Nancy recounts her experience meeting author of River of Doubt, Candice Millard, at the 27th annual Nebraska Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities earlier in the week. Candice was a wonderful presenter and as warm in person as she was on the podcast. Linda congratulates Nancy that her play’s premiere production by Angels Theatre Company has been named the Mayor’s Arts Award Outstanding Arts Event for 2022. Today we discuss Candice’s River of Doubt, the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s expedition to map a tributary of the Amazon. Linny loved the book and discusses how River of Doubt gave her new understanding about Theodore Roosevelt as someone who was approachable – someone who sat around the fire entertaining others in the expedition with his stories. Nancy loved the book because it is a combination of so many things she loves: history, learning, and good writing. Nancy sympathizes with how Roosevelt’s simple plan to visit his son, Kermit, in South America and make a few speeches ballooned into this dangerous, ill-prepared expedition. Linda talks about how Roosevelt was an adventurer and noted he was willing to give his life, if necessary, for the expedition. Linda’s favorite person in the book was Kermit because he rolled up his sleeves and worked right alongside the Brazilians, and she also liked his love story. Nancy noted the foreshadowing Candice gave readers that all would not go well for Kermit in the future. Nancy’s favorite person was Roosevelt for his ambition and optimism, even when it was misplaced, and his great love for his family. His Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine showed his paternalism extended, unwelcomed, beyond his family. Linda really liked Colonel Rondon’s respect and care for the indigenous tribes and his management capabilities. Linda and Nancy discover they are not among the people who reads books like this and image how much fun it would have been to be on the journey. Rather, they are happy to read the book! Nancy reminds listeners to sign up for the Front Porch Book Club newsletter. It comes out once a month!