Peters (geology, Washington State U.) has enjoyed a lifelong fascination with science, particularly geology, since she was a child. Originally begun as a column for the Moscow-Pullman Daily News about rocks and fossils found near her hometown, her "Rock Doc" column has gradually expanded to national syndication in 200-plus newspapers from coast to coast. It covers a wide range of natural and applied science topics, explaining complex ideas in terms easily accessible to lay readers. This text assembles a collection of past Rock Doc columns, organized into sections on geology and paleontology; energy, engines, and automobiles; food and agricultural; climate; human health; biology; physics, chemistry, math, and astronomy; and science history and education. It also includes a list of suggested books, journals, and websites for readers interested in further exploring science in lay terms. No subject index is provided. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)