Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey - The River of Doubt

Fantastic chronicle of TR's descent into the madness of Brazil's the store jungle. This true story is a page turner. TR embarks on a bully adventure only to discover his hired safari guides have no experience nor have they properly provided for the expedition. As a result TR and his son, and their crew, face imminent death at every turn and barely get out with their lives. Riveting, true and brilliantly written.

This book has great subject material: Theodore Roosevelt, true exploration and the inclusion of other little-known, but key participants. It is in a league with "The Path Between Seas" by David McCullough. The writing is excellent, making reading this book thoroughly enjoyable.

It is enlightening for those familiar with the traditional TR timeline of sick child making himself strong, cowboy period and early politics, Rough-Rider, presidency, Bull-Moosing . . . and, oh by the way, a bit of trouble in South America where he got really sick but survived and then his death at the age of only 60. It takes that bit of trouble and shows the reader what an incredibly arduous journey it was (one very hard to imagine in 2014) and the impact it had on Roosevelt's life - literally. Had he remained healthy, he might very well have been the 1920 presidential candidate.

It's a book I'll read again and enjoy again.

Theodore Roosevelt was a man of exceptional vigor, ability, and zest for life. He is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating men ever to hold the American Presidency, and indeed possibly to have ever lived. His biography reads almost like a presciption for getting everything one can out of life -- to seize every adventure, to pursue every ideal, and to hold fast to one's personal moral code.

Roosevelt is the star of the terrific story that is told in The River of Doubt, but he is not alone. He is surrounded by a number of other exceptional individuals -- the great Brazilian explorer Colonel Rondon, Roosevelt's own tormented but brave son Kermit, and a group of Brailizian camaradas who range from the most tireless and fearless, to the most venal.

The elements of this story are such that it can hardly miss. Roosevelt, Rondon and the others traveled deep into the heart of the Brazilian the store to explore territory that no white men had ever explored before. Unimaginable challenges awaited them -- unpredictably difficult terrain, roaring rapids, ravenous jungles, arduous portages, inadequate provisions, cultural barriers within the exploring party, disease-carrying insects, and hostile, cannibalistic, and stealthy indigenous peoples.

Terrific though the story is, Ms. Millard's treatment of it is what makes this a truly wonderful book. She has a great gift for relating the sensory flavor of the ecosystem through which Roosevelt and his company traveled. Her descriptions of the vast diversity of survival strategies employed by different species there, in mortal competition with one another, elevate this book above a mere relating of a gripping historical episode. She brings the rain forest to life, and conveys the dangers to Roosevelt's party with an immediacy and comprehension that even the participants could not have fully possessed.

What makes the book for me, however, is the depiction of Roosevelt and his keen sense of personal honor. This was a man who refused to be shown any deference, who refused to sit if Colonel Rondon, the Brazilian commander, was not also so seated. This was also a man who, if his ailing condition became a burden to the rest of the expedition, resolved to take his own life rather than to jeopardize those of others.

It is truly sobering ro realize how great a risk Roosevelt took in leading this expedition. He could very well have been killed and cannibalized. He might have died of malaria, and indeed almost did. One wonders what a shock it would have been to America to have its beloved former President die under such circumstances.

I own several books about Roosevelt's life, and this might be the one that I would first recommend to convey the full flavor of his personality and his values. My wife and I have just had our first child, a daughter, and I found myself hoping that she will, at some point, read of this extraordinary man, and to profit from his example, to lead a richer and fuller life.

Remarkable though Roosevelt is, he is not the only fascinating character on the expedition. At times, the Brazilian commander Colonel Rondon's plodding determination to survey the landscape, even at the cost of a risky loss of time and provisions, vexed Roosevelt utterly. This could not, however, diminish the profound respect between the two men. Rondon is himself a phenomenal character, a man who also stayed true throughout his life to an intense personal creed of honor -- someone who would die before killing, even in self-defense. Roosevelt, and the reader, could hardly fail to be impressed by him.

Roosevelt's son Kermit, too, is a fascinating presence. In youth, he was Roosevelt's timid son, but over time, he absorbed his father's life lessons and in adulthood had become the most fearless, perhaps the most reckless, of the family. This expedition brought out the most in young Kermit, though his conduct was not without mistakes. Kermit's life ultimately ended in tragedy, but his conduct on this expedition would make any father deeply proud.

As should be obvious, this book is highly recommended. Fascinating and inspiring, vivid and educational, it only gets better as it moves along. I believe that by its conclusion most readers would be, as I was, moved and inspired.

Good account of Roosevelt's Amazing journey. I knew he made it out alive, but I was still on the edge of my seat, wondering how it would end. Millard's extensive research shows in this excellent book.

Candice Millard has done a wonderful job chronicling Theodore Roosevelt's last great adventure in that quintessential of American lives.

The book starts with a lost TR, still nursing his comeback loss for a third term in 1912. An African safari had been his salve and adventure after declining to run for reelection in 1908. The danger, success and coverage it received buoyed his spirits. Facing a life of lecturing and writing after losing to Wilson and splitting the GOP vote with Taft in 1912, TR seizes on an opportunity to visit South America on a lecture tour. He can spend time with his son Kermit who is roughing it down there (shades of his father's foray to the Badlands) and explore the River of Doubt in the the store basin. The River of Doubt is so named because no one has ever followed it from its source to its terminus and it is unknown.

Roosevelt and Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon and TR's son Kermit as well as naturalists and porters lead an expedition to explore this river into the great unknown of the the store rain forest. Just getting to the source involves months of overland passage. The journey is poorly organized and provisioned (this seems to be universal to explorers up until recent times. See Scott in Antarctica and the early polar explorations in the 1800's). Game expected to be taken by party hunters is scarce. The boats used are unwieldy dugouts not well suited to a rapid and roaring river. Hostile Indians, some who have never seen "civilized" men inhabit the forest. The journey becomes a race for survival that costs some lives among the party and almost kills Theodore Roosevelt. (His situation is so perilous that at one point he begs his son and the rest of the expedition to leave him to die so as not to slow their progress.)

In the end, Roosevelt emerges, although weakened from his injury (which many argue hastened his early death five years later). He again is on the stage receiving accolades including having the river renamed for him (still the Rio Roosevelt today). This was TR's last chance, in his words, "to be a boy."

Millard's book is an excellent treatment of the journey. She gives a good concise background on both Roosevelts and explores the remarkable Col. Rondon who Roosevelt thought of as one of the great explorers of the age. The river passage is exciting and the author gives a good telling of the mysteries of the rain forest and what traveling through a thoroughly wild and unexplored area must have been like a hundred years ago. This is an exciting book that will appeal to fans of travel and adventure writing as well as TR fans.

A fascinating page turner! What these men of steel endured! Characters are drawn beautifully. You know these men. You are there, with them on their adventure. The book also explains so many of the wonders of the the store, its flora and fauna. Having been to the the store, I visualized it again with new appreciation. Highly recommended, especially for anyone planning to go to this fascinating area. Read it twice, both before and afterward, for maximum appreciation.

Candice Millard rates as one of the best (non-fiction) writers I've read in a long, long time. Aside from being articulate and well researched, she does an excellent job of telling the reader only what they need to know. Too many times, I've been bored to death and given up on a book simply because it was over researched and detailed to the point of being boring. Ms. Millard moves through her stories with dexterity. After finishing "River of Doubt" I immediately read "Destiny of the Republic" which was another page turner. I can't say enough about her style. Hopefully we'll see another of her books very soon.

Like this a lot. Gave an insight into what Theodore Roosevelt's last big trip was about and the hardships encountered by all members of the group. Learned a lot about Roosevelt's character, and what made him tick. Millard is a very good writer having done a lot of research and then telling a tale that was almost like fiction. The the store during this period of time was largely untouched and very perilous. Would recommend this book.

This is a superb piece of research and writing that captures Theodore Roosevelt as he really must have been. It's a suspense story, a thriller, a botanical and scientific examination that seizes your interest, and an expose of the true menace of the the store -- the insects. I actually knew little of Roosevelt's life before reading this book. One can draw the conclusion that it was the River of Doubt that killed him and ended an extraordinary life far too soon. I recommend it very highly.

Bill Piekney

This was about an adventure that was harrowing and life-threatening and of which I'd known nothing previously. It reminded me of the Lewis and Clark expedition, though I think it was more dangerous. Excellently written account of courage, mistakes, perseverance. The people of the trip were well-drawn and added to the story each in their own way.

First it is a very well written book. The author, Candice Millard is either very well educated in the fields of ecology, evolution, biology and anthropology or she spent considerable time researching these subjects because her detail was incredible.
The story of this adventure is quite extraordinary. How could these fellows venture into this unknown jungle so ill prepared? And some of them
were seasoned explorers in this type of environment.
Great book. Well, written.

And that's not a statement of partisan politics, but it does say a lot about leadership. Volumes have been written about Theodore Roosevelt, the soldier, the statesman, the adventurer, and the president, but if there is a single book that captures the vitality, the determination, and the indomitable spirit of this great American, it is "The River of Doubt." Former National Geographic writer and editor Candice Miller pulls no punches and leaves no stone unturned in spinning this vibrant and suspense-packed tale of risk and discovery cutting through the heart of the the storeian jungle on an uncharted Brazilian river. Miller brings the the store to life in all its bloody glory, an unfathomably dangerous place where even the frogs are deadly, where schools of piranhas can turn an ox - or a man - to a skeleton in minutes, a place where, despite caymans and poison dart-wielding natives, it is the insects - insects of all types and descriptions - that pose the greatest risk.

This is an epic journey facing not only the challenges of a wild river cascading over rapids and waterfalls through an impenetrable jungle, but also treachery and even murder. Roosevelt and expedition co-lead Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, an officer of the Brazilian military and renowned the store explorer, find themselves surprisingly ill-equipped for their voyage through one of the planets most inhospitable regions, and ironically are soon near starvation in a green hell that while teaming with life, food is stubbornly unattainable. Meanwhile, it is a poignant tale of the bond between father and son, as Roosevelt and second son Kermit alternately sacrifice and suffer for each other while proudly denying emotion. This is one of those stories that, after weeks of terror, when Roosevelt and the tattered remains of his party emerge feverish from malaria and near starvation, you'll ask, "why haven't I heard about this before now."

Were this fiction, it would strain the bounds of credibility. But that this is the story of a former President of the United States is truly staggering. A remarkable achievement, "The River of Doubt" is a must read, illuminating a fascinating slice of world history in the twilight of the age of exploration while providing an intimate peak into the unparalleled character of Theodore Roosevelt. Bully!

Millard does a masterful job of bringing to life not only an expedition in the the store jungle, but also the very interesting characters that composed it, from the very famous (US President Teddy Roosevelt, his son) to regionally famous characters (Rondon in Brazil) to unknowns (naturalists, priests, etc.).

The book opens with a description of the times in US and Latin American politics. It was a time of the Panama canal, Latin American instability and the establishment of US leadership in the region. Against that backdrop, a formerly powerful man, Roosevelt, seeks his last swan song as an explorer in the the store, seeking to do somehting truly significant in a time of explorers (Amudsen, Mallory, etc.).

The expedition is quite clearly poorly planned and the different philosophies of its joint leaders (Roosevelt and Rondon) burst out amid the difficulties they face in the jungle and in enormous repeated rapids. The true story includes murder, drowning, abandonment, indian attacks, starvation, not to mention the more vain human constants of pettiness, ambition, deceit, and pride.

Ultimately, Roosevelt and Rondon put on the map a 1 thousand mile long river, which was to be renamed from "River of Doubt" (hence the title) to "River Roosevelt", as it stands today. This is the kind of book one will read in only a few short days, unable to put down the exciting story. The pictures included also contribute to clarify the true nature of the adventure. I highly recommend this book, as I believe it will fast become the authoritative account of Roosevelt?s expedition and a classic of the storeian exploration.

Only knowing a little about Teddy Roosevelt's life, I was pleasantly surprised to find out more about him growing up, as a young man, President, and a defeated third-party nominee and his penchant for adventure. This isn't a novel, but the real-life adventure of TR on an uncharted tributary of South America's the store River. If you are a history buff, you'll enjoy it.

Book isb a remarkable story following our beloved former President on an adventure we can only imagine. This read brings the story to life in great detail that makes it seem as if the reader is on the river, following the expedition along the way. Hard to put down once I dove in

This is a wonderful book! The River of Doubt caught my eye because I enjoy hiking and camping and nature. TR's "camping trip" down the the store make my experiences seem luxurious and tame. The ex-president journeys two months and 700 miles through central Brazil on donkeys and oxen just to get to the mouth of an unexplored and uncharted finger of the the store River. Why? For the thrill of it! He must have been a little worried by the time his party finally sets off down the River of Doubt. There are only 22 people able to continue on the expedition at that point. Once on the river, one of the party drowns, another is murdered and the third (the murderer) is lost in the jungle. Where is the secret service when you need them? The author, a writer for the National Geographic, does a brilliant job bringing to life the beautiful yet dangerous world of the the storeian rain forest. You might think that there is an abundance of food in the rain forest (as TR and his companions hoped), but she explains why this isn't always true. Insects, Indians, rapids, heat, rain, hunger and disease characterize this amazing adventure. She shares details about the members of this group of explorers; TR, of course and his son Kermit. Also Candido Rondon, a national hero in Brazil. Through it all 55 year old TR rises above the hardship. He almost dies, but his sheer will, his son and his belief in a larger purpose motivate him to survive. This selfless attitude helped me to understand why the man was elected president almost a hundred years ago. This book is terrific on many levels: as a historical narrative and examination of human character; as an adventure story, as a study of the surreal nature of the the store River and the country that claims it.

This is the best! A tremendous story of tremendous people. A serious survival story! Think how South America might think of us if we showed respect for native people, their land customs. Our ape of their land, slaughter of natives we used as slaves, rubber trees, etc. And what a comic & disastrous preparation committee. Only the magic of the Roosevelts could turn those situations around with incredible ingenuity.

River of Doubt is an historical narrative supplemented with excerpts from in depth research as well as journals which were written during a little known exploratory journey undertaken by Theodore Roosevelt and some very remarkable companions. The story plunges into the the store basin and relates discoveries about history, nature, geography, and human nature. The author makes the journey come alive--like 3D HD for a book!

This is such an outstanding book. This gives quite a good look as to the strength and character of Teddy Roosevelt. I am amazed. The author did an excellent job at researching for this book. I was so impressed with her writing that I ordered and listened to her book about Pres. Garfield, "Destiny do the Republic" another wonderfully researched and written book. I look forward to more good reads from Candice Millard.

As a former Peace Corps volunteer who spent time in rainforest, I can only tell you how dismayed I was when I read about the supplies amassed for Teddy Roosevelt's trip to the the store! This was a very exciting telling of the trip in true Indiana Jones fashion. It reads like a novel, but better and awakened a new interest for me in Roosevelt whom I usually dismissed for his efforts to kill off wildlife and foment revolution to advance his goals in Panama.

Once again Candice Millard takes the life of a well documented historical figure and tells us in great detail not only things we didn't know about him but at the same time opens up a whole new topic that we didn't know much about. While it was her first of three similarly integrated stories, I chose to read the other two first and now I can't wait to see what she has in store next.

Most of the book is boring side details until you get halfway through it. Very hard to get into. I had to force myself to read this but once I got to the actual adventure, it was a little more tolerable. I bought this book hoping for more of an adventure/exploration story (like "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage") and instead received a yawn-eliciting history. If you're an avid history book, this is probably more up your alley than it is mine.

This is an outstanding book. Totally enjoyable read. The author combines history, personal stories, and adventure to spend quite a tale. the recounts the story of Theodore Roosevelt's adventure exploring a very inhospitable and unknown river in South America. Unqualified five star recommendation.

Great book detailing a great adventure. Theodore Roosevelt was as tough as they come. I thought the book was well written and I also thought the critiques I read in the other reviews about the author going too in-depth about the ecology of the forest were unjustified. I found the evolutionary history of the jungle interesting and it really added a cool perspective to the expedition. Definitely worth reading. Do it!

I enjoyed reading this detailed description of Roosevelt’s journey down the River of Doubt. The narrator captivated me right away and kept me engaged throughout the book. I learned a lot about Brazil, the Indians and the rain forest. Worth taking the time to read this bit of history. Bravo!

One of the last great adventures of exploration. Men with a depth we don’t see now reminds us what we are capable of. Also a tale that reminds us that we are all the same when the thin coating of civilization is stripped away.

This magnificent work slices through politically correct drivel to present characters with all their richness and contradictions. A beautiful portrayal of how foolish we would be to attempt to limit any figure years after the fact by squeezing them conveniently into our contrived box. The narration flows evenly, interspersed with fascinating gems to keep our full attention. A wonderful book.

Highly suspenseful account of Teddy Roosevelt's expedition into the the store, something about which I knew nothing. The book read like a suspenseful novel, although it was non-fiction. It shows how almost off-handed, extremely poor planning and absolutely no idea about what to anticipate nearly led to the Roosevelt party disappearing into the rainforest, never to be seen again. The naïveté with which they explored and the hardships endured -- even to termites eating their belongings over night -- coupled with sheer determination and courage to survive is inspiring and as suspenseful as a cliff-hanger novel. It is hard to believe that less than 100 years ago, so much of the planet and its inhabitants was unknown to western man.

This fascinating account of Theodore Roosevelt's disastrous trip on the River of Doubt is well-written and meticulously researched. It has many "micro histories" on the flora and fauna of Brazil (hint: don't read this outside around a lot of bugs) as well as the native peoples of the region. My only frustration had to do with all the diversions when, on a few occasions, I just wanted to find out what happened next. The epilogue tells the reader the sometimes tragic personal stories once the journey ended and was one of the portions of the book that I shall remember the most. I read this as a book club assignment and we had a lengthy and lively discussion on Roosevelt, his son, and the men who played such a critical part of their journey. If you like a lot of detail in harrowing stories of exploration and adventure, this would be a perfect choice.

This fascinating account of Theodore Roosevelt's disastrous trip on the River of Doubt is well-written and meticulously researched. It has many "micro histories" on the flora and fauna of Brazil (hint: don't read this outside around a lot of bugs) as well as the native peoples of the region. My only frustration had to do with all the diversions when, on a few occasions, I just wanted to find out what happened next. The epilogue tells the reader the sometimes tragic personal stories once the journey ended and was one of the portions of the book that I shall remember the most. I read this as a book club assignment and we had a lengthy and lively discussion on Roosevelt, his son, and the men who played such a critical part of their journey. If you like a lot of detail in harrowing stories of exploration and adventure, this would be a perfect choice.

Exploration at overwhelming odds starting with 3rd rate equipment supplied by others who had no idea of the hazards involved. Teddy Roosevelt a seasoned adventurer and physically stalwert was overwhelmed by the jungle environment, oppressive heat and sickness due to malaria and exhaustion. Limited supplies both medically and nutrition wise was a constant worry. The river itself was a constant danger of extreme rapids, twist,turns and capized water craft. We'll written suspense and the mere determination to keep going.

A great historical adventure. It gives moving and frank insight into our greatest modern President. The insights into the native people of the the store is even handed and very enlightening. The discussion of the animals and biology of the the store is thorough and well researched. We just visited Ecuador and the upper the store. If I had read this book before I went, it would have made the trip even more meaningful than it already was. I absolutely recommend it for anyone with a spirit of adventure and a desire to learn. If you visit Brazil, read this book first.

Candice Millard has given us a gut-wrenching record of Theodore Roosevelt's journey on this never-before-traveled section of the the store River. That he survived physical deterioration close to death, and a near suicide stopped only by his son Kermit, is at once a testament to his rugged days in the Dakotas and disbelief that the thought of suicide could ever cross his mind!

Details about what happened on the river, the Indians, the person of Colonel Candido Rondon(an admired explorer in his own right), the many hardships, etc., reflect the exhaustive research Millard did. You will be in one of those canoes on the River of Doubt (now named after Roosevelt) and breathe that collective sigh of relief and join in "shouts of exaltation" on seeing an outpost of civilization"

"Destiny of the Repulbic" is another Millard book that I highly recommend about President James Garfield. It will open your eyes to a chapter in history you won't soon forget, and find out it was not the bullet that killed him, but a doctor's arrogance and incompetence.

Incredibly interesting story that could never happen today (an ex-President totally off the grid on a death-defying adventure). I read it before venturing to the jungle. Well written, but the story spoke for itself.

Entraining, informative and suspenseful. TR harrowing expedition through the the store is Chronicled in such way that made me feel as if I was a member of his party, fighting with them, the green hell that almost kill him.

The life of Theodore Roosevelt has often been presented in such a way that the man appears larger than life. In this history of his trip to the the store Basin at a time he was coping with a serious political setback, we meet an all too human Roosevelt. A man who nearly loses his son and risks his own life and those of his companions to peruse the adventure of a lifetime.

Teddy Roosevelt said, "No man has any business to go on such a trip as ours unless he will refuse to jeopardize the welfare of his associates by any delay caused by a weakness or ailment of his. It is his duty to go forward, if necessary on all fours, until he drops." There you have this story in a nutshell because Roosevelt was faced with that dilemma on his adventurous trek down this previously unexplored the store river. It is quintessential T.R.

Candice Millard tells a wonderfully engrossing story in expert fashion. She fills in any blanks with her National Geographic background, so that you are more informed of the ever present dangers than Roosevelt's team. They were woefully unprepared, poorly organized and foolish. In some ways they were blisfully ignorant. But the Bull Moose and strenuous life philosophy of T. Rex, accompanied by the stoic philosophy of his Brazilian guide, saw them through.

You have to appreciate Theodore Roosevelt for living the life he espoused, reckless adventure and all. This is not a dull book. I highly recommend.

Great book on Teddy and Kermit Roosevelt's trip charting a recently discovered river in Brazil. During those days without GPS and handheld rdios, navigation and communication were far more difficult and dangerous.

I have to confess I knew little about Theodore Roosevelt and was surprised to learn so much about him in this stirring adventure story based on factual events. He survived the trip down the river of doubt but it seriously impaired his health and his son some thirty years later. The the store will always be a fascinating geographical area but for me studied from afar and not up close. I have visited Brazil but did not have enough time to get close to the the store Basin. A riveting tale skillfully told.

I just finished reading this book for the second time. National Geographic rated it as one of the 100 best adventure books and I hardily agree. Very well written and the descriptions of traveling through the jungle made me feel I was actually there.

'River of Doubt' is not so much a historical/political biography, as a compelling expedition through the Brazilian wilderness. While I enjoyed the remarkable accounts of the journey, it would have been interesting to know the motivation/reasoning behind Roosevelt's excursion. We all know that TR was very resilient (he was a sickly child; he lost both his first wife and mother on the same day; he once gave a 90-minute speech after being shot in the chest; and he was crushed by his failed bid to recapture the presidency as a Bull Moose candidate) and that he survived the Rio da Duvida -- but I was hoping to get insight into what drove Theodore and Kermit to pursue (and continue) such a reckless voyage. And, although they both lived to tell the tale, it definitely led to their premature deaths.

I was surprised by this book. It was, foremost, very educational. About geography, plants, animals, insects, the rain forest. Millard did a great job of bringing this together in an entertaining way. The side of TR and his son was interesting but the side of Rondon and his research, and approaches to the Brazilian Indians, was just as interesting. Read it, you'll love it. More importantly, you'll learn a lot!

A interesting record of Roosevelt's last great journey into the wilderness on the uncharted River of Doubt, an unexplored tributary of the the store in the south american country of Chile. Through many hardships and finally close to death due to a nasty infection of his leg and near starvation, Theodore Roosevelt succeeded in traversing one of the most treacherous areas of the the store with its stinging insects, poisonous animals and murderous indigenous peoples.

A great story about Teddy Roosevelt that I had never heard of before. Very good historical adventure. The author's obsession with descriptions of natural science did become some what tedious, what with long sections on horticulture and the many hazardous bugs, snakes, fish, and many tropical diseases.

Theodore Roosevelt lost the election of 1912 and decided to ease his pain as he always had: physical challenge. Roosevelt initially would go down a previously charted river but at the last minute change his plans and decided to chart a river that had never been navigated. Much of the journey was hampered by insects, rain, lack of food, and the Jungle itself. I am sure that none of the adventures knew the price the jungle would exact from the men as they began their journey. The River of Doubt chronicles the journey, teaches the reader about the jungle, and paints stories of the key players. I have read the Lost City of Z as well and in 2010 I have a hard time understanding why these men would want to map a river. The jungle is a place of ruthless and efficient death. Forget, native attacks. Mosquitoes, eye lickers, piranhas, parasites that swim up your urine stream, poisonous snakes, and much more await the poor fellow who thinks the jungle would be a fun place to visit. Roosevelt his son and many and the rest of the expedition had the wrong equipment and were perpetually low on food. Roosevelt and the expedition make the journey but it is safe to say that it killed him in the end. Roosevelt never fully recovered form the infections that he suffered while on the expedition and died shortly after returning to America. Tragically, his son Kermit did not fulfill his promise and eventually met with a tragic fate. Overall, it covers much of the same jungle hardship motif that the Lost City of Z did but I enjoyed it all the same!

Theodore Roosevelt is one of our most influential presidents and a most interesting and amusing character in our history. This was a difficult read at times because Teddy and his entire party got themselves into a mess that they didn't really expect when they began their exploration of the River of Doubt. Reading about their hardships and about the natural phenomenon they had to deal with in the rain forest was difficult enough, but then Teddy re-injured his leg and he came very close to death. It was practically a miracle that he and they made it out of the jungle alive -- and it needs to be noted that a few of them didn't make it home. This is an adventure by Teddy Roosevelt that I hadn't known about, and it was a terrific example of his grit, his compassion and his joy for life. You have to want to slog the river with them, but it is a good piece of history.

The River of Doubt is an easy and somewhat adventurous read that discloses the personality of our ex-president and his family life. Much more could have been said about the inhabitants and the plant and animal life of the the store region. I was disappointed in the depth of the descriptions. We get a lot of input on the suffering the men endured because of poor planning by the men Roosevelt chose to make arrangements for the trip, and come away thinking that the men on the expedition were insensitive bufoons. I found the story line repetitive and, at times, shallow. The author definitely defined Roosevelt's lack of compassion for his family and particularly for his son. I think I like it because it's different, and I applaud the author for her idea. It's always interesting to get a better sense of our leaders' personalities.

I am a modern day rafting enthusiast, spending many days in backcountry. Picturing this expedition in their dories, and then carving boats from trees, is a story of man overcoming obstacles in order to survive. This book illustrates the complexities of teams working under adverse conditions. That it tells the tale of how Teddy met his end was of great interest.

This is a must read for River Rats, looking at the possible challenges that might present themselves, and considering application of modern day techniques against those used by this ill-fated group of explorers...

As well as painting an insightful picture of Theodore Roosevelt and his son in these desperate circumstances, Millard shares a lot about the the store jungle, the flora and fauna, the native populations and the efforts of the Brazilian co-commander of the venture to chart their experience carefully so his country would be better able to face the future. It's a survival story of great worth.