Where in the World is Percy Fawcett?
934691
The real star of 'Lost City of Z' is the 'counterfeit paradise' of the Amazon.  This vast region, almost as large as the continental U.S., is a mysterious and extensive repository of all kinds of flora and fauna--much hostile to humans.  There are anacondas which could eat a small cow, poisonous snakes and plants for which there are no remedies, weird insects of all sorts like tiny bees that try to get into your eyeballs.  The canopy of the jungle has all kinds of plants riotously struggling for the 'fight for light', leaving dark, thick, almost impassable underbrush below.  It was in this environment that Percy Fawcett--one of the last great individualistic explorers (before exploration became expensive, institutionalized, and specialized)--disappeared in 1925 with his son and his son's friend, while searching for a civilization he called 'Z', and the first conquistadores in the area called 'El Dorado'.  It was a sensational story at the time, and hundreds more perished, or were lost in subsequent decades, in efforts to find him.

I found the author's device of shifting from the past to the present, where he mounts his own little 'expedition', to be jarring.  I could imagine some old explorer curmudgeon intoning 'I knew Percy Fawcett.  I explored with Percy Fawcett.  Sir, you are no Percy Fawcett!'  On the other hand, this technique does highlight the vast differences in 'exploring' the Amazon versus almost a hundred years ago.  For example, the huge amount of clear-cutting for grazing land (difference), and the continued devastation of indigenous civilization which began with the initial contact of European conquerors.

The general gist of scholarship is that a civilization of any magnitude would be impossible in the Amazon because it is so hostile a place for humans, and the difficulty of cultivation would consign it to limited inhabitation, much like the Arctic 'wastes'.  Apparently, this was false, as 'Z' does exist--after a fashion.  The most cutting edge anthropological research has found cities in the middle of the Amazon, and roads, which supported a large population.  Percy Fawcett, who tried to locate Z based on legends and historical chronicles, was probably walking right through it but didn't recognize it as such in 1925.

The cities, such as those of 'El Dorado', existed when the first chroniclers recorded them hundreds of years ago.  What probably happened was that European diseases wiped out the population, much as it did further north.  The much smaller population could not help the jungle 'repossessing' the land very quickly, and much of the well-developed culture was lost.  Unlike the groups farther north, the Amazonians did not build in stone, so no permanent structures persisted.

In a way, this reminds me of 'One Second After', another book I recently reviewed--we can only imagine the skills, experience, and expertise, that would be lost as the American population is reduced to 30 million from a former population of 300 million.  After a few hundred years, anthropologists might likewise say 'I can't believe these fractious little tribes living their substinence lifestyle built these skyscrapers!'

As for what happened to Fawcett...well, I don't want to spoil everything for you!
3167112
In the late 1800's and the early 1900's, popular imaginations were excited by the explorations of the many gentlemen explorers who through courage and daring pushed the boundaries of human knowledge.  The exploits of men like Teddy Roosevelt, Roald Amundsen and Sir Richard Francis Burton were exciting to those left behind, and their discoveries moved the boundaries of what was known of the world we inhabit.

Another of these explorers was Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett.  From a military background (although the Colonel title seems self-imposed), Fawcett had early successes in his explorations.  He concentrated on taking small expeditions over land, and trying to befriend rather than confront the natives of the various countries he explored.

Like several other explorers, he became obsessed with the Amazon.  The common viewpoint was that the Amazon was populated by primitive tribes, who had never developed an extensive civilization.  Fawcett came to believe otherwise; he believed there was a rich, ancient civilization with huge cities and extensive laws and population.  Unable to find traces of this city, he mounted one final expedition in 1925.  By then, exploration was starting to change.  No longer was the gentleman explorer the preeminent authorities.  Scholars and scientists were taking over the expeditions, which become large, fully funded enterprises with scientific equipment.  On Fawcett's last trip, he took only himself, his son Jack, and Jack's best friend Rawleigh.  They entered the forest and were not heard from again.

David Grann has written an entertaining account of this period of history, the men who explored and the forces that were changing exploration.  He follows Fawcett's accomplishments and weaknesses, and the massive reaction to his disappearance.  It is estimated that over one hundred additional people have died hoping to find Fawcett or the true explanation of his disappearance.  Always engaging this book is recommended for readers with a sense of adventure who like to read about the ways our world knowledge has been expanded.
2766900
A calmly scintillating biography of the greatest match-winner in the history of football, this book delves richly into the man behind "Mane" as he was often called in the shortened from of his first baptismal name Manuel (full name Manuel Franciso Dos Santos), tracing his ancestry and birth on October 28,1933 in Pau Grande right through to his alcoholism-induced death on January 20,1983 in a Rio De Janeiro clinic. His early exploits in his mountainside hometown; his torturous relationship with his first wife Nair Marques and the eight daughters she bore him; his many and varied exploits with the fairer sex; his exciting performances for Botafogo and Brazil which often demoralized opponents; the drama-laden relationship with singer Elsa Soares; and many other aspects of Garrincha's life are recounted in absolutely riveting detail that would surely increase the admiration and love for the greatest right-winger in the history of the beautiful game. An unreserved "five stars" for this book. Get your copy today!!
113846
Percy's wife died in an accident forty years earlier, and he has built a shell of wit and sarcasm in the solitary years since. He is funny, opinionated, and exasperating to his two grown daughters. One of those daughters has made messes of her own life, and moves back to regroup in her hometown. In trying to help her start again,  a whole new cast of characters bring Percy, himself, back into the messiness of life and love. I found this book a most engaging read and would highly recommend it.
3875907
Several years ago I met Rich Riordan at a book signing at the San Marcos Public Library and was familiar with his Percy Jackson series for young adults. They are interesting titles and I had read most of them so was intrigued to find his adult novels. The Last King of Texas surprised me with its wit and delightful familiar setting. I am from Houston but have been to San Antonio many times and felt that the description of the scenery and locals of San Antonio put me right there with Tres Navarre and the odd characters of his detective novel. I loved the literary background of the main character since I am a librarian and have a similiar one. The University of Texas background seemed real and familiar and I know that Rick lives in San Antonio and loved writing about the ethnic town with so many sites to offer for visitors. All in all the novel was an excellent read for anyone and I encourage literary types and not-so lit ones to enjoy all the books by Rich Riordan. I plan to read all the Tres Navarre titles.
4610728
This book is one of the finest I have ever read.  I don't say that lightly; I have read my share of books and devoured anything written by or about Percy.
Tolson is worthy of the novelist whose life he portrays.  He  writes beautifully and takes the reader through the many periods of Percy's  life.  The biography is particulalry strong with the formative influences  that shaped the novelist's life and world view-- the suicides, the  depressions, both the "Old" and "New"  South, his Uncle  Will, Shelby Foote, modern America, religion, race, etc.
The book  impacted me more than any other I have read, and I would not be the same  person today without it.  There can be no finer praise for a work; 5 stars  seems so insufficient.
How fortunate we are Percy had Tolson as a  biographer.
3592023
Winston Graham, author of the "Poldark" novels, deserves recognition for his works.  I have read them, saw them portrayed on television and have enjoyed them all.  This is a love story, a tale of poverty, hardship, betrayal and the complexities of a large family.  The setting is in Cornwall, England just following the war between England and America.  The terrible poverty and powerlessness of the people who work the mines is mind blowing to read about, and but for the Grace of God, it could be right here in the USA.  It's a compelling story with a great setting, wonderful characters and the undeniable genius of Mr. Graham.  Set in the 1700s the story will make you cry, make you laugh and probably make you angry.  I highly recommend Poldark to all readers.
3469661
Shocking news, someone stole Zeus's master bolt, and Percy Jackson is the person who gets the blame. Now, Percy has only ten days to get the master bolt from the real thief otherwise he will be severly punished by Zeus. On Percy's quest, he finds some new friends, enemys, and shocking truths about his family. I really enjoyed this book because there are alot of fight scenes and discoveries that always change how you read the book. I liked the the conflict the most because it's really cool to see how Percy gets the bolt back and how they used unusual ways to accomplish their quest.

Most of the conflicts in the book revolve around the stolen master bolt. Along his quest, he meets his friend Grover, half goat and have person, and his friend Anabeth who looks like a normal person, but she is actually half-blood. The farther Percy gets into finding the real thief, the closer he is to finding out where his father is, who abandoned him when he was a baby, and more shocking truths about him. I liked this part because he figures it out as he is going through his quest.

But Percy has to do more on his quest to find the thief.  He also must solve the riddle of the oracle, which warns him that one of his friends is going to betray him and also that there is a power that is more greater than the gods. So now Persues Jackson must find the bolt, and solve the mysteries of the oracle in just ten days.
2151110
Mr Barnard's novel is set in England in 1941. For reasons of security, many children from London were evacuated to new homes in the countryside during the war. One day, a group of twenty children arrives at Yeasdon Station and among them there is an unlisted Simon Thorn instead of a certain Terence Stope. After much discussing and reflecting, Simon is taken to the Cutheridge family who adopt him so that at the age of eighteen, Cutheridge becomes Simon's official last name.

Some years later, after having studied zoology at Oxford university, Simon returns to London and he is determined to find out the truth about his origins. After much painstaking research and with the help of birth announcements in newspapers and a large portion of luck, Simon focuses his attention on a Leonard Simmeter of 25 Miswell Terrace, EC1, London.

So the door to a re-discovery suddenly opens for Simon and will eventually lead him to unravel a vicious crime that had never been detected.
3997380
Nautical and civil war adventure!  This is one of his less known works, but WELL worth reading!

Funny thing about great foreign writers, Verne was French, but most of us grew up thinking of him as American, (sadly I admit I did). It's easy to, watching the old movies on TV, or new movies, all in English with US actors. And of course all the wonderful books we grew up with were in English. I hope that is considered a compliment as to his power and success, as he was just as enormously popular in France, and is the founding father of science fiction with perhaps with H.G. Wells. Verne's stories, written for all ages, caught the enterprising spirit of the 19th century and its uncritical fascination about scientific progress and inventions. Perhaps some today are not so uncritical of science, but those who still have adventure in their soul, who long for the stars and the space program, will love all of Verne's works.

You'll love it!
1356092
Only a few years before the historical eruption of Vesuvius (79 AD), private informer Marcus Didius Falco is in Londinium in Roman Britain, asked by the powers-that-be to investigate the murder of one of a British ally's friends.  He discovers a link with a gang of Roman gangsters expanding into virgin territory, and threatened by Falco's interference.  Great opportunity 14th entry in the 20-book Falco series to gain a painless view of how a Roman community exists, what it looks like to a citizen, all mixed with a mystery. I love this stuff.
955116
I am looking at my Fawcett Gold Medal edition of this book which I have owned for more than 30 years as I write this review.  This book was first published in "Adventure" magazine in 1940 under the title Barren Land Murders, and Luke Short, although being called a "western" writer not always stuck to the formula of westerns.  He often times went outside the boundries, and here he goes up north.  And he knew something about that country, because he had been a trapper in Artic before becoming a writer, so he indeed did know this area personally.  And it  shows in his writing.  This book reminds me of the ones William Byron Mowrey wrote about this part of the world, and you will find airplanes in this book too.  It is a contemporary novel, I guess you could call it; the action takes place in the time it was published.  Not a "western" but still a fine read from one of the greats.  I don't recall the exact story line, but the hero is out to find out who killed his partner--a typical Luke Short scenario.
141795
I love this series. It captures together mythology, magic, teenage angst, the battle between good and evil - Our hero, Percy (Perseus) Jackson, son of Poseidon, anticipates his summer trip to Camp Half Blood - the training ground for demigods - half gods/half mortals - but something's wrong - the magic protection around the camp (including the tree that holds Thalia, Zeus' daughter), has been compromised and monsters and chaos are entering. Percy has also been having dreams about Grover, his bud and satyr, who has gone on a quest to find Pan. Grover is in trouble and needs Percy's help.

It is determined that only the Golden Fleece will negate the chaos at the camp, and Clarisse, Ares' daughter, is chosen by the camp to get it. Percy, Annabelle, and a new character, Tyson, also go - they find out that Grover is in Florida, and the Golden Fleece are on an island in the Sea of Monsters - where else - located in what the mortals call The Bermuda Triangle!!

The book beings mythology to life, and it is so much fun.

Percy finds more of his powers, and we see a well rounded battle between good and evil growing. People (and gods) are choosing sides.

It helps to be versed in Greek mythology, but Riordan has made a delightful mix of gods and monsters and relates that to the backdrop of the 21th century.

It is a great continuation to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
3159203
Andrew London's first book, "Ten Minutes of Forever" is written in the classic style of Ernest Hemingway. An up and coming great American novelist, London is not afraid to challenge the reader's notions about life, love, god, politics or the current state of human affairs. He weaves his personal insight into the story through his main character, Percy. Percy has maintained a plutonic and distant relationship for the past fifteen years with a Chinese women named Wren. Though, they have never met, the bond that they share together is unbreakable. When Percy is diagnosed with cancer, he decides to sail across the ocean in a thirty foot sailboat to spend his remaining days with his beloved Wren. The book is reminiscent of Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea". It is a timeless adventure that takes the reader on a journey through the human heart to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. I look forward to more novels from this author. This is one book you will not be able to put down. Bravo Andrew London!
4214606
This 12th volume of the long running AMELIA PEABODY series finds the family of noted Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson, his wife, the outspoken Amelia Peabody Emerson, their son Ramses and adopted daughter Nefret once again back in Egypt for another winter of digging.  The world situation seems to be conspiring to keep them from their beloved tombs this winter season of 1914-15.  War is raging in Europe, two nephews are in the trenches fighting, the husband of a niece is imprisoned as a suspect alien as Egypt is tossed like a pawn between the Ottoman and British Empires.  Closer to home Ramses is shunned by the British community for his refusal to join the army although Amelia begins to suspect that all is not as it seems.

Fans of this series will take particular delight as the romance between Ramses and Nefret is finally resolved and will also at long last learn the identity of the 'Master Criminal' who has been lurking in the shadows since the beginning (THE CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK).  Those who are unfamiliar with this series would be much better served to begin at the beginning.

This is a comic/cozy mystery series where the personalities of the characters and the on-going stories of their lives is the main attraction here rather than the 'mystery'.  Most readers will be far ahead of Amelia and Emerson on the trail of clues but the trip will be hilarious and leave the reader wondering what this group will get into next.
4383216
The biography of an amazing Woman who was born in Britain, Lived with her missionary parents in China from the early 1900's, and returned to Britain to school. Lived in China and France, before marrying and lived in Czechoslovakia during the German invasion and occupation. Her escape to England during the war and life in New Zealand makes and historic, exciting reading. Stanley Roache interviewed Grace whilke writing this book.
3698232
A true work of original art, Percy accomplishes what few writers have. A Modern Library Top 100 novel. You will not be disappointed.