Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Survival in the Amazon Paperback – June 9, 2015

I think this was an easy to read tale of survival. I would recommend it for those looking to read about adventure and survival in the jungle. I would also recommend it for anyone contemplating an adventure, in terms of what to try to avoid in terms of group dynamics, willful ignorance of environmental cues, and poor decision making in a survival situation.I was inspired to read this book after watching the movie, Jungle, starring Daniel Radcliffe as Yossi (the author of this book), and realizing it was based on a true story. The movie and this book present a compelling story about friendship and the survival against odds when lost in the Amazon Rainforest, without any particular expertise or supplies.Generally, the key points of the story in the movie matched those in the book, but there were some differences. What struck me about the movie was that, apart from the terrible decision to split up the group and take a makeshift raft down a river, none of Yossi’s subsequent decisions seemed too foolish. Surviving in the jungle is not easy, and I thought the movie showed what it might be like for a normal person to survive against the odds.After reading the book, written by Yossi and narrated in the first person, I feel very differently about Yossi’s decisions. Not only did he survive against the the odds in terms of jungle and weather, he also survived against the odds in terms of his own decisions. Instead of eating the food in his pack, he saved it. Instead of staying in a secure spot with shelter to recover from his injuries, he pushed forward. Instead of staying by the river, he turns inland, where there is no hope of rescue. His faith in success was strong and probably kept him alive, but also likely got him into more trouble and delayed his rescue.Yossi does not seem to shy away from writing about any of those poor decisions, nor does he shy away from the selfishness he and his friend Kevin displayed toward their friend Marcus that likely led to the group splitting up. He does not make himself into a hero. He is just a person, with flaws like any other, on an adventure that goes awry. Ultimately, Yossi’s authentic voice makes this a compelling and touching story.

Yossi and his companions were all dreamers looking for adventure in the jungle. Being young, naive and trusting they set off on a journey with a total stranger believing that he was a good man and would take care of them. Their experiences on the river and in the jungle are difficult to imagine surviving. Only their powerful will to live allowed Yossi and Kevin to survive.While their story is amazing, reading the book was at times tedious. The first half of the book is just walking, walking, walking thru the jungle. Day after day. Yossi's account of his journey alone in the jungle is difficult to see thru my eyes. Immersing myself into the story beside the lead character is what keeps me reading. I see what they see and feel what they feel. That just didn't happen for me here. I don't know if it is the style of writing or that so many important little details were left out to keep the length of the book manageable. This is an amazing story of his will to live and overcome so many obstacles, both physical and emotional, that should have killed him.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get the real first hand account of their journey.

I loved this book. It's a fascinating true story of adventure that draws you in and you feel like you are there experiencing everything with the author. This book is captivating and you won't want to put it down.

It’s good if you skip over the abuse and slaughter scenes. I had to stop by page 80. I couldn’t take any more. 😞

What a story of adventure & determination. I laughed over & over about when he got upset with his imaginary friend. He accomplished what seemed impossible for a gringo .If you like survival stories this is the best I've ever read.

And extremely fast pace book, have a denture, sadness, and the great wealth of the mind. A great read of non-fiction.

"Jungle” is a captivating book for explorers not just of the physical world but also of the mind.I have a personal interest in Yossy's story since I have also planned to go through the Madidi jungle. I enlisted two friends who chickened out at the last minute. My inspiration was the "Mines of King Solomon”. But recently there was a book and a movie about a related theme which is about Percy Fawcett and his search of the city of Z. Percy crossed parts of Bolivia about 6 times 100 years ago. He disappeared in Brazil to never be found again, just like Yossy's friend Marcus.The difference between Percy and Yossi is that while both got enamored of the jungle, Percy only criticised the people who hired him and paid him with gold. Yossi, on the other hand, came back to Bolivia and tried to do something beneficial for the people he encountered.The book leaves one end open and that is the disappearance of his friend Marcus as well as the mystery of his guide Karl, whose story and background remains something that in time should be known since he lived in Bolivia for over 10 years.I saw the movie and it reflects the book, but it should have been done in Bolivia. It misses natural scenarios like the so called valley of the moon.Anyway, “Jungle" is worth reading and there is something to learn.

This is an amazing story. Well written, and so unbelievable the things the author had to go through and still managed to persevere.

This book is amazing, the movie on the other hand is really poor. Please consider this book even if you did not like the movie. Very inspiring book!

A very good read for those who want to experience the really treacherous Amazon from the comforts of their home. This book teaches you how insignificant we are in Nature and are at the mercy of God. Also, things we take for granted, like food, water and shelter are not assured in nature. You get a first-hand experience of not-so-well explored a forest, Amazon. Just that towards the end you will have a question hovering over your mind.

Gripping and exciting. Best book I have ever read. Yossi you are an inspiration. Can't imagine anyone having such a strong determination and will to live.

When I was much younger, I dreamed of going to the Amazon. Reading Yossi's story brought back those dreams. I guess it's a cautionary tale now, but what an adventure! Yossi has learned a lot and given back too. He lives in Australia now. I would love to meet him.