1. A Thirsty Land: The Making of an American Water Crisis
By Seamus McGraw
Examines Texas water policy alongside contemporary water concerns facing Texas and the rest of the nation. Addresses the experiences of a diverse group of Texans, to demonstrate how human nature, geography, and politics have contributed to convoluted water laws that have rendered Texas unprepared for the next significant drought or catastrophic flood.
University of Texas Press, 2018. 256 pages.
333.91009764 M178T 2018


 

2. Between Hope and Fear: A History of Vaccines and Human Immunity
By Michael Kinch
Presents a clear discussion of the science of immunity, the implications of vaccine denial, and real world outcomes of the failure to vaccinate. Addresses the complex reality that even seemingly small numbers of unvaccinated children and adults have the potential to allow some of the long since eradicated diseases to stage comebacks and pose serious threats to future generations.
Pegasus Books, 2018. 279 pages.
614.47 K574B 2018


 

3. Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness
By Alisa Roth
Contends that people with mental illness have been hurt by the American criminal justice system more than any other group. Points out that jails and prisons are ill-equipped and lack training to help people with mental illness, often leading to disastrous outcomes for the prisons and the imprisoned. Encourages coordinated and thoughtful reform by practitioners of law and medicine.
Basic Books, 2018. 280 pages.
364.38 R742IN 2018


 

4. Overcharged: Why Americans Pay Too Much for Health Care
By Charles Silver, David A. Hyman
Examines the current American health care system and advocates for a more consumer- and market-driven system that would lower costs. Proposes that Americans should select the health insurance plans and medical services that they use and pay for them directly as they would with other types of goods and services. Concludes that if consumers take charge of the health care payment system, providers will deliver more while charging less.
Cato Institute, 2018. 435 pages.
368.382 SI38O 2018


 

5. The Vanishing Middle Class: Prejudice and Power in a Dual Economy
By Peter Temin
Explores the decline of the middle class in the context of growing income inequality. Employs a dual economy model to examine the different experiences of the rich and poor in the criminal justice system, education, housing, and debt.
MIT Press, 2017. 166 pages.
339.2 T24V 2017


 

6. Texas Disasters: True Stories of Tragedy and Survival
By Mike Cox
Chronicles 21 Texas natural and man-made disasters, beginning with the sinking of three Spanish ships in 1554 and ending with the West fertilizer plant explosion in 2013. Details the events and people affected and describes the historical context within which the disasters unfolded.
Globe Pequot, 2015. 263 pages.
976.4 C839T 2015