Next month marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of The Origin of the Species. Acclaim and scorn have followed Darwin's work, some even debate his now widely accepted theories on evolution. But what is not debatable is that he has left his mark on humanity. Darwin began to develop his theory while traveling on the HMS Beagle and surveying plant and animal life in the early 1800s.

Eric Simons had just hiked the mountains overlooking Beagle Channel and had landed in the southernmost city in the world when he picked up a copy of Darwin's The Voyage of the Beagle. Darwin's account of his travels through South America as a 20-something scientist inspired Simons. He took off on his own journey to follow in the footsteps of Darwin. Along the way he interviewed locals, historians, and scientists in their thoughts of Darwin, his theories and impacts. Simons then wrote a book about his adventure in Darwin Slept Here.

I don't claim to be an avid reader of books. I'm mainly a magazine and newspaper reader. When I do pick up a book it tends to be a travel narrative such as this one, or a textbook. Oddly enough, I didn't pick up a text book much through my college career, but now I find myself picking them up for leisure. Sorry mom.

I have enjoyed reading Darwin Slept Here quite a bit. Simons writing appeals to those who enjoy descriptive narratives of foreign lands, people, and species, as well as to those history buffs itching to know a little more about the man who shook up science. I could see Darwin Slept Here becoming essential reading for anyone studying to be a scientist in any field. The adventure of traveling through South America, paired with the alternating descriptions of what the landscapes were like in Darwin's day are what appealed to me most.

If you're into reading travel or history writing, put this one on your list.

*This book is being released in February 2009.

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