Spring 2026 Book Club
The CHA will host a series of meetings (in person and on zoom) to discuss Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River by David Owen. Water issues seem simple—ban golf, stop selling hay to China—but Owen’s story reveals a complex, man-made ecosystem shaped by engineering, law, and cooperation. This book explores how life thrives in the desert and what happens when the system breaks down.
How to Join
To join the discussion in Spring 2026, fill out this google form, which has links to interviews with Owens—first 150 people will get a free copy. People can pick up books whenever the CHA Office is open, 10:00 am–3:00 pm, Tuesday through Thursday. Please see the calendar link below for any updates to office hours.
The Library Resource Guide will be available in Spring 2026
Book Club Session Dates
- Part I Chapters 1-10 January 7-January 21
- Part II Chapters 11-18 January 22-February 4
Sessions will take place:
- In person in the CHA Conference Room
- On Zoom
- At other CU Boulder campus locations
About the Book
Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River by David Owen.
For any questions regarding the book club, reach out to the CHA team at cu-cha@colorado.edu.
✅ Recommended Resources
Interview — The Colorado Sun: “Colorado River provided the perfect narrative…”
Link: The Colorado Sun
“The Colorado River is an ideal subject… we use it up.” The Colorado Sun
Interview — KRCC / Colorado Public Radio: “A Conversation about the Colorado River with Author David Owen”
Link: Colorado Public Radio
“One of the reasons to be optimistic about water is that we need water right now. You don’t live another day if you don’t have water.” Colorado Public Radio
Book Review — Kirkus Reviews
Link: Kirkus Reviews