📖 Overview
Susan Casey is a journalist, author and former magazine editor known for her narrative nonfiction books about the ocean and marine life. Her works have explored topics ranging from great white sharks and giant waves to dolphins and the global impact of water.
As Editor-in-Chief of O, The Oprah Magazine from 2009-2013, Casey helped shape one of the most widely-read women's publications in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as development editor for Time Inc. and creative director of Outside Magazine.
Her books include "The Devil's Teeth" (2005) about great white sharks, "The Wave" (2010) examining giant ocean waves and extreme surfers, and "Voices in the Ocean" (2015) investigating dolphin intelligence and behavior. These works combine scientific research with firsthand reporting and immersive storytelling.
Casey's writing has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and National Geographic. She has received multiple awards including a National Magazine Award and has been featured in The Best American Science Writing and The Best American Sports Writing anthologies.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Casey's ability to blend scientific research with personal narratives and make complex marine topics accessible. Her immersive reporting style and first-hand experiences resonate with audiences. Multiple reviews note her talent for capturing both the wonder and danger of ocean phenomena.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanation of technical concepts
- Vivid descriptions of ocean environments
- Balance of scientific facts with human stories
- Personal involvement in the reporting
What readers disliked:
- Some sections feel repetitive
- Occasional tangents from main narrative
- Some readers wanted more scientific depth
- Narratives sometimes prioritize drama over detail
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
"The Wave" - 4.0/5 (16,000+ ratings)
"The Devil's Teeth" - 4.1/5 (8,000+ ratings)
"Voices in the Ocean" - 4.0/5 (3,000+ ratings)
Amazon:
Average 4.5/5 across all titles
Most frequent comments praise her research methods and storytelling abilities
Common reader quote: "Makes you feel like you're there experiencing it firsthand"
📚 Books by Susan Casey
The Devil's Teeth (2005)
A scientific exploration of great white sharks at the Farallon Islands, following researchers who study these predators in their natural habitat off the California coast.
The Wave (2010) An investigation into giant ocean waves and the scientists who study them, alongside stories of extreme surfers who seek to ride these massive swells.
Voices in the Ocean (2015) A global journey examining dolphin intelligence, behavior, and human interactions with these marine mammals, based on scientific research and firsthand observations.
The Underworld (2023) An examination of deep ocean environments and the people who explore them, covering topics from free diving and underwater caves to marine archaeology.
The Wave (2010) An investigation into giant ocean waves and the scientists who study them, alongside stories of extreme surfers who seek to ride these massive swells.
Voices in the Ocean (2015) A global journey examining dolphin intelligence, behavior, and human interactions with these marine mammals, based on scientific research and firsthand observations.
The Underworld (2023) An examination of deep ocean environments and the people who explore them, covering topics from free diving and underwater caves to marine archaeology.
👥 Similar authors
Erik Larson writes narrative nonfiction that weaves together historical events with scientific and cultural context, similar to Casey's approach. His books like "Isaac's Storm" and "Dead Wake" focus on maritime disasters and ocean-related historical events while maintaining journalistic precision.
David Quammen investigates complex scientific topics through immersive reporting and field research with scientists. His work on ecology and natural history, including "Spillover" and "The Song of the Dodo," combines detailed research with firsthand experiences.
Hampton Sides produces research-intensive narrative nonfiction that places readers directly into historical moments and adventures. His writing style in books like "In the Kingdom of Ice" mirrors Casey's ability to blend investigation with storytelling about extreme conditions and survival.
Carl Safina writes about marine life, ocean conservation, and animal consciousness based on scientific research and personal observations. His books examine human-ocean relationships and marine animal behavior, incorporating both field work and academic studies.
Peter Matthiessen wrote about nature, exploration, and marine life through direct experience and extensive travel. His works like "Blue Meridian" about great white sharks and "Far Tortuga" about Caribbean fishermen demonstrate his focus on ocean-related subjects and environmental concerns.
David Quammen investigates complex scientific topics through immersive reporting and field research with scientists. His work on ecology and natural history, including "Spillover" and "The Song of the Dodo," combines detailed research with firsthand experiences.
Hampton Sides produces research-intensive narrative nonfiction that places readers directly into historical moments and adventures. His writing style in books like "In the Kingdom of Ice" mirrors Casey's ability to blend investigation with storytelling about extreme conditions and survival.
Carl Safina writes about marine life, ocean conservation, and animal consciousness based on scientific research and personal observations. His books examine human-ocean relationships and marine animal behavior, incorporating both field work and academic studies.
Peter Matthiessen wrote about nature, exploration, and marine life through direct experience and extensive travel. His works like "Blue Meridian" about great white sharks and "Far Tortuga" about Caribbean fishermen demonstrate his focus on ocean-related subjects and environmental concerns.