Lost in the Amazon: The True Story of Five Men and their Desperate Battle for Survival

by Stephen Kirkpatrick, Marlo Carter Kirkpatrick

In 1995, Stephen Kirkpatrick joined a five-man expedition into the remote jungles of the Peruvian Amazon. Kirkpatrick's assignment was to document an area of the rainforest that had never before been photographed, nor by most accounts, ever explored by white men. Within hours of their departure, an inaccurate map and a series of bad decisions leave the group hopelessly lost in the depths of the Amazon jungle. What began as a career-making photo expedition quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival. The five men battle poisonous reptiles, hungry bugs, torrential rains, brutal heat, and an unforgiving landscape in an attempt to find their way back to civilization. They soon learn that survival is not only a physical, but a mental and spiritual challenge as well. Lost in the Amazon is a gripping, sometimes humorous, and ultimately inspirational story about the human drive to survive, and about clinging to faith in the worst circumstances imaginable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Adventure, Survival, Amazon, Adult, Audiobook

230 pages, Hardcover

First published July 12, 2005

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love true stories that involve challenging, unique adventures and Lost in the Amazon: The True Story of Five Men and their Desperate Battle for Survival does not disappoint!

Author and photographer, Stephen Kirkpatrick, was recently divorced and had three young sons when he decided to travel to the Amazon. The trip does not go as planned and nearly cost him his life. His encounters with and/or descriptions of poisonous frogs, caiman crocodiles, candiru, and venomous snakes were similar to Teddy Roosevelt's experiences in The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey.

Kirkpatrick's writing style combined with his unwavering strong belief in God create a compelling memior.

[Ben Vogel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy crap. Literally.

The author interjects way too much personal religiosity into this book (without fair external indication that it is such a book) and the "dramatic" story of survival simply isn't that dramatic. The writing is amateurish.

There is nothing to recommend here. I don't know how this book came into my hands, but the one good thing is that it is out of my life and perhaps I can save someone else the trouble with this review.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst books I have read in a long time. The only reason the author became lost is because of poor planning. The only reason he survived is because of his guide coming to fetch him, after he stupidly did not stay with the group. Not once...but twice. He attributes his survival God...I attribute to nothing more than blind luck.

The author goes on and on about God throughout the book. Of all the things God could call you to do...photographing the Amazon seems unlikely. The author believes this misadventure was a test of faith. No, this was the result of being woefully unprepared for such a journey.

[Marlene French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Kirkpatrick tells of his photographic expedition of 1995....one of many to the dense, dangerous and beautiful Amazon Rain Forest. A very spiritual Kirkpatrick tells his 3 sons that God has told him to take photographs there and he unquestioningly enters the jungle with a team...An American Naturalist, a Peruvian Videographer and two Indian Guides. Of course....many things go awry from a hand drawn map that he ignored his suspicious feelings about, getting lost, multiple camera issues on both of his very used cameras, danger, hunger and so so much more! If you are a true story survival gene lover like me this one is for you!

[Micaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a serious issue with one thing in this book, and it may be silly, but it seriously bothered me the entire time. The map in the front cover was completely USELESS. Maybe they did that on purpose because they were lost, too, but it just infuriated me every time they mentioned a town or a river.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I admit that I am a bit like a "fantasy football" player criticizing the ability of the pro-ball player as he sits on the couch as I review this book. I cannot see myself even ATTEMPTING a trip like Steven Kirkpatrick endured. That being said, I spent many moments in disbelief, declaring loudly, "What was he thinking?" as he detailed mishaps such as forgetting to pack his cameras in a waterproof case, purposely not taking anti-malarial drugs, chugging down Amazon swamp water (without thought of using the iodine in his pack) and discovering that his first aid kit consisted only of band-aids and Bactine. It WAS a horrible journey, but it seemed that much could have been prevented. I did enjoy the witty humor, the vivid characters that traveled with Steve and the spiritual lessons he discussed. However, over all, my biggest disappointment was the constant use of blasphemy in this book (in both Spanish and English). What a shame to glorify God with this story and then mock Him with the degradation of his name. Very divided about this book.

[Steve Wegman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author took a poorly planned and poorly organized photography trip to the Amazon in 1995, and as might be expected when people who don't know what they're doing go to remote, dangerous locations, his group got in trouble. Their maps weren't accurate, their connections weren't good, their supplies failed them (the worst to a photgrapher being the failure of his cameras due to everything being too wet - in the rain forest).

While this was a nightmare trip, no one died or was even seriously injured. The author had a bit of a spiritual revelation while there, and it changed his views, but the book really only gave a couple paragraphs to it.

Possibly the thing I least liked about it was the style: banter between Steve and Darcy, and making fun of Mario made up a way too large percentage of what was written.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an interesting story. The author provides a vivid picture of life in the Amazon Rain Forest. Sometimes I had to shake my head at some of the poor choices both the author and his crew made, however. Granted, I would not survive long in those conditions, but I think I would have known to keep my cameras in a water-safe bag....

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read! I was in the Peruvian Amazon about ten years before the author on probably what was a fairly early on tour. Some reviewers didn't seem to quite believe how lost they were, but at least back then, you could walk in circles in that jungle and never know it. And if getting lost doesn't kill you, the humidity is unrelenting. I was in the prime of life and walked a few miles and just knew I'd faint except for the fact that our guide had only teased us about going another two miles when, in fact, we were right around the corner from our (primitive) lodging unbeknownst to any of us. So, the book rang true to me. I thought the author balanced out descriptions of the Amazon, adventure, and personal reflections along with a little humor. Personally, I wish that he let up slightly on his ex-wife (or explained why he didn't) and a fellow adventurer who was a pain, but the brunt of a few too many snide comments. But then again, under the conditions, if anyone stayed civil at all, it was an amazing feat. For another earlier Amazon survival story, don't miss River of Doubt with Teddy Roosevelt's life threatening experiences.

[Elly Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here in our little town a few homes have some kind of waterproof structure outside near the street that contains books. The sign says "Take a book-Leave a book" which I think is pretty cool! I took this one (yes, I left one) and read it in 2 days. Unfortunately the author seemed ill prepared for such a challenging trip but because of that it added more drama to the story. His focus was more on getting the best photographic shot of wildlife than on staying with the trail and following his guides. These side trips caused him trouble. The reader gets a vicarious experience of the perils and the magnificence of the jungle. Yes there are insects, rain, relentless humidity, mud and more rain and insects but still there is an aesthetic atmosphere that can't be beat. I could have done without the religious undertones but they seemed important to the author. Regardless this was still a page turner.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen's fun spirit comes through in his writing making it a fun read.

I see some reviewers disappointed that Stephen talks about his faith in the book but it felt natural. In danger and trials we prove or disprove those in whom we trust.

The adventure and danger in the book were heart-quickening, not made less exciting by the fact the situations were most often their own fault. No danger is made less frightening by assigning fault.

This is on my recommended read list.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many reviewers are stating that he interjects too much “God” into the book; however, he is a Christian and Christians view life experiences through a Christian perspective. If you read and didn’t come away with the idea of “growth and maturity through life’s circumstances,” then you missed the entire point.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining book. I’m a sucker for adventure books so naturally this title piqued my interest. I loved the parts where the group happens upon some native villages. Loved learning about the real wilderness in the Amazon jungle. The ending is kind of cute so I had a chuckle at the end. I can’t give it a 5 star rating but I don’t know why. Still worth reading though.

[Laura | Reads Between the Wine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wildlife photography Stephen Kirkpatrick is on a mission to photograph undocumented areas of the Amazon rainforest. He hopes to capture one incredible shot that will launch is career so he is able to better support his family.  He embarks upon a 5 man expedition with a guide, a translator, a videographer, and a man scouting the area as a tourism opportunity.  Plans begin to go awry as jungle and its inhabitants are unpredictable.  Steve and his companions make a series of decisions leading to starvation, disorientation, and injury. Its the story of one mans faith being tested. Will the 5 men make it out alive? Will they come out changed forever?

My honest opinion on this book is just that it isn't the greatest survival story out there. I am not trying to minimize this persons experience becsuse this team of men definitely faced a battery of challenges over their days in the Amazon. I just think there are other, more facinating stories that demonstrate the will of human survival against all odds.

[Naaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Ifeoma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you

[Amy Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio book was amazing! I enjoyed the narrator so much…

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up the book to review it for a library collection. I would say if you’re looking for a book about survival and/or for inspiration, there are many other better choices.

[Kea4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the photos. The book is ok but the authors poor planning and walking off is why he gets lost. A map to show where they might have been would have been a good addition.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good survival story. Those that take place in the tropics bring along with them a savage quality that most wouldn't expect to find in such a paradise. Complete with jungle rot, dysentery, malaria, cannibalistic tribes, and high heat and humidity these books always make me grateful for the cautious side of me that keeps me from embarking on such an adventure.

The twists and turns in this story were, at times, less dramatic than expected. And, at times, they really surprised me. I came to enjoy the various members of the exploration party and the style of the story telling. The skeptical side of me wondered if his wife (who authored the story) embellished at all to sell more copies. But, if she didn't, the story is that much more miraculous. As a Christian I enjoyed the spiritual themes throughout and how these experiences strengthened his faith.

If you like survival stories this is a must-read!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nature photographer goes on an expedition into the Amazon, but the expedition gets lost and ends up on a grueling journey.

I'm somewhat conflicted on this book. I enjoyed the adventure aspect. They do a good job of immersing you into the hot, humid, buggy Amazon with all the wildlife and vegetation. Being lost in this environment makes for a great story, even if it is because of poor planning and decision making.

On the other hand, the author is not a likable person. He puts his photography needs over the health of his crew multiple times. There is one member of the crew that is kind of a city slicker and having a difficult time. Instead of supporting this guy, he continually mocks and bully's him throughout the trip. Then there is also the over use of the author's preaching and talking about God that doesn't really fit into a book like this.

Overall a fun a book about surviving a trip gone wrong in the Amazon.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

True adventure by National Geographic photographer who became separated from his party right about the same time his maps proved to be useless, leaving him guide and guidebook-less in the middle of a most inhospitable jungle. Lots of travel books tell about places well enough but reading about simply surviving in a place no human would willingly go alone makes a page turner. Not to mention the habitat is among the most fascinating on earth from bugs to weather to villagers.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story of a photo shoot in the Amazon gone bad. Kirkpatrick and his companions become lost, due to circumstances beyond their control, and are forced to deal with all the perils that the Amazon region can throw one's way. Not at all a difficult read. Just over 200 pages, I read it in less than a day. Worth the time spent.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. It had "Wow" moments for me and some of it brought me to tears. Great travelogue about four men and a photojournalist who go to the Amazon with just a drawn map to photograph a portion of the Amazon that had never been photographed before. With the Amazon constantly changing, you can just imagine their circumstances.

[Wayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't begin to describe how much I hated this book. The title is misleading, the author is a weak pathetic individual, and it is just boring. This guy wouldn't last 8 hours if he found himself in a true battle for survival. The whole time I kept hoping the author would die, I think that is what god was actually telling him to do.

[Velvet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read this because I just got back from a Peruvian Amazon trip. So, main thing is they were never really lost. His guide was always with him and was pretty competent. Next is when he was lost for a bit it was like 4 hrs. I enjoyed the descriptions of the flora and fauna, took me right back. Also Christian stuff was okay but got a bit much later on. Still I'd read it again

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love travel books…reading about the different experiences people have. I particularly liked this book as I have been in this part of the world and felt like I understood more what was happening…almost like coming back to a fond memory.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book- easy reading- such adventures and great writing. Wish there were more pictures but the author's film was destroyed by the rainforest!

[Sly · Rating 4 out of 5]

dreadfully frightening account! page-turner.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It made me want to be a photographer and explore the Amazon without getting lost..