JAGUARS RIPPED MY FLESH : Adventure Is a Risky Business

Describes the author's experiences and adventures while traveling in the wilderness areas of the world

A former Rolling Stone contributor, Cahill's vivid and immediate travel pieces are marked by a quiet humor. The amusement is most apparent in the general pieces about travel"Bad Advice," the "Book on Survival," "Getting Lost." Other sections recount Cahill's wanderings, including "Among the Ruins in Peru"; "Shame of Escobilla," which describes the maltreatment of turtles in Oaxaca, Mexico; and observations on gorillas and porcupines. In addition, Cahill writes about spelunkers who wander through caves in Kentucky and Alabama and people who wait for the next eruption of Mt. St. Helens. This is an excellent introduction to adventure writing.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Literate adventure writing may seem a contradiction in terms, but Cahill has produced this rare beast for our enjoyment. A columnist for Outside and contributor to Rolling Stone , Geo , etc., Cahill acknowledges the indifferent art that characterizes this genre with his tongue-in-cheek title. But, in fact, Cahill has written articulate, entertaining, and occasionally humorous pieces based on adventures ranging from parachuting to exploring jungles. His work is more in the mold of George Plimpton than of Raiders of the Lost Ark ; his "common man" approach definitely provides the human interest. Not indispensable, but economical, quality nonfiction for reading interests often poorly served. David J. Panciera, Westerly P.L., R.I.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.