Atomic Dreams

Named one of the New Yorker's Best Books of 2025 and a Notable New Book on the Environment by the Financial Times—--

“Far more than a book about the science of electrons and uranium. This is a deeply human exploration into one of the most important issues of the century: not just how we produce energy, but what role we play in shaping the future for those who come after us. Filled with interesting — and often surprising — characters, Atomic Dreams brings this debate to life.”—Hannah Ritchie, author of Not the End of the World

“This moment calls out for this book. Atomic Dreams is an investigation of great courage, heart, and nuance into the energy debate that has riven the environmental movement and may define our future. An essential work for anyone who wishes to understand how we got here and where we’re going.”
 —Nathaniel Rich, author of Losing Earth and Second Nature

"The pleasure of reading is in the path Tuhus-Dubrow takes and the people she talks to as she asks a simple question with a complicated answer: Is nuclear power good or not?"—ScienceNews

"For stories about people and their motivations, Tuhus-Dubrow chronicles an interesting journey of discovery leading to a reluctant bottom line: Nuclear energy’s advantages 'cannot be lightly dismissed.'”—Wall Street Journal

“In this immensely readable yet nuanced exploration of the changing futures of nuclear power in the United States, Tuhus-Dubrow gives us nuclear power as both an idea and a technology in the midst of immense cultural flux. An elegant treatment of this divisive power source, Atomic Dreams is at once historical and prescient, making us feel the heat and urgency to do something energetic to abate the effects of climate change, while showing how a (modestly) pro-nuclear present is still bound to its contentious past. Ever attentive the people nuclear has displaced and those who have long struggled against it, Atomic Dreams stays true to its title, as a quirky, but also trustworthy band of nuclear enthusiasts (and industries) find in this power, something to champion.”—Gretchen Bakke, author of The Grid

"Tuhus-Dubrow presents an in-depth, well-researched discussion around the pro-nuclear movement and provides a holistic overview acknowledging the polarization surrounding nuclear energy, both sides not quite seeing the entire picture clearly. . .The eccentric and sometimes surprising individuals profiled, dubbed 'Nuclearists,' make for an engaging narrative that takes the conversation far beyond nuclear fission. Tuhus-Dubrow works through her own thoughts and reservations right alongside readers, which makes her book both digestible and thought-provoking."—Booklist

"A convincing argument on a controversial topic."—Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating, nuanced look at one of the most important and contentious issues in the climate fight—and essential reading whether you regard nuclear energy as a salvation or a scourge.”—Jake Bittle, author of The Great Displacement

“Atomic Dreams is about so much more than nuclear power. It’s a fascinating tale filled with activists and polemicists, converts and curmudgeons, who all debate, with each other and themselves, the future of energy. Tuhus-Dubrow asks a very relevant question: Can we build our way out of this climate catastrophe? The answers she arrives at are both surprising and revelatory.”—Russell Gold, author of Superpower and The Boom

“Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow has gifted us an enjoyable, intriguing, and evenhanded account of America's reappraisal of nuclear power, a battle of ideas at the nexus of science, politics, and environmentalism. Atomic Dreams will be required reading for anyone seeking to understand electricity in the time of climate change.”—Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise

"The strongest case for nuclear is a modest one: stop closing existing plants, because their output is replaced largely with fossil-generated electricity. Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow...repeatedly reminds her readers of this practical point." —Times Literary Supplement

"A fascinating book."—Ricochet

“Atomic Dreams expertly tracks the resurgence of nuclear energy, weaving together voices of advocates and critics into a nuanced account of this controversial energy source. To understand the current debate about nuclear, start here."
 —Kate Crawford, author of Atlas of AI

"Atomic Dreams is full of fascinating characters sitting on opposite sides of an energy, environmental, and political drama."—Nuclear News