On a Wing and a Prayer

August 1, 2015

Traveling solo often opens doors to unique experiences not afforded to groups. Award-winning travel writer Woods shares remarkable, firsthand accounts from her years as a lone traveler in Central and South America. Her travelog takes us deep into the rainforest, where the canopy is refuge not only to rare, dangerous species but also to weary, indigenous peoples who view the outsider as enemy. Woods, however, cannot be deterred, for she is on a quest to spy the legendary harpy eagle in its tropical habitat. Though discovery of this majestic creature drives the story, it fades into the shadows as the author details native village culture, exotic animal species, and an environment that seems otherworldly. The read is a little disjointed with its multiyear time line, but Woods's engaging style keeps the story flowing. There is a shine to her writing, an honesty that binds reader to writer enough that even the odd detours are forgiven. VERDICT A book for travelog readers, armchair travelers, birders, and those with an interest in Central and South America culture.--Angela Forret, Clive P.L., IA

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.