Books matching: first hand account of survival
9 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
"Three Came Home" by Agnes Newton Keith tells the harrowing story of Anglo Americans in Borneo during and after WWII. The narrative follows Agnes Keith and her young son as they struggle to survive in a Japanese concentration camp while her husband is held in a different camp. provides a raw and honest portrayal of life in captivity, highlighting the resilience and bravery of the characters. Agnes Newton Keith's writing style, though not polished, effectively conveys the challenges and emotions faced by the protagonists, keeping the readers engaged throughout the story.
- #2
'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' by Aron Ralston narrates the harrowing true story of Aron's entrapment in a remote Utah canyon, where he was forced to amputate his own arm to survive. The writing style of the book includes vivid accounts of his ordeal, intertwined with tales of his previous climbing expeditions, providing a full picture of who Aron is as a person. The narrative builds tension effectively, even though the outcome is known, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.
delves into Aron's physical and psychological journey during the accident, showcasing his survival instincts, courage, and strength in adversity. The detailed descriptions of the author's life, his philosophical musings, and the impact of the accident on his perspective offer readers a glimpse into Aron's character and the transformative nature of the experience. also includes a collection of photographs that add depth to the story, depicting key moments before, during, and after the accident.
IN AUGUST 1987, when I was twelve, my family was preparing to move to Colorado from Indianapolis, Indiana, to follow my dad’s career. While visiting with a friend of our family in rural eastern Ohio t... 'Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories' by Svetlana Alexievich is a collection of oral histories from Soviet children who experienced the horrors of World War II. The stories recount the brutal treatment of civilians by German soldiers, the suffering of children during the war, and the lasting impact on their lives. The writing style is described as vivid, moving, and powerful, giving voice to the children's experiences and providing a unique perspective on the war.
Our neighbor, an officer’s wife, came out to the yard all in tears. She whispered something to mama, but gestured that they had to be quiet. Everybody was afraid to say aloud what had happened, even w...- #4
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson is a gripping non-fiction account of a disastrous mountaineering expedition in the Peruvian Andes. The book recounts the harrowing tale of two climbers, Simon Yates and Joe Simpson, who successfully summit Siula Grande but face a life-threatening situation on the descent when Simpson breaks his leg. The narrative is filled with suspense, personal willpower, and the sheer determination to survive against all odds. Simpson's writing style is described as immediate, truthful, and compelling, providing a detailed insight into the physical and emotional challenges faced during the expedition.
I was lying in my sleeping bag, staring at the light filtering through the red and green fabric of the dome tent. Simon was snoring loudly, occasionally twitching in his dream world. We could have bee... 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer is a gripping personal account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where several climbers lost their lives due to a sudden storm. Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, vividly describes the harrowing journey to the summit, highlighting the extreme physical and psychological challenges faced by the climbers. Through his detailed narration, Krakauer delves into the commercialization of Himalayan adventures, the allure of climbing the world's highest peak, and the tragic consequences of nature's unpredictability.
The book provides a chilling insight into the calamitous events that unfolded on Everest, showcasing Krakauer's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to evoke intense emotions in readers. The narrative transitions from a tale of adventure to a heart-wrenching story of survival and loss, offering a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of conquering the unconquerable.
Rob Hall New Zealand, leader and head guide Mike Groom Australia, guide Andy “Harold” Harris New Zealand, guide Helen Wilton New Zealand, Base Camp manager Dr. Caroline Mackenzie New Zealand, Base Cam...'The Worst Journey in the World' by Apsley Cherry-Garrard chronicles the disastrous Scott expedition to the South Pole in the 1910s. The narrative provides a detailed account of the expedition, highlighting the heroism, misery, and despair experienced by the team during their three years in the Antarctic. The author, a junior member of the team, recounts the side trip taken to Cape Crozier to study Emperor penguins, shedding light on the scientific and exploratory aspects of the expedition. delves into the challenges faced by the team, the blunders of Scott, and the incredible amount of research undertaken by Wilson and others amidst the race to the South Pole against Amundsen.
Scott used to say that the worst part of an expedition was over when the preparation was finished. So no doubt it was with a sigh of relief that he saw the Terra Nova out from Cardiff into the Atlanti...- #7
'Generals Die in Bed' by Charles Yale Harrison is a gripping novel that vividly depicts the horrors of trench warfare during World War I. The author, a Canadian veteran of the Western front, provides a gritty first-hand account of life on the battlefield, showcasing the loneliness, death, and sense of injustice experienced by soldiers. The book, originally published in 1930, offers graphic descriptions of living conditions, injuries, and illnesses faced by the soldiers, painting a stark and harrowing picture of the realities of war. Despite being a work of fiction, the novel reads like a memoir, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, and capturing the true essence of the Great War.
“Down the line” in Montreal is Cadieux Street, St. Elizabeth Street, La Gauchetière Street, Vitre Street, Craig Street—a square mile of dilapidated, squalid red brick houses with red lights shining th... - #8
'The Wreck of the Whaleship Essex' by Owen Chase is a compelling first-hand account of the incredible survival story of the crew of the Essex whaler, who were sunk by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean. The narrative follows the crew's struggles with starvation and exposure as they drift across the ocean in small boats, displaying remarkable ingenuity and will to live. not only details the physical challenges faced by the crew but also delves into the emotional and moral dilemmas they encounter during their ordeal.
Chase's writing style is described as straightforward and plain, yet highly engaging, pulling readers into the events and the lengths the crew had to go to in order to survive. is praised for its fast-paced narrative, interesting details about whaling and sailing navigation, and the heartwarming portrayal of camaraderie and resilience among the crew members. Readers appreciate the authenticity of Chase's first-hand account and the way it vividly captures the real challenges and dangers faced by the crew, making it a must-read for those interested in true survival stories.
Our work was very much impeded by the increase of the wind and sea, and the surf breaking almost continually into the boats, gave us many fears that we should not be able to prevent our provisions fro... - #9
'Shattered Air: A True Account of Catastrophe and Courage on Yosemite's Half Dome' by Bob Madgic is a gripping true story that recounts the tragic incident of a group of young men who hiked to the top of Half Dome and were struck twice by lightning during a thunderstorm. The book follows different perspectives of hikers and rescuers on that fateful day, providing detailed insights into rock climbing, lightning, and medicine. The author's writing style is detail-oriented, delving into the nuts and bolts of the events while exploring the consequences of poor decisions made in the face of nature's fury.
The narrative of 'Shattered Air' resonates with readers who have a love for the outdoors and Yosemite, shedding light on the unique circumstances that can swiftly turn a peaceful hike into a harrowing tragedy. Through personal accounts and reflections, the book captures the essence of Half Dome and the spiritual connection it holds for those who have experienced its majesty, offering lessons on courage, decision-making, and the unpredictable forces of nature.