I’m a big fan of discounted books. I subscribe to several e-reader deal sites, get emails every day providing free or heavily discounted books. A majority of those on my Kindle are discounted or free. I like to discover new genres, new authors, and sometimes just to have a quick read. It’s my own little expedition. A book expedition. No bug spray needed.
It was in one of these book explorations that I found a discounted book called Jungleland by Chris Stewart
I’m in the midst of reading it right now. I love these type of books on exploration. I know for a fact that I would never go into the jungles of the Amazon or into a rain forest in Honduras, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to read about them! The author takes us on a journey tracing the route of Theodore Morde on this quest for the mystical White City deep in the jungles of Honduras. The book alternates between the journey of the author, and Morde’s journey in the 40’s. It’s a nice juxtaposition….to see the modern travel versus the travel of past explorers. While we think (especially as Americans) that there is not much left to explore and learn, these jungles in Central and South America show just how vast the planet is. My main problem with exploration? The bugs. This book goes in deep on the bugs. Ick.
I’ve read a few other books about famous expeditions, and I do recommend a lot of them. The best one in recent memory is:
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
This book got me into an exploration phase and was an exciting read. Also a story alternating between time periods, and also whilst looking for an ancient “lost” city.
Several other books on exploration that I enjoyed:
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey
Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone
Another recommendation, while not explicitly about exploration:
This book is about a military plane crash during WWII in the South Pacific. It traces the survival of several passengers in an inhospitable place. Also, another Kindle deal so definitely worth the read.
At least this way I don’t have to worry about bugs or snakes.
Nicole Asselin Writer 