From Library Journal:
The third longest river (after the Amazon and Nile), the Yangtze had never been run, or fully explored, until the mid-1980s; even its Tibetan headwaters weren't confirmed until 1985. In 1986 two separate Chinese groups rushed to beat a Chinese-U.S. rafting expedition. A dozen people died and none of the groups was completely successful. The authors led an American group on the "Great Bend," a 300-mile section, in 1987. The result is much more than an account of a "last great first." It is an affectionate, awed portrait of a river and of the lands and peoples through which it passes, largely unknown to the West. It is full of research and recollection, more contemplative than Joe Kane's Running the Amazon (LJ 5/15/89). A finely written tale of exotic places, highly recommended for most libraries.
- Roland Person, Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal:
YA-- Explorers in any field are persistent, even foolhardy creatures, but the feats they accomplish inspire awe in us lesser mortals. Long ago, the Yangtze River was vividly described in National Geographic, whetting Bangs' appetite to raft this treacherous river "dragon." This pioneering adventure is detailed with trial, disaster, excitement, and success. Interestingly, the underlying theme of the book is self-exploration--basic human behavior in extreme circumstances, learning to work together, to share, and to appreciate a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A fascinating account with great YA appeal.
- Jenni Elliott, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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