Book cover of The Desert Smells Like Rain: A Naturalist in Papago Indian Country

Book description

An ethnobiologist examines the world of the Papago Indians of Arizona and Mexico, drawing attention to the role of the desert and desert ecology in Papago Indian agriculture, culture, and mythology

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Desert Smells Like Rain as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

My first birding trip to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona caught my fancy. Then I read this book, in which Dr. Nabhan recounts lively details of his encounters with Indigenous communities at home in the Sonoran Desert and learns how they engage with the desert plants and animals in their lives.

Nabhan is an astute observer, an intensely sympathetic storyteller, and a highly knowledgeable student of local natural history. In this book, he visits Tohono O’odham (Papago) friends as they harvest saguaro fruits to make an intoxicating brew to “bring on the rain.” He tells us about fiery wild…

From Eugene's list on Indigenous Natural History.

If you love The Desert Smells Like Rain...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Desert Smells Like Rain?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 81 books like The Desert Smells Like Rain.

Browse books like The Desert Smells Like Rain

Book cover of Words of the Lagoon: Fishing and Marine Lore in the Palau District of Micronesia
Book cover of The Earth's Blanket: Traditional Teachings for Sustainable Living
Book cover of Birds of my Kalam Country

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,277

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Desert Smells Like Rain, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!