The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

Although Millard's writing style makes this a most captivating story, the events in themselves are enough to make one eager to read the next page. The sheer willpower of these men while facing one danger after another is inspiring.

Engaging story of Roosevelt's exploration of an Amazon tributary, under the guidance of Brazilian Colonel Rondon. Have you ever started a book and thought, "This is going to end in disaster"? That was my first impression. Truly a tale of survival and determination.

Candice Millard tells the riveting true story of an obscure event in the sprawling life of Theodore Roosevelt. Had this story been a work of fiction, it would have seemed less believable than a made-for-television melodrama. But fiction it is not; it is fact, more thrilling than fiction. Millard's meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her page-turning writing style offers the reader a story hard to put down. Add to that the fame of the leading character, the father-son connection, the multiplied harrowing situations, and you have an adventure tale of epic proportion. It's hard to fathom that this month-long death march was so unknown, until now. Though certainly not "preachy," Millard's accounting conveys a clear message of indefatigable courage. The River of Doubt became for Roosevelt, his adult son, and their traveling companions, a torrent of hope. Their darkest journey converted into the light of perseverance, sacrifice, team-work, and survival. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."