Book Review: The Unconquered

DETAILS: The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes by Scott Wallace. Copyright 2011. Adventure non-fiction.

SUMMARY: In 2002, National Geographic writer Scott Wallace and a group of thirty-four men, led by the director of Brazil's National Indian Foundation and comprised of a smattering of indigenous tribes of the Amazon as well as some adventurers, went in search of information about the flechieros, the People of the Arrow, one of the last uncontacted tribes of the Amazon.

PROS: I am still in awe of this book.  This may be one of the best books I've ever read.  I was a little concerned going in because as much as my Western curiosity wants to read about the "wild" Indians (and in this book they are referred to as Indians, not "Native Brazilians" or anything, so I will use that here), I know that contacting them, no matter how pure-intentioned the gesture may be, will almost certainly prove detrimental to their physical, emotional and social well-being.  This book alleviated all those concerns.  It combines the action, adventure, hardship of a early 1900's exploration of the Amazon with modern-day realizations and sensibilities regarding the Indians. 

CONS: None.

BOTTOM LINE: This book is incredible and I would recommend it to anyone who is at all interested in this subject.  Five stars out of five.

Book Review: How to Become a Famous Writer...

DETAILS: How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights, by Ariel Gore. Copyright 2007. Writing how-to, non-fiction

SUMMERY: Ariel Gore breaks down her advice for becoming a famous writer.

PROS:  This book was sometimes funny and irreverent and it contained some good interviews with famous authors.

CONS:  There was nothing really earth-shattering or new about this book.  I was disappointed over all and I don't feel like I learned much.

BOTTOM LINE: I wouldn't recommend this except maybe for the author interviews. Two stars out of five.