In the heart of the canyon

Hyde, E. (2009). In the heart of the canyon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.


Annotation: A group of fifteen embark on a trip through the Grand Canyon where navigating the rapids and surviving the elements aren't the only life changing events experienced.

Summary: Twelve adventurers- comprised of a family of four, a septuagenarian couple on their 125th rafting trip, a single guy looking to hook up, a mother and her very overweight daughter, a Harvard professor, and an overeager history buff and his wife- have all, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, signed on to a twelve day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. The three experienced guides, led by JT, not only have to keep them safe on the water, but also keep the group functioning as a whole. When an injured dog is found, JT makes the decision to let the dog travel with them until they reach their next outpost, causing tension and possible unsafe situations for the group. Add to this an elderly rafter who is often confused and disoriented, his wife whose injury just won't heal, and a very large teenage girl who is experiencing stomach pains and this trip is going to take an unusual turn.

Review: Readers who like to get to know their characters will enjoy this book. The use of both first and third person gives the reader a multi-dimensional look, providing depth to the characters and scenery. Amy's journal entry added a third viewpoint. All of these things combined made me feel like I was along on the trip rather than simply experiencing it. However, I questioned the likelihood that Amy would have been allowed on the journey in spite of a lifejacket that barely fit her and the affect her weight might have on the balance of the raft as well as JT's decision to keep the dog despite the danger it might present to the passengers and the journey. Once I accepted those situations I found myself immersed in this novel.

Possible recommendations:

Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow 

by Maria Coffey,  

Rock Dance by Jack Ballard Jr., Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Rating: 4Q, 4P