Real People/Real Stories explores the best in nonfiction history, biography, science, nature, and the arts.

This month's read: Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon by Paul Rosolie 

In January 2006, eighteen-year-old Paul Rosolie embarked on a journey to the Madre de Dios—Mother of God—region of Peru, where the Amazon River begins its massive flow. In this gripping explorer memoir, he describes the astonishing diversity of plants and wildlife that he encountered and makes the case to protect these primordial forests from developers, oil giants, and gold miners eager to exploit its natural resources.

“An extraordinary book…His vivid writing immerses you in his adventures as he explores an ancient pristine forest where no white man has been, where he encounters amazing creatures, and experiences the relentless power of untamed nature…There are parts that will haunt you, scenes you will never forget.” - Jane Goodall

“Rosolie’s solo adventures in the heart of the Amazon jungle, up close and personal with giant anacondas and jaguars, are gripping. And his dedication to preserving one of the earth’s last wildernesses is where he really sets himself apart. Mother of God is an awe-inspiring read.” - Bear Grylls

 “A gripping adventure story filled with plenty of adrenaline-filled encounters with massive snakes, intimidating jaguars and other creatures. . . . A vividly written narrative of an amazingly diverse world still to be explored, whose destruction, as Rosolie wisely notes, would be a devastating loss for humanity.” - Kirkus

“A rousing eco-adventure. . . . This is old-school nature writing, unabashedly romantic and free of alienation. . . . Rosolie’s powers of description are so vivid and engrossing that readers will be swept along in his passion.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)