The other members and myself enjoyed an excellent book discussion of “River of Darkness” by Buddy Levy on January 23.  Everyone was ready with comments and suggestions for the next book to read. Our conversation covered the varied relationship between the conquistadors and the native peoples of the Amazon River basin.  Some conquistadors tried the diplomatic approach to dealing with the natives; some didn’t.  We also explored the validity of the expeditions made by Francisco Orellana, as to whether there was anything to admire or if they were foolhardy.  If you like this topic, check out this book or Levy’s other book in our catalog, “Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs.”  Please join us at our next meeting on Monday, April 23, 2012 at noon at the Central branch.