Michael P. Ghiglieri's "Into the Unknown" is a sharp mapping of the ethics of guiding, oared by one who has navigated the world's rivers countless times. The thick volume intertwines adventure, history, and environmental commentary, making it a must-read for river runners and outdoor enthusiasts, and even those who just want to peek into the experience from a cozy living room, on solid ground. For those familiar with the unpredictable nature of wild waters, Ghiglieri’s book is the "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" of river guiding—a guidebook not just for practicalities but for mindset and meaning.
High-stress accounts are paused alongside dreamy descriptions, such as, “Mottled green crocodiles sashayed into the water like dinosaurs.� In the narrative, the river becomes a character in its own right, embodying both chaos and crisp straightforwardness. Ghiglieri writes, “Lava Falls had spanked us, but seemed to have left no bruises.�
"Into the Unknown" is an examination and archive of risk. Every decision in life is a calculated risk; Ghiglieri delves into the daunting mathematics of those perils, exploring the stable (or not) mindset of guides and the leadership required to navigate human life in the wild. With almost 700 trips under his belt, he provides a wealth of expertise and insight. Midway through the book, photographs of his journeys offer a glimpse into the extraordinary. The visuals seem necessary to include on the subject, the tone of Figure 8.3 offering the binary reality of a river’s peace and depth in especially plain sight.
Ghiglieri’s work stands out for its humanity and intrigue. His focus is on guides, as they lead others into the wild to places they could not safely venture alone, yet how they are not infallible, and the tipping point of sometimes unsafe choices. He writes, “Guides take people where, on their own, they could or would be unsafe. Indeed, were there no risks, many clients—and guides—might not even go.�
Part adventure commentary, part history and part river journal, the book seamlessly navigates between thrilling accounts and serious discussions on choice, survival and life-or-death instincts. Ghiglieri doesn’t shy away from the visceral losses at hand in his lifetime. He acknowledges the cutting reality that the same experiences that make us feel alive can also be the last chapter. His stories highlight not just the upsets but also the deep connections forged through shared experiences on the water.
Ultimately, Ghiglieri advocates for the natural world. His environmental commentary emphasizes the psychological and physical necessity of experiencing nature, arguing that it is as essential to human health as Vitamin C. Still, he recognizes the consequences of any human interaction with nature, where the need to experience its beauty can also contribute to its degradation.
What makes "Into the Unknown" inspiring is Ghiglieri’s reverence for human life. His writing carries a sense of responsibility that is both humbling and motivational.
In one particularly tense moment, he writes, “Only now, as I lay in the dark and listened to the territorial grunts of the bull hippo wallowing in our eddy, something felt wrong.�
In "Into the Unknown," Ghiglieri balances the science and philosophy of adventure with the weight and responsibility of the human spirit. It honors the work of guides while underlying that, while those guiding us sometimes seem godlike, they are ultimately as human as the rest of us.
Purchase "Into the Unknown" at Bright Side Bookshop, located at 18 N. San Francisco Street, or find it online at