Like many Americans, we are making our daily journey to the TV to watch the Ken Burns documentary on the Roosevelts. So far I have found it very enjoyable. But last night’s third installment reminded me of an excellent book I read a couple years ago.

The book is The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard. After former President Theodore Roosevelt lost his attempt as a third party candidate to oust President Taft in 1912, he set of on a hazardous expedition to chart a newly discovered river in South America.

The river was called River of Doubt and little was known about it and its course (hence, the name). Candice Millard takes this little known historical event and weaves a fascinating tale. It would be a challenge to write a fiction story this thrilling but here is one that is totally true.

Both Theodore and Kermit Roosevelt were ill during the journey and risked their lives as they shared the hardships and work with the rest of the group. In fact, the former President came very close to death.

It amazed me that although I knew both Roosevelts would survive the trip, there was a very real sense of suspense during the river journey. I believe this is due to Candice Millard’s superb writing skills.

The quote above is from my review of The River of Doubt. By the way the river was renamed Rio Roosevelt

Here is the Candace Millard page at Amazon.com.