompanying the text.The figure description is included, but the figure is missing.Maybe this is only an issue for the Kindle software, but if I could return this purchase, I would, because I simply won't finish this title in Kindle.Very sloppy conversion led to a complete let down.

Wealth of Knowledge But Needs Better Editing


Great review of what the FAA wants you to know about weather and what you need to fly in weather or know it time to sit on the ground. Writing and editing would improve the value of the product.

For a govt written resource it is great and the price is right.

For less than 1/10 of the $100 burger it deserves a place on a pilot's bookshelf.

Great for students
I used this some time ago when I was getting my license and it really helped me understand what i needed to know to pass my test.

Old book
I am sure this information is relevant and maybe not much has changed but this book was was printed in 1975 so the graphics reflect that.Overall, easy to understand.It seems helpful at this point. ... Read more

Product Description
After preventing Mother Earth from destroying the planet, Joanne Baldwin lost her memories thanks to Ashan the djinn-and they will remain lost forever unless Joanne can recover her identity-and destroy the demon who is impersonating her, fabulous shoes and all... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Very Emotional
The ending events of the last book were absolutely horrible emotionally. Ashan, the leader of the djinn who are against humanity killed Imara and completely wiped away all of Joanne's memories in an attempt to destroy her as well. This was all done in retaliation for stopping his plot to destroy humanity. In the beginning of this book Joanne wakes up naked in the snow with no knowledge of who she is. She is rescued by Lewis and David, but that does not go very smooth at first since she has no idea who they are. She reluctantly decides to trust them since they do seem to be helping her. Much to their surprise they realize she is now manifesting a new power category, earth. Lewis is the only other person who has manifested all three powers, so her new power really scares all of them as they do not know what it means. Joanne has always been powerful, but this takes it to crazy extremes and will make it interesting to see where it leads.

While trying to get back to warden headquarters to try and find out how to restore her memories, she runs into a demon who looks just like her. The demon has stolen her missing memories and idenitity, and if Joanne isn't careful she will lose everything to it. Joanne's position in the wardens is not something you would want a demon to have access to, as it would give the demon the means to cause a great amount of damage.

I cried so hard when Imara died. Even though she was only she was only around for such a short time, she was such an important part of Joanne's life. She had to make the heart wrenching decision to chose all of humanity over her daughter. It almost is a good thing Ashan stole Joanne's memories because I don't know if she could ever really forgive herself for choosing to not save her daughter, let alone function with that pain. At least for now she doesn't remember any of it, so the potential anguish at least isn't preventing her from going after the demon.

I almost didn't want to read this book because I didn't want to see and feel Imara's absence. Although it was really heartbreaking at times, I am glad I read it. The ending of this book gave a little bit of relief, but things are extremely tenuous at best. It wouldn't take much of anything to make everything come crashing down. I'm sure the next book will show even more craziness being thrown at Joanne, and luckily she has the new earth powers to help support herself.

Like reading an action film - in a good way (mostly)
The series has always been very action packed, with so much going on that sometimes I've had to re-read sections when I found myself being like - what?! wait, what just happened?

This book is an interesting addition to the series, but her editor is getting lazy / Caine had a difficult time keeping track of things.Wasn't Seacasket in Maine in all the previous books?Now suddenly it's in New Jersey!It's the magical moving city!
That's just an example of some of the inconsistencies in the book/series - world building is not Caine's strong suit, like many urban fantasy authors she relies on the reader filling in the gaps with our own world experiences.That being said, Joanne's a good character and you'll be rooting for her throughout this book. (amnesia! Memories taken by a demon! After all this girl has gone through, can't she get a break?)

Heads up though - you'll need to read all the previous books to follow this one.Book number 6 is not where to start!

The demise of a series
When I began this series I was hooked.. I was elated that I had several books before me to read. Until Thin AIR.. Beside several inaccuracies, for example,I did wonder how Seacasket and the fire oracle previously found in Maine were now in New Jersey..
... I was annoyed at the entire memory loss idea. This book seemed like "I have to meet a deadline book"A story based on Eamon and Sarah is wasted ink, an evil twin,is a cliche..David, second in power only to Johnathan does not want to take on a Ashan,but does want to get married instead.. Terribly disappointed I put the series away and lost interest. Too bad!! ...
Rita Relidzinski

Thrilling!
What Firestorm lacked, Thin Air has in plenty.This book was such I thrill ride that I stayed up well past midnight on a work night just to get to the end.This book starts with a couple of pages from the end of Firestorm.It sets up the plot where Joanne awakens cold and naked in a forest with no memory. She comes to be rescued by Lewis and David but she can't remember them.Joanne finds out there is a demon that looks like her and has the memories that Ashan had taken from Joanne at the end of Firestorm.Now the demon has her memories, and looks like her, it is slowly taking over Joanne's entire life.Joanne has the ability to get into other people's memories now and we get a peek into Cherise, Kevin, Eamon, and Marion's memories.I especially enjoyed these interludes because they weren't long enough to become dull and yet the were good insights into these characters and their perceptions of Joanne.I like the changes Caine appears to be making and hope they will continue to keep the series fresh.By the end of the book there are four different groups that have to agree to work together at least temporarily.Joanne still has the tendency to have to be bailed out of certain dangerous situations, but she fended for herself here a couple of times and the rest can be explained as necessary due to her memory loss.Yet whatever the exact reasons, I absolutely enjoyed this story.I look forward to the next one.

Another good one.
Once again, I really enjoyed the story but hate the length and ending cliff hanger. ... Read more

Product Description
Weather Flying is regarded in the industry as the bible of weather flying. Robert Buck, a general aviation and commercial pilot with tens of thousands of hours of flight time, explains weather in a nontechnical way, giving pilots useful understanding of weather and practical knowledge of how to judge it and fly it. Covers weather flying psychology, en route weather changes, radar and how to use it, taking off in bad weather, and much more. Winner of the Flight Safety Foundation's Publication Award; recommended by the FAA. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Weather for professional pilots
Written by a veteran pilot for pilots. This book is a must for aviators. The latest revised edition is to keep up to some changes in technology (internet and advancement in weather forecasting.

Very nice and not dry like technical books on weather. You will learn all about weather on a pilots perspective.

Not just for aviation!
Simply excellent. It's even better than what the title of the book says: the weather concepts and systems are so well explained that they will be useful for sailing as well. A very, very good book, absolutely must have on your shelf if you're into navigation, by air or by sea.

Good book
One of the essential book to have as of pilot. Worthwhile to have bought it.

Still the best practical guide on themarket
I first read this book early in my private pilot training, many years ago. Needless to say, I did not really understand what I was reading. Coming back to it now, with a number of additional ratings and many more hours of flight time to my name, was a revelation. Almost on every page, I found myself saying, "Yes, that's how it is." Buck really knows what he is talking about, whether it be ice, thunderstorms, turbulence, or transitioning from instruments to visual on the approach. Taking toheart what Buck has to say will first and foremost help you to survive as a pilot by making good weather decisions. Just as importantly, he imparts a great deal of wisdom on how to get maximum utility from the airplane while keeping risk to a low level. However, as indicated earlier, the book is definitely not for beginners. A solid understanding of basic meteorology and a considerable amount of piloting experience are needed to interpret it correctly--and safely.

Essential reading for the GA Instrument pilot
As a CFI I have numerous books in my aviation library. This book details flying in weather and the mindset required to be a safe and competent instrument pilot.

Recommeded to me by my instructor after I received my instrument rating I now recommend it to students and associates whenever the subject of flying in weather (or not flying in weather) comes up.

I read Northstar Over My Shoulder prior to buying this book so I had an understanding of Captain Buck's history and experience which added weight to the wisdom obvious in Weather Flying (buy that book too!)
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great gift!
I bought this for a 12 year old boy who wants to be a meteorologist and who just had surgery and was bedridden for weeks.He absolutely loves it!His mom says he keeps it on his nightstand and reads it constantly.

Excellent guide for a diffcult subject.
This Guide is much needed in the field of meteorology. It is neither too obscure techincally, nor too juvenile for the average reader. Virtually every aspect of the subject is handled well, with excellent illustrations.Having dealt with such presentations during my entire career, I recommend it highly.

Maynard E. Smith
Fellow, American Meteorlogical Society

great book
I'm a professional pilot who loves the weather aspect of my job. This book is wonderful due to its many illistrations. Plus there are even a few references to pilots and planes and flying which of course helps keep me interested.

The AMS Weather Book:The Ultimate Guide to America's Weather
This book is ideal for both the weather enthusiast and for those simply interested in learning more about weather. Topics vary from broad categories like winds and currentsto defining specific terminology used in forecasting. Accounts from survivors of severe weatheradd a human interest touch to this book about the science of weather. While learning about current research, the reader meets those leading the studies. Beautiful pictures and informative illustrations and diagrams. The AMS Weather Book: The Ultimate Guide to America's Weather ... Read more

Product Description
The Pacific Northwest experiences the most varied and fascinating weather in the United States, including world-record winter snows, the strongest non-tropical storms in the nation, and shifts from desert to rain forest in a matter of miles. Local weather features dominate the meteorological landscape, from the Puget Sound convergence zone and wind surges along the Washington Coast, to gap winds through the Columbia Gorge and the "Banana Belt" of southern Oregon. This book is the first comprehensive and authoritative guide to Northwest weather that is directed to the general reader; helpful to boaters, hikers, and skiers; and valuable to an expert meteorologist.

In The Weather of the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington atmospheric scientist and popular radio commentator Cliff Mass unravels the intricacies of Northwest weather, from the mundane to the mystifying. By examining our legendary floods, snowstorms, and windstorms, and a wide variety of local weather features, Mass answers such interesting questions as:

Why does the Northwest have localized rain shadows?

What is the origin of the hurricane force winds that often buffet the region?

Why does the Northwest have so few thunderstorms?

What is the origin of the Pineapple Express?

Why do ferryboats sometimes seem to float above the water's surface?

Why is it so hard to predict Northwest weather?

Mass brings together eyewitness accounts, historical records, and meteorological science to explain Pacific Northwest weather. He also considers possible local effects due to global warming. The final chapters guide readers in interpreting the Northwest sky and in securing weather information on their own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Very useful reference
Book arrived in good time, excellent quality. Most useful book to have around the house as reference and also a most interesting read.

Awesome, specific, interesting
I have become a real fan of Cliff Mass, reading his blog whenever he posts. Finding out he had a book -- well, I ordered it immediately and was not let down. This book is really interesting and fun.You don't have to be a weather geek like me to appreciate it.Lots of great illustrations and explanations and it gets really specific to Washington/Oregon/BC weather.It's a great reference to whatever weather is going on [right now] and answers a lot of your questions.A good read -- I finished it in 2 days, but keep going back to it when the weather is always doing something interesting.I think required reading for any true Northwest resident.

great information
We are considering moving to northwest Washington state. This author presented complete and readable text about the complicated weather in this area.

Great Book
Got this as a present for my father who is a total weather aficionado.He likes that the book is suitable for readers of all levels.The content is interesting and very relevant.

Solid weather book
This is a thorough and well-organized view of Northwest weather in all its glory. The book is organized by phenomena and district. There are many historical discussions and photos of famous weather events. This being principally a textbook, the explanations are clear and easy to grasp, and the diagrams and graphics well-designed.

There is one chapter on global warming which I found a tad bit polemic, but that's most likely my own viewpoint coming through. I bought this book to better understand the changes and conditions through which I fly as a pilot, and it serves well in that regard. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Weather Book
Wow!! This book has a lot of information about the weather and has awesome pictures. I recommend it to teach about the weather. ... Read more