Although some interesting historical insights are provided, one gets the sense from the beginning that the lesson here is to plan ahead. It is rather disconcerting to know that a former president of the United States was more of a tactical (and somewhat fickle) leader rather than a strategic leader, which he left in the hands of those with unproven skills.

Our group thoroughly enjoyed reading this non-fiction book. We all agreed that we would like to read more about Theodore Roosevelt and also about his wife who put up with TR's wanderlust. Several in the group wanted to psycho-analyze a personality that was so over-the-top action-oriented. TR's own line that "black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast enough," is very telling.

We looked at Roosevelt's own written version of this adventure, Through the Brazilian Wilderness, published in 1914 which is available to read on the internet. Roosevelt was an impressive intellectual, scientist and naturalist as well as a hunter and adventurer.

Thoroughly enjoyable and captivating book. Presented dramatic insights into the character of one of our great presidents along with fascinating description of the environment and inhabitants of the Amazon.

I took a complete leap of faith in chosing this book & I was completelty pleased at how much I truly enjoyed this book. It didn't portray any of the people as 1 dimensional good or bad. The story was interesting & exciting. I couldn't put the book down.

TR is bigger than life and it comes through in this book in both good ways and bad. Interesting story that gave our group a good discussion. Very informative and it reads like fiction!

Page turner.

Many members said the book started a bit slowly but once the journey was underway it was a great read. Very detailed in parts but an enthralling and little known story. We had an excellent discussion.