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Books matching: survival against the odds

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz is a gripping account of a Polish soldier's escape from a Siberian labor camp during WWII. The soldier embarks on an incredible journey, walking thousands of miles through harsh terrains like the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas to reach freedom in India. The book portrays the horrors of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering determination to survive against all odds.

    The book is written in a straightforward, no-nonsense style that presents the story as a harsh truth rather than a dramatized narrative. It details the author's arrest, torture, and time in a Siberian prison camp, followed by a daring escape with fellow prisoners, highlighting the incredible journey of survival and endurance that they undertake.

    IT WAS about nine o’clock one bleak November day that the key rattled in the heavy lock of my cell in the Lubyanka Prison and the two broad-shouldered guards marched purposefully in. I had been walkin...

  2. #2

    Lucifer's Hammer by Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven
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    In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.

    The bay trees in our country are all wither'd And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change. These signs f...

  3. #3

    Be Not Far from Me by Mindy McGinnis
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    Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis is a YA survival novel about Ashley Hawkins, a high school girl who, after a camping trip gone wrong, finds herself lost and injured in the Appalachian woods. The story follows Ashley's journey of survival, self-discovery, and confronting her past while battling the harsh wilderness. The writing style focuses on Ashley's inner thoughts and emotions, delving deep into her character development and the challenges she faces in the unforgiving environment.

    People forget that. The glossy brochures for state parks show nature at its most photogenic, like a senior picture with all the pores airbrushed away. They never feature a coyote muzzle-deep in the be...

  4. #4

    Touching The Void by Joe Simpson
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    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...

  5. #5

    The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
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    Two strangers, Ben and Ashley, find themselves stuck in the mountains of Utah after a chartered plane they were on crashes into a remote area. With no one looking for them and facing extreme conditions, they must work together to survive and make their way back to civilization. The book is described as a tale of endurance, love, and survival against all odds, with unexpected twists and a deeper story of the two main characters.

    The view was ugly. Gray, dreary, January dragging on. On the TV screen behind me, some guy sitting in a studio in New York used the words “socked in.” I pressed my forehead to the glass. On the tarmac...

  6. #6

    The Terror by Dan Simmons
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    Set in the 1800s, 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons follows the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic. The story is a blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, incorporating themes of survival, exploration, and the mysterious creature that stalks the crew, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Simmons intricately weaves in elements of Inuit mythology, adding depth and a fresh perspective to the well-known historical event.

    Simmons' writing style in 'The Terror' is described as detailed, immersive, and atmospheric, capturing the harsh conditions of the Arctic and the psychological struggles of the characters with precision. The novel keeps readers engaged with its mix of historical accuracy, nautical elements, and fantastical elements, making it a unique and captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and myth.

    Captain Crozier comes up on deck to find his ship under attack by celestial ghosts. Above him — above Terror — shimmering folds of light lunge but then quickly withdraw like the colourful arms of aggr...

  7. #7

    The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
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    '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...

  8. #8
    Malorie
    Book 2 in the series:Bird Box

    Malorie - Bird Box by Josh Malerman
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    "Malorie" by Josh Malerman is a sequel to "Bird Box" that continues to follow the story of Malorie and her children, set years after the events of the first book. The plot revolves around Malorie, Olympia, and Tom living in a world where they must remain blindfolded to survive against mysterious creatures. As a census worker arrives and leaves behind information about survivors, Malorie decides to embark on a dangerous journey in search of her parents, facing challenges and dangers along the way. The writing style is described as fast-paced, tense, and suspenseful, with a focus on the characters' psychology and their struggles for survival in a dystopian world.

    Tom is getting water from the well. It’s something he’s done every other day for the better part of a decade, the three of them having called Camp Yadin home for that long. Olympia believes the camp w...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bird Box )

  9. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick is a gripping account of the sinking of the whale ship Essex in 1819 after being attacked by a sperm whale. The book details the crew's harrowing journey of survival in small boats as they try to make their way back to civilization, facing starvation, cannibalism, and unimaginable hardships. Philbrick's writing style is described as a compelling page-turner, blending historical detail with memorable characters and thrilling adventure, reminiscent of a novel.

    The book delves into the tragic tale of the Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick, providing a rich history of Nantucket's whaling industry and the psychology of leadership in extreme situations. Philbrick's extensive research is evident throughout the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of the crew's ordeal, the effects of starvation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hopeless odds. The story not only focuses on the disaster at sea but also explores themes of survival, humanity, and the sacrifices made in desperate circumstances.

    IT WAS, HE LATER REMEMBERED, “the most pleasing moment of my life”—the moment he stepped aboard the whaleship Essex for the first time. He was fourteen years old, with a broad nose and an open, eager ...

  10. #10

    Island of the Blue Dolphins - Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
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    "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell is a story of survival and resilience, centered around an Indian girl named Karana who is left behind on an island when her tribe sails away. Over the years, she learns to fend for herself by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and battling wild dogs. Despite her challenges, Karana finds companionship with the animals on the island and longs for human connection. The narrative, based on a true story but with elaborations, follows Karana's journey of survival, personal discovery, and longing for companionship.

    explores themes of survival, loneliness, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit. Through Karana's experiences, readers witness her resilience, ingenuity, and determination as she navigates the challenges of living alone on the island. The story not only captures the physical struggles of survival but also delves into the emotional complexities of longing for human connection in the face of solitude.

    I remember the day the Aleut ship came to our island. At first it seemed like a small shell afloat on the sea. Then it grew larger and was a gull with folded wings. At last in the rising sun it became...

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