The Water Knife, written by Paolo Bacigalupi, is a near-future science fiction novel set in a world plagued by water scarcity. As the southwestern United States faces a severe drought, the story follows the struggles of various characters, including a water knife who fights to control water rights. Bacigalupi's gripping narrative and exploration of the consequences of climate change and bioengineering make The Water Knife a thought-provoking read.