Books Like...
If you liked Horizon, here are the top 100 books to read next:
Smart, poetic, and brave - this book is a unique deep dive into both ocean life and the messy brilliance of being human. Highly recommended for anyone open to reflection, wonder, and learning more about both science and self.
'How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures' by Sabrina Imbler is a unique memoir that intertwines stories of exotic sea creatures with the author's personal experiences, particularly focusing on themes of queerness, identity, and self-discovery. The author uses a creative structure to narrate parallel tales of marine biology and her own coming-of-age journey as a young queer Asian woman, seamlessly blending scientific facts with personal narratives. The writing style is described as beautifully constructed, engaging, and emotionally impactful, as it delves into topics such as gender, sexuality, race, and adaptation.
December 2022•276 pagesA beautifully written, inspiring blend of adventure, science, and self-discovery - ideal for anyone who dreams of the wild (or just wants to read about it from a cozy chair).
'The Sun Is a Compass' by Caroline Van Hemert is a memoir of her incredible journey covering over 4,000 miles from Washington state to northern Alaska through hiking, skiing, and pack rafting. As a field biologist, Van Hemert intertwines her personal experiences with her scientific research, particularly focusing on migration patterns. The narrative captures the challenges and close calls faced by the author during her adventurous expedition, making it an engaging and inspiring read for those interested in wilderness exploration and personal growth.
I haven’t always loved the outdoors. But as a kid growing up in Alaska, there was no escaping its offerings or denying the fact that the forty-ninth state, with its coarse manners and vast acreage, wa...March 2019•344 pages- #3
Save:A motivating wake-up call to break free from the smooth edges of modern comfort, loaded with personal adventure and thoughtful insights - but best savored if you like your life advice with a dose of wilderness storytelling.
'The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self' by Michael Easter is a well-researched and inspiring invitation to embrace natural discomforts for the good of our bodies and minds. Easter presents concise, bite-sized pieces of knowledge gained from consulting researchers across various disciplines, encouraging readers to consider the benefits of exposing themselves to discomfort. The narrative follows Easter's own journey, including a primal Caribou hunt in the Alaskan tundra, where he braves the elements and physical demands to find meaning and introspection, ultimately challenging readers to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes.
Commercial flying is incredibly safe. The statistics say you’re infinitely more likely to die in a crash on the way to the airport than you are in the plane. But this rule does not apply to bush plane...May 2021•284 pages - #4
Save:A hard-hitting, eye-opening look at how corporations hijack our brains for profit - definitely worth the read if you want to understand (and maybe reclaim) your own happiness.
'The Hacking of the American Mind' by Robert H. Lustig delves into the science behind the corporate takeover of our bodies and brains. Lustig explores how various industries manipulate our neurochemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, to keep us constantly chasing pleasure but never truly content. Through a wide-ranging assault on processed food, substance abuse, and attention addiction, Lustig reveals how we have become addicted to food, internet, shopping, and more, ultimately leading to negative impacts on our physical and mental well-being. is written in a direct, engaging style that combines humor with scientific evidence, aiming to educate readers on how to realign their purposes towards greater happiness and a sense of purpose.
Once upon a time we were happy. Then the snake showed up. And we’ve been miserable ever since. Hieronymus Bosch’s painting Garden of Earthly Delights (circa 1500) is a triptych housed in the Prado in...September 2017•352 pages - #5
Save:An ambitious, thought-provoking exploration of science and meaning that skillfully bridges physics and philosophy - if you enjoy big questions and don't mind a bit of deep pondering, this is a fascinating read.
The Big Picture by Sean Carroll is a thought-provoking exploration of complex topics such as consciousness, evolution, and the origins of life, presented in an accessible manner for laypersons. Carroll delves into diverse subjects like quantum mechanics, ethics, and the existence of God, offering insights into the nature of reality and human existence. The book combines scientific explanations with philosophical reflections, challenging readers to contemplate their beliefs and question traditional notions of free will, morality, and the universe.
In the old Road Runner cartoons, Wile E. Coyote would frequently find himself running off the edge of a cliff. But he wouldn’t, as our experience with gravity might lead us to expect, start falling to...May 2016•484 pages - #6
Save:A dazzling, sometimes demanding modern classic - come for the gorgeous nature writing and philosophical marveling, but be prepared for deep dives and occasional literary tangents. Read it slowly to savor the view.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard is a collection of meditations on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. The book takes readers on a journey through the author's observations and reflections on the beauty and brutality of the natural world around Tinker Creek in Virginia. Dillard's writing style is described as poetic, introspective, and deeply insightful, as she delves into themes of wonder, awe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The book is a blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and detailed observations of the flora and fauna in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard's prose is praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical quality, and ability to evoke a sense of reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Through her contemplations on nature, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes and find meaning in the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. I’d half-awaken. He’d stick his skull under my nose and pur...January 1974•298 pages - #7
Save:A fascinating, mind-blowing journey into the unseen sensory worlds of animals - full of wonder, fun facts, and eye-opening science. If you love nature writing, you'll be hooked!
'An Immense World' by Ed Yong is a captivating exploration of the sensory perception of various animal species, offering a unique perspective that challenges human-centric views. Through vivid descriptions and a blend of knowledge, reverence, enthusiasm, and humor, Yong delves into the intricate ways in which insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish experience the world. The book provides readers with a profound understanding of the diverse tools of adaptation used by different beings, encouraging a shift away from a culture of domination towards a more equal and empathetic relationship with the animal kingdom. Despite some criticism regarding excessive detail and scientific complexity, 'An Immense World' delivers a thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to marvel at the wonders of the natural world.
By “he,” she means Finnegan—her ink-black Labrador mix, who also goes by Finn. By “here,” she means the small, windowless room in New York City in which she runs psychological experiments on dogs. By...June 2022 A joyful, big-hearted read about healing, connection, and finding adventure in unexpected places - perfect for animal lovers and fans of unconventional sports!
"Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero" by Christopher McDougall is a heartwarming and inspiring true story about the bond between humans and animals, particularly a donkey named Sherman. The book follows Sherman's journey from being neglected in a barn to becoming a beloved member of a community, culminating in a World Championship race for donkeys. McDougall expertly weaves in insights about animal psychology, Amish communities, and the power of animals to help humans overcome mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges. The writing style is engaging and authentic, drawing readers into a captivating tale of resilience, compassion, and the joy of discovering purpose.
October 2019•377 pages- #9
Save:A modern classic of nature writing - rich, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. Best for patient readers with a passion for wild places and big questions about humanity and the environment.
'Arctic Dreams' by Barry Lopez is a captivating exploration of the Arctic region, blending nature writing with philosophical reflections and historical accounts. Lopez delves into the unique landscape of the Arctic, discussing its wildlife, indigenous people, and the impact of human exploration and exploitation on the environment. The book is structured thematically, with chapters focusing on species like polar bears and narwhals, as well as historical narratives of Arctic exploration. Lopez's writing style is described as evocative, sensitive, and detailed, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the Arctic's beauty and challenges.
One summer evening I was camped in the western Brooks Range of Alaska with a friend. From the ridge where we had pitched our tent we looked out over tens of square miles of rolling tundra along the so...1986•497 pages - #10
Save:A rollicking, informative, and often hilarious adventure across the West - equal parts history lesson, family road trip, and modern memoir. A must-read for lovers of Americana and quirky journeys, but perhaps not for those who want their history straight up or politics left at home.
'The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey' by Rinker Buck follows the modern-day expedition of two brothers as they traverse the historic Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by mules. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and family dynamics, the book captures the challenges and adventures faced by the brothers on their journey. Buck weaves together narratives from the past and present, offering a mix of humor, introspection, and exploration of the American West.
I HAD KNOWN LONG BEFORE I rode a covered wagon to Oregon that naïveté was the mother of adventure. I just didn’t understand how much of that I really had. Nicholas and I realized before we left Missou...June 2015•472 pages
