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Catherine Gacad

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Book Review: Wizard of the Upper Amazon

I really don’t read non-fiction. I just can’t get into it. An article, a magazine, a paper, short discussions on topical issues, but a whole book? Usually not for me. I read literature; I’m an English major!

I was surprised to find myself rapidly reading through our next book club book—Wizard of the Upper Amazon: the Story of Manuel Cordova Rios. It is crazy-fascinating. It’s the story of a Peruvian boy kidnapped at the age of 15 by Indians and groomed over the next 7 years to become their chief mainly for his ability to act as a conduit between the Indians and their urban needs (i.e., purchasing guns). Manuel decides to make the best of his situation by immersing himself in their culture which is one that’s tightly woven with their natural environment. They can discern and mimic every animal call.

Also, the Indians have sacred ceremonies involving hallucinogens enabling them to foresee the future. These dream-like visions can transcend the individual and be shared as a group. Wacky stuff, but made me think about the natural world, cures that may be out there that we don’t know about. Save the forests!

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02.22.12

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Welcome to my site, derived from an advice column I wrote while getting my MBA. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I give helpful, opinionated advice based on my own experience and from the expertise of my extensive network. For more, click here.

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