Amazon Stranger

by Mike Tidwell

One man obsessed with the Ecuadorian jungle and desperate to save it and its people chronicles the struggle of the Cofan people against Big Oil.

Genres: Nonfiction

215 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

Mike Tidwell is founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. He is also an author and filmmaker who predicted in vivid detail the Katrina hurricane disaster in his 2003 book Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast. His newest book, focusing on Katrina and global warming, is titled The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Coming Death of America’s Coastal Cities. Tidwell’s most recent documentary film, We Are All Smith Islanders, vividly depicts the dangers of global warming Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

Tidwell has been featured in numerous media outlets including NBC's Meet the Press, NPR, the New York Times and the Washington Post. He is also the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Earthbeat," which features ground-breaking global warming news and interviews live from the nation's capital.

In 2003, Tidwell received the Audubon Naturalist Society's prestigious "Conservation Award." Two years later he received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. On Earth Day 2010 -- the 40th anniversary of Earth Day -- the Montgomery County Council named Tidwell one of the County's top 40 environmental leaders over the past 40 years. A long-time resident of Maryland, Tidwell lives in Takoma Park with his eleven-year-old son Sasha.

Reviews

[Liz Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another look at how capitalism and Western ideologies affect groups thousands of miles away, their homes, and the nature around them. This is about the fight to save one's home and the seen and unforeseen barriers that come along the way. Get to know the people behind the headlines.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 'dude' and his 'bros' go on an adventure. The journey is way too cool and not properly captured. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if someone more qualified documented this....

[Veronica Uribe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too repetitive

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing & storytelling in this book are uneven. At times I felt drawn in, riveted, and other times I wanted to put the book down and forget about it. I think Mike Tidwell's gift is making exciting scenes come alive, but the more day-to-day life in the Amazon can be tough to get through.

However despite all its flaws, this book has made me aware of the terrible deeds done by oil companies in fragile and important habitats around the world. It also made me care about what happens in the Amazon, and to recognize that what we do here affects life there.

[Josh Barkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great writer, this Tidwell. As one friend of mine said, "he tries too hard." Still, it's an interesting insight into the life of a missionary kid who never left the tribe, but decided to stay on, becoming Chief and leading his people in the fight against the evil oil companies.