Books matching: outdoor setting
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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 ...'Phaedrus' by Plato is described as one of his racier dialogues, focusing on themes of love, friendship, beauty, lust, madness, the nature of the soul, and rhetoric. The dialogue is seen as a manifestation of Socrates' philosophy as a form of love for wisdom. The writing style is praised for being rewarding, sharp, and insightful, providing a fascinating exploration of existential conundrums and the human state's interaction with its kind. is considered a masterpiece, despite a few spelling errors in the Kindle edition.
: Not yet––not until my persuasion of you began in earnest. I would compose a speech in praise of donkeys. In this speech I would call a donkey a horse, and would explain how invaluable a beas...- #3
Save: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.
Please return all mail I receive to the sender. It might be a very long time before I return South. If this adventure proves fatal and you don’t ever hear from me again I want you to know you’re a gre... - #4
Save:'Track of the Cat' by Nevada Barr follows the story of Anna Pigeon, a law enforcement ranger at Guadaloupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, who investigates the death of a fellow ranger supposedly mauled to death by a mountain lion. Despite opposition from her bosses, Anna suspects foul play and delves deep into the mystery, uncovering various suspects including the murdered ranger's lover, opponents of park policies, and a powerful rancher. The novel offers a decent whodunnit plot set in the backdrop of national parks, with Anna's character portrayed as a complex, imperfect protagonist with a strong spirit for protecting wildlife and solving crimes.
Anna Pigeon, a New York City widow turned park ranger, is depicted as a tough, detail-oriented protagonist with a knack for solving mysteries and a deep love for animals and nature. The writing style of Nevada Barr is praised for its emotional charge and vivid descriptions of the Texas landscape, bringing authenticity and a sense of immediacy to the story. balances set up with action effectively, making the reader eager to explore the next installment in the series.
THERE hadn't been a god for many years. Not the nightgown-clad patriarch of Sunday school coloring books; not the sensitive young man with the inevitable auburn ringlets Anna had stared through in the... - #5
Save:'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is a horror novel that follows a group of five 14-year-old Scouts and their Troop Master who are dropped off on an island for a weekend of hiking and survival skills. The story takes a terrifying turn when a starving man infected with worms arrives on the island, leading to a series of gruesome and horrifying events. The book is praised for its compelling storytelling, detailed descriptions of horror, and the use of interspersed news accounts and transcripts to enhance the narrative.
The plot of 'The Troop' is described as a mix of 'Lord of the Flies' and 'The Ruins', with a focus on the boys' struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable terror. The writing style is noted for its vivid and clinical imagery, complex metaphors, and the ability to evoke discomfort and fear in readers. The book delves into themes of plausible horror, unethical experimentation, and the dark side of human nature, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story.
The man was wet from the spray that kicked over the gunwale. The outline of his body was visible under his drenched clothes. He easily could have been mistaken for a scarecrow left carelessly unattend... - #6
Save:'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl... '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...- #8
Save:'Blind Descent' in the 'Anna Pigeon' series by Nevada Barr takes readers on a thrilling subterranean adventure in the underground caverns of Lechuguilla, located in New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. The plot revolves around National Park Service ranger Anna Pigeon, who overcomes her claustrophobia to delve deep into the dangerous cave system to aid her injured friend, Frieda. As Anna navigates through airless tunnels, gaping pits, and vaulting caverns, she unravels a mystery that leads her closer to danger than ever before. is a fast-paced mystery with detailed descriptions of caves and caving, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Anna's journey through the treacherous underground world.
Anna Pigeon was on the overhead team, the second wave to hit CACA-the official if unfortunate National Park Service abbreviation for New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns, home to two of the most famous caves...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Anna Pigeon ) - #9
Save:"The Rock from the Sky" by Jon Klassen is a humorous and suspenseful story told in three parts, following a conversation between a tortoise and an armadillo discussing the best place to stand. The plot involves unexpected turns, such as the appearance of an ominous alien spaceship and a big rock about to fall from the sky, adding tension and anticipation to the story. The writing style is described as dry, slightly dark, and blunt, with simple but brilliant illustrations that enhance the humor and suspense throughout the book.
- #10
Save:"My Side of the Mountain" is a classic novel by Jean Craighead George that tells the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who runs away from his crowded city life to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Sam learns to survive on his own, befriends a falcon named Frightful, and explores the challenges and rewards of living off the land. The book captures Sam's journey of self-sufficiency, connection with nature, and the importance of human companionship, all while showcasing themes of survival, independence, and adventure.
The plot unfolds as Sam navigates the harsh winter, builds a home in a tree, and learns valuable skills for survival, such as hunting for food and making tools. The writing style of the book is engaging and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions of Sam's experiences in the wilderness, his interactions with animals, and his personal growth throughout the story. Readers are taken on a captivating journey alongside Sam as he discovers the beauty and challenges of living in harmony with nature.
I had been working since May, learning how to make a fire with flint and steel, finding what plants I could eat, how to trap animals and catch fish—all this so that when the curtain of blizzard struck...
