Book excerpt: The tales woven into the fabric of this collection span the continents, from the ancient cradle of Mesopotamia, where the Tigris and Euphrates once whispered to Sumerian poets, to the expansive waterways of the Amazon, where the rainforest hums with the secrets of the mighty river. We delve into the mythologies of the Ganges, sacred and revered, carrying the spiritual aspirations of millions within its gentle ripples. The Nile, with its storied past, whispers echoes of pharaohs and pyramids, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. In the heart of North America, the Mississippi River tells tales of exploration, trade, and the clash of cultures. Further west, the Columbia River winds through the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, a witness to the struggles and triumphs of indigenous peoples and pioneers alike. Across the Atlantic, the Thames bears witness to the ebb and flow of London's history, from Shakespearean theaters to modern financial districts.