Culpeper County Library271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, Virginia 22701 | 540-825-8691https://www.cclva.org
Nature and Science
April 2026

Recent Releases
99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them
by Ashely Alker, MD

As a physician specializing in emergency services, Ashely Alker knows a thing or two about the myriad ways that humans can perish. Including pithy advice about how to avoid premature death and job-related anecdotes that are unsettling, funny, and flat-out scary, Alker’s book is “enormously informative and exceedingly entertaining” (Library Journal). For another witty read about dark topics, try The Chick and the Dead: Life and Death Behind Mortuary Doors by Carla Valentine.
The Company of Owls
by Polly Atkin

The Company of Owls is a book about birdwatching, and yet author and poet Polly Atkin is no bird expert. Rather, she has written a thoughtful, lyrical memoir about observing the different species of owls around her home in England’s Lake District. Her interactions with these beings stir ruminations about chronic illness, solitude, and how intimacy with nature can enhance our understanding of ourselves. Try this next: The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl.
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives
by Daisy Fancourt

Psychologist and epidemiologist Daisy Fancourt’s debut touts the importance of the arts and creativity in a healthy lifestyle, even for the non-artistic. Fancourt’s inspiring book provides statistics and examples showing that an hour of art-related activity per week can improve mental health, memory, movement, and longevity, and can alleviate the symptoms of numerous ailments. For fans of: The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature by Sue Stuart-Smith.
Crayfish, Crawfish, Crawdad: The Biology and Conservation of North America's Favorite...
by Zackary A. Graham

They may be creepy and crawly, but there are plenty of reasons to be fascinated by crayfish, or crawfish, or crawdads -- take your pick. With species scattered across North America’s freshwater habitats, these clever critters are essential for ecosystem development and as vital food chain links. Biology professor Zackary A. Graham enthusiastically relates efforts to save them from endangerment caused by climate change and habitat destruction in his impassioned debut book.
Why We Drink Too Much: The Impact of Alcohol on Our Bodies and Culture
by Dr. Charles Knowles

In his accessible debut, British medical professor Charles Knowles breaks down the science behind humans’ enduring fascination with drinking alcohol and explains why the urge to over-consume is all too common. Far from a sobriety diatribe, Knowles instead presents a straightforward summary of alcohol’s effects alongside the chilling story of how it nearly destroyed his own life, urging drinkers to retain perspective on their habit. Try this next: Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction by Judith Grisel.
The Feather Wars and the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds
by James H. McCommons

In the late 19th century, America’s bird populations were under serious threat, with many species hunted to near extinction for sport, biological research, and (wait for it...) the ladies’ hat industry. Luckily for the birds, a concerted conservation effort took hold, led by an unlikely alliance between academics, wardens, hunters, docents, artists, and politicians. James H. McCommons’ book serves as a happy example of what is achievable when concerned parties come together. Read alike: The Birds That Audubon Missed by Kenn Kaufman.
The Bear at the Bird Feeder: Why We're Seeing More Wild Animals in Our Neighborhoods and How We Can Live in Harmony with Them by Randi Minetor
The Bear at the Bird Feeder: Why We're Seeing More Wild Animals in Our Neighborhoods and How We Can Live in Harmony with Them
by Randi Minetor

In this guide, Randi Minetor calls on naturalists, biologists, and state wildlife authorities to distill the best practices for creating a safe environment for humans and animals alike, and provides accounts of actual run-ins with wildlife as cautionary tales.
Junglekeeper: What It Takes to Change the World by Paul Rosolie
Junglekeeper: What It Takes to Change the World
by Paul Rosolie

Deep in the Peruvian jungle, there exists a corner of the world that remains untouched--one teeming with giant anacondas, where the haunting cries of howler monkeys send brightly colored macaws shooting across the canopy. It's an ecosystem of stupendous biodiversity, uncontacted tribes, and adventures that most people don't even dare to dream of. When he first set foot in the jungle, Rosolie was a dyslexic kid from Brooklyn who struggled to graduate from high school but had an undeniable calling to the outdoors. He was lucky enough to meet the indigenous naturalist Juan Julio Durand, and together, over two decades, they have created Junglekeepers, an organization that has found a way to halt deforestation and protect more than 110,000 acres--inspiring millions along the way by documenting their progress online. But this work takes grit, and years in, Rosolie and Durand are past their barefoot machete days, grappling with chain saws, massive fires, illegal miners, and the worst of humanity. Here, Rosolie brings you up close and personal with one of the wildest places on the planet and tells the incredible story of first contact with one of the most mysterious uncontacted tribes on Earth: the Mashco Piro.
Astro Herbalism: Holistic Wellness and Self-Discovery Through Herbalism and Astrology by Jessica Rosset
Astro Herbalism: Holistic Wellness and Self-Discovery Through Herbalism and Astrology
by Jessica Rosset

Explore the relationships between celestial bodies, astrological signs, and herbal remedies to embark on a journey self-discovery and holistic wellness. Astrology provides us with a roadmap of the soul, illuminating our individual strengths, challenges, and potential for growth. Herbalism invites us to commune with the plant kingdom to nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits. By combining these disciplines, we gain a deeper understanding of the role we play within the cosmic web of existence. Learn about the unique qualities of each celestial body and corresponding astrological signs--from the radiant energy of the Sun to the transformative depths of Pluto--and uncover the ways they shape our inner psyche and outer experiences. Discover the therapeutic properties of plants aligned with each celestial body and learn how to use them to restore balance and enhance mental and physical well-being. With illuminating insights and expert guidance, Astro Herbalism blends ancient wisdom with contemporary practices to create a practical tool for self-care.
All about Allergies: Everything You Need to Know about Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by MD Rubin, Zachary
All about Allergies: Everything You Need to Know about Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More
by MD Rubin, Zachary

From viral social media sensation Dr. Zachary Rubin, an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies, spotlighting patient stories, the history and science behind allergies, common myths, treatment options, and more Millions of people suffer from various allergic diseases. They're some of the most common but widely misunderstood afflictions today, and Dr. Rubin has made it his mission to pull back the curtain and help everyday people understand their allergies and find ways to feel better. In All About Allergies, Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies. 
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Culpeper County Library271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, Virginia 22701 | 540-825-8691https://www.cclva.org