The Last Days of the Dinosaurs

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Winner of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books, this work presents top-tier science writing, as noted in a starred review by Publishers Weekly. The narrative explores the aftermath of a catastrophic impact that occurred 66 million years ago, detailing the dramatic changes that unfolded in the days, years, and centuries following the event. Readers are transported to the Cretaceous period, where a Triceratops roams the lush landscape of Hell Creek in Montana, unaware that its world is about to be irrevocably altered. The asteroid impact, measuring seven miles across, created a massive geologic scar and triggered a mass extinction that wiped out over half of Earth's species, including all non-avian dinosaurs. This pivotal moment, while devastating, also paved the way for new evolutionary opportunities that had been unavailable for the previous 100 million years. The author skillfully blends engaging storytelling with scientific rigor, crafting a narrative that feels like a fantasy yet is grounded in the latest fossil discoveries. This innovative approach to prehistorical nonfiction offers a fresh perspective on a critical chapter in Earth's history.