Books Like...
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a non-fiction book that follows the fascinating and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions, cut ties with his family, and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into McCandless' motivations, his struggles for survival, and the philosophical questions surrounding his choices, all while exploring themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the allure of nature.
Krakauer's writing style in Into the Wild is described as well-researched, thought-provoking, and compelling. The narrative not only focuses on McCandless' journey but also includes the author's personal reflections and experiences, adding depth and emotion to the story. Through interviews, personal journal entries, and detailed accounts, Krakauer presents a gripping tale that forces readers to reflect on themes of youth, independence, and the consequences of living on the edge of society.
If you liked Into the Wild, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'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...In "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail," Bill Bryson recounts his humorous and informative journey hiking a significant portion of the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail with his out-of-shape friend Katz. Throughout the book, Bryson blends his witty humor, historical insights about the trail, U.S. Forestry Dept., and wildlife, and the challenges faced while embarking on such an ambitious trek. The narrative captures the essence of the Appalachian Trail, the people encountered along the way, and the dangers and beauty of the trail, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.
A sign announced that this was no ordinary footpath, but the celebrated Appalachian Trail. Running more than 2,100 miles along America’s eastern seaboard, through the serene and beckoning Appalachian ...Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a memoir about the author's decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail as a way of dealing with grief and trauma. Cheryl embarks on this solo journey to confront her emotions, understand herself, and find healing. The book delves into Cheryl's personal struggles, including the loss of her mother and a self-destructive divorce, intertwined with her physical trek through the wilderness. Through introspection and self-discovery, Cheryl navigates her past and present, ultimately finding peace and renewed strength.
My solo three-month hike on the Pacific Crest Trail had many beginnings. There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it, and then the long...- #4
Save:'The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit' by author Michael Finkel tells the true story of Christopher Knight, a man who vanished into the Maine woods in 1986, living alone in seclusion for over 25 years. Finkel weaves investigative journalism, psychology, and philosophy to explore Knight's solitary life, his survival techniques, and the challenges he faced when reintegrating into society after being caught. The narrative delves into the complexities of solitude, the allure of living off the grid, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding Knight's actions of sustaining himself by stealing from nearby cabins.
The trees are mostly skinny where the hermit lives, but they’re tangled over giant boulders with deadfall everywhere like pick-up sticks. There are no trails. Navigation, for nearly everyone, is a thr... - #5
Save: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... 'Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith' by Jon Krakauer is a nonfiction account that delves into the fanatical history of the Mormons, focusing on a murder in the 1980s that sheds light on the dark side of the religion. The book provides a detailed exploration of Mormonism, from its origins to its modern-day fundamentalist practices, intertwining historical events with a contemporary crime to give readers a comprehensive look at the religion's evolution. Krakauer's writing style is captivating, blending true crime elements with religious history to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal wor...- #7
Save:"Walden" by Henry David Thoreau is a philosophical work that follows the author's simple life at Walden Pond, exploring metaphysical topics while living in a self-built cabin. Thoreau muses on life, society, and nature, offering insights on the importance of living deliberately and observing the world from a fresh perspective. The book contains a mix of autobiographical storytelling, philosophical thought patterns, and intricate descriptions of the natural surroundings, all written with a flair for poetry and vocabulary.
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massa... 'Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage' by Alfred Lansing narrates the harrowing journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew as they face extreme conditions in Antarctica after their ship becomes icebound and breaks apart. The story follows their incredible struggle for survival, including abandoning ship, navigating through harsh weather, and enduring extreme temperatures and lack of resources for over a year.
The order to abandon ship was given at 5 P.M. For most of the men, however, no order was needed because by then everybody knew that the ship was done and that it was time to give up trying to save her...- #9
Save:One Man's Wilderness by Richard Proenneke is a memoir that chronicles Proenneke's journey of moving to the Twin Lakes area in Alaska to build an off-grid log cabin. Living alone in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Proenneke documents his experiences of building the cabin by hand, living off the land, and surviving in the harsh environment through his journal entries. The book provides a detailed account of Proenneke's daily life, his interactions with nature, and his reflections on living a simple and fulfilling life away from traditional society.
One Man's Wilderness is praised for its calm and peaceful narrative, focusing on Proenneke's incredible story of survival and self-sufficiency in the Alaskan wilderness. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of Proenneke's lifestyle, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and the lack of major conflicts in the narrative. The book inspires readers with Proenneke's determination, resourcefulness, and unique perspective on life, making it a compelling read for those interested in memoirs, nature, and off-grid living.
We loaded my gear into the T-craft. Not too many groceries this trip; Babe would come again soon. Seemed like a heavy load to me, and jammed in as we were, I found myself wondering whether the old bir... - #10
Save:In this book, a 13-year-old boy named Brian finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only a survival kit and a hatchet, Brian must learn to survive on his own. The story follows Brian's journey as he navigates the challenges of the wild, including finding food, shelter, and fire. The plot captures the essence of survival and coming of age, depicting Brian's resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles he faces.
The writing style of the book vividly portrays Brian's emotions and struggles, allowing readers to immerse themselves in his experiences. The author, Gary Paulsen, skillfully captures the essence of survival and perseverance, making the story engaging and relatable for readers, particularly those in the middle school age group. Through Brian's adventure, the book delves into themes of self-reliance, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
BRIAN ROBESON stared out the window of the small plane at the endless green northern wilderness below. It was a small plane, a Cessna 406—a bush-plane—and the engine was so loud, so roaring and consum...
