FCM suggest I write a brief intro to help kick start the discussion.
First let me recommend that you but the physical book and not audio book as there are maps and photographs which add a lot.
Why did I choose this book?
I have not read it and wanted to.
There are a number of reasons I was curious about this book. First, it is about the obsessive search for a lost culture something I share. I have spent too much of my life in search of the remains of the first people to inhabit the Americas, called the Clovis people (which is where I get my username).
Second, I am a big fan of explorer literature, especially Victorian era. I have read all about Shakelton's attempts to find the South Pole, Franklin's to find the North Pole, Darwins voyages, and various others. The story of The Lost City of Z and Fawcett's attempt to find it is legendary among this group. He was a real life Indiana Jones.
Third, the book was on many top 10 of the years lists when it first came out.
What are some of the interesting things we can chat about?
I am hoping the book touches on how native people were and are viewed including the idea of the noble savage that is so common. I think there is a chance for a discussion of genius and obsession. Finally, we can discuss what drives exploration when there is no financial gain.