Title: Path of the Paddle Whitewater safety and rescue
Author: Paul Mason
ISBN:  1552094510
Where to get: wherever you get your books

If you only buy a few books about canoeing, this one should also be part of it. Even though I think this book is somewhat more chaotic structured.  This book first handles whitewater paddling in a classic canoe, then whitewater paddling in playboats. Sometimes sections are repeated in the playboat part, some sections are referenced to from the classic canoe part.

Aside from the "getting used to the book" this book also contains really valuable information. The information about rivers featurs is nice and good. Also there are some really good explanations on river running strategies.  

This book will not replace good instruction, but it might get you to try something new.

This book is also written with carefull attention to some comical notes. At least I do appreciate them.