Valerie Michael

Valerie Michael is a book-ish, outdoors-y, burger-eating, beer-drinking scientist from Pittsburgh, PA. She is obsessed with books and hiking in equal measure and she’d be happy to show you pictures on her iPhone of her two dogs. Follow her on Twitter @valeriexcm.

Best Science/Nature Books Published This Summer

Excellent books about science and nature that came out this summer!

100 Must-Read Books About Nature

Books about birds, bugs, and everything else about the natural world

There is Nothing Inevitable About Democracy: An Interview with Marilynne Robinson

We talk with Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson about faith, Trump, and Hamilton.

5 Books to Watch for in June

New releases coming this month you're going to want to add to your TBR.

New Nature-y Books To Read During April Showers

A round-up of books about the natural world that are perfect for spring-time reading.

For Your Valentine’s Day Hangover: 10 Literary Love Quotes That Won’t Make You Want to Vomit

Valentine’s Day has this way of bringing out the most nauseating of all love quotes. These quotes are not that. ...

Podcasts Hosted by Authors

While we at the Riot take some time off to rest and catch up on our reading, we’re re-running some of ...

Last Minute Gift Recommendations Based On What You Gave Them Last Year

I give out a lot of books as gifts. A lot. Pretty much, if I’m getting you a gift, expect ...

Reading Pathway: Oliver Sacks

In January of this year, neurologist and author Oliver Sacks was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died on August 30th. ...

Books About Birds

I really love birds. It is a source of much amusement to my friends, who find my interest in birds ...