SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

Prior to reading the book, had you heard about The White City or The Lost City of the Monkey God?

The city goes by several names. Why do you think the author chose the City of the Monkey God rather than the White City or Ciudad Blanca?

Would you have found this book as intriguing if it was called “Searching for The White City” or “The Quest for Ciudad Blanca”?

How important is the title of a book for you – or the cover for that matter? To put it another way, do you judge a book by its cover?

~Nicole~

Hi Nicole,

I haven't quite had a chance to delve into this one yet, but hope to this weekend. I wouldn't say that I totally judge a book by its cover, but I definitely notice and appreciate a good cover. I'm also more likely to be intrigued by a catchy title (such as Lost City of the Monkey God)!

I think the author was smart to choose this title, because it arouses more curiosity than just "White City" or "Ciudad Blanca". I think it's perhaps more accessible for English speakers than "Ciudad Blanca", and I think "White City" just has too many other possible associations--the first one that comes to mind for me is Erik Larson's Chicago-set tale, "Devil in the White City"...but just look at all these other "white cities": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_City

I hadn't heard of this place before this book, so I definitely look forward to learning more and discussing further! Thanks :)

Diana

Hi Diana,

Thanks for your comment. I agree with you that I appreciate a good book cover as well. I don't think that a "bad" cover would necessarily stop me from reading a book.

I may need to look through my goodreads list and make note of the good, the bad, and the ugly book covers/titles.

You make some really good points about the title that Preston ultimately chose. Once I read that the mythical city was also known as the "White City" I immediately thought of "The Devil in the White City" as well. That list of "white cities" is great, thanks for the link. It's unbelievable how many places are known as the white city.

Here's another title option to ponder. Towards the end of the book Preston lets us know that Honduran President Hernandez renames the area that the group excavated La Ciudad del Jaguar (the City of the Jaguar). Now, would you be more likely to read "The Lost City of the Monkey God" or "The Lost City of the Jaguar"? I'm just joking of course but it's fun to think about.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts once you get a chance to delve in :)

~Nicole~