Steeped in Science, Submersed in Story

This is a great story about a scientist doing amazing science, perfect for those who like to explore the wonder of nature. It's a trim volume, not too much drama from the author's life, just the story of this project. And it's a beautiful story. It turns out that there's a fantastic geothermal feature in the jungle in eastern Peru, up until know largely unknown to the outside world. Ruzo reveals its beauty to us, as if opening a flower petal by petal and then insisting on our agreement as responsible readers that this natural wonder cannot be exploited or overdeveloped. He wants to share his awe with us but is fiercely protective of the jungle.

I appreciate that the story is engaging, but also feels disciplined and well edited. He's inspired and wants us to be inspired, but doesn't drone on for pages and pages about poetry and shamans and spirits. The boiling river and the jungle itself are amazing enough -- he doesn't have to gild them.

So this is the beginning of Ruzo letting the world, especially the world of science, in on his discovery. He wants to be responsible to the jungle and to the people living in it, but believes that the best outcome is not to hide his find. I hope we as a global community answer his call to appreciate but not damage this wonder of Peru.

I got a free copy of this from Net Galley.