River of Doubt by Candice Millard

Fascinating book about the expedition taken by Theodore Roosevelt through Brazil.  Although I do not necessarily see eye-to-eye with Roosevelt politically, it does not take away from the man that he was.  Roosevelt was know for his self inflecting physical challenges that was part of what made him remarkable. 

This book covers in detail the expedition through an uncharted river "the river of doubt".  It delved into details about the river, its inhabitants as well as the plants and insects.  I learned so much about plants and insects from this book.  Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was a strong, determined and tenacious person.  I have much more respect for him after reading this book.  The book shows you how men in desperate situation are brought to the brink insanity and even commit murder and/or contemplate taking their own lives.  Roosevelt also took his son on the mission.  The book transports you to the river and makes you feel those feelings of desperation Teddy must have felt seeing his son in harm's way.


This book is kid safe >12 although subject matter may not interest them much.

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Anchor; Later Printing edition (October 10, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0767913736
ISBN-13: 978-0767913737