What Lies Beneath the Surface: Anthropologist Wade Davis

This book combines history, politics, science, botany, and culture through a biographical account of Wade Davis' own travels and as a memoir to his late mentor, Richard Evans Schultes. It documents their journeys and discoveries in the Amazon, focusing on the botanical secrets of coca and the cultural significance of the region. The narrative intertwines Davis' experiences in the 1970s with Schultes' adventures in the 1940s, highlighting their immersion in the lives of Amazonian tribes and the extraordinary plants that sustain life in the forest.

This book delves into the inner world of plants, uncovering their responses to human care and nurturing, their ability to communicate with humans, their reactions to music, lie-detection abilities, and creative powers. It highlights the deep relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.

In this memoir, Michael Phelps shares his personal and professional journey, from setting his first world swimming record in 2001 to becoming an Olympic legend. The book delves into his struggles with attention deficit disorder, the impact of his parents' divorce, and the challenges of being in the limelight. It also provides insights into his training, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on international athletic competitions. The memoir chronicles Phelps's evolution from an awkward teenager to a record-breaking athlete, making it a must-read for sports fans.