Book # 37 THE LOST CITY OF Z By: David Grann

This book was not on my original list. It came across my radar when it was republished in paperback early this year and people kept coming into work asking for it. With my curiosity peaked, I looked into it further to find that it was voted the best non-fiction book of 2009 and was on Michiko Kakutani's top 10 (who as of yet, I have always agreed with). AND as an inexpensive download on my nook the deal was sealed.

Percy Fawcett was a British explorer who rose to fame early in the 20th century for his extensive exploration of the Amazon. He was often seen as invincible having survived for so long in the jungle where other frequently perished. People thought him immune to disease, hunger, and even marveled at his ability to befriend otherwise hostile tribes of Indians. In 1925 he went into the Amazon with his son Jack and friend, Raleigh Rimmel in search of The Lost City of Z. Z was said to be an ancient city- the technology of which far exceeded everyone's expectations of what kind of civilizations could thrive in the Amazonian jungle. All three men were never seen or heard from again.

David Grann- with access to Fawcett's journals and personal letters and after extensive research-went into the Amazon in search of a sign or clue of what may have happened to Fawcett. Grann weaves together the narrative of Fawcett's life with his own journey into the Amazon.

To be honest, I am not a big non-fiction person- but Grann was able to make a non-fiction, heavily researched subject read like a novel. The only potentially negative thing about this story is that there is so much information on the subject it's seems nearly impossible to get it all in one book! Regardless, the book is a great adventure full of insight into the life of one of the 20th century's most fascinating people.

B+

*New York Times Best Books of 2009