House of Rain
Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest

Put your tongue forcefully into the side of your cheek and keep it there while you read this book—just to remind yourself most of what you are reading is conjecture and poppycock. But—and here’s the important part—you’ll have a hell of a good read! As I went from one exploit to another, I kept havin......more

When I first began reading this book, I was irritated by how much of Craig Childs' personal story and opinions were interspersed among the really interesting archaeological digs in which he participated and in his unveiling of the history of the Ancestral Puebloans. But then I was remembered my favo......more

Blows all to hell the idea of the simple savages, the peaceful primitives, the innocent indigenous, who occupied these lands before the arrival of the corrupt, diseased, greedy and murderous white men. #1 Not simple. Rather brilliant in astronomy, hydrology and craftsmanship; not to mention the hu......more

"The House of Rain" by Craig Childs takes the reader to that wonderful intersection of science and emotion, understanding and lyricism, as the author hikes to a variety of sacred sites in the American Southwest, to trace the evolution and disporia of the Anasazi people. It takes true talent to make......more

This is a wonderful book. I’ve traveled a lot in the four corners area where I have visited many Anasazi ruins myself, and Childs really has a feel for these deserts. He captures the sense of wonder and reverence that I always feel when I’m alone with an Anasazi ruin, and he explains the details of......more