Books Like...

'Becoming Odyssa' by Jennifer Pharr Davis is a memoir about Jennifer's journey through the Appalachian Trail. The book captures her physical and emotional challenges, detailing moments of hunger, pain, and discomfort that she embraced to feel truly alive. Jennifer's writing style is a blend of vivid descriptions of the trail and introspective reflections on her experiences, making the reader feel the rawness of her adventure.

Jennifer's narrative unfolds as she navigates the wilderness, encountering both physical obstacles and moments of self-discovery. Her journey is not just about hiking the trail but also about finding herself and redefining her perception of happiness and fulfillment. The book offers a glimpse into the transformative power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

'Grandma Gatewood's Walk' by Ben Montgomery is a biography that tells the inspiring story of Emma Gatewood, a sixty-seven-year-old great-grandmother who, in 1955, became the first woman to hike the entire 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail alone. Despite facing hardships such as raising eleven children during the Great Depression and surviving an abusive husband, Emma Gatewood's determination and resilience shine through as she embarks on this unprecedented journey. The book highlights her adventurous spirit, her love for nature, and her journey towards finding redemption and happiness through hiking.

The narrative style of the book captures the essence of Emma Gatewood's extraordinary life and her trailblazing accomplishments. Through vivid descriptions of her trek, the author paints a picture of a woman who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of hikers. The book not only explores Emma Gatewood's physical journey but also delves into the emotional and historical context of her life, making it a compelling read for those interested in tales of courage, perseverance, and the great outdoors.

'Tracks: A Woman's Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback' by Robyn Davidson is a memoir recounting the author's incredible journey of trekking across the Australian desert with her three camels. The narrative captures both the physical challenges and emotional growth experienced by Davidson during the expedition. Readers are taken through a vivid description of the Australian Outback, indigenous customs, and the author's personal reflections on self-reliance, determination, and resilience. Davidson's writing style blends humor, sadness, and introspection, creating a compelling account of her exploration and encounters during the challenging trek.

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.

'Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout' by Philip Connors is a memoir that follows the author's experiences as a fire lookout in the Gila National Forest. Connors shares insights into the changing role of fire lookouts, the history of forest conservation, and the impact of wildfires on the American wilderness. Through his poetic and reflective writing style, Connors intertwines personal anecdotes, historical facts, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that immerses readers into the solitude and beauty of the wilderness.

In "Still Life with Bread Crumbs" by Anna Quindlen, the story follows Rebecca Winter, a 60-year-old photographer who finds herself in a transitional phase in her life. Facing financial difficulties, Rebecca sublets her New York City apartment and moves to a small cottage in upstate New York. There, she navigates new beginnings, rekindles her passion for photography, and unexpectedly finds romance with a younger roofer named Jim Bates. The book beautifully captures Rebecca's journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the connections she forms with the people in her new community.

Quindlen's writing style in this novel is described as insightful, masterful, and engaging. The narrative flows smoothly between past, present, and future, offering a blend of humor, wisdom, and positive energy. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the author paints a heartwarming story of embracing change, finding joy in simplicity, and rediscovering oneself at a later stage in life.

Homestead by Melinda Moustakis follows the journey of a young couple, Lawrence and Marie, who impulsively decide to get married and embark on a homesteading adventure in Alaska during the mid-1950s. The book vividly portrays the dangers and challenges of living in the Alaskan wilderness, while also delving into themes of trauma, marriage, and the relationship between humans and nature. Through the changing seasons and the characters' evolving dynamics, the story unfolds as a captivating exploration of love, resilience, and the harsh realities of homesteading life.

"The Word for Woman is Wilderness" follows the journey of a 19-year-old narrator named Erin Miller as she embarks on a land and sea journey from England to Alaska. Through Erin's adventures, the novel explores themes of gender, wilderness exploration, and philosophical meditations intertwined with human history. The writing style of the book is described as ambitious, blending science writing, philosophical musings, and elements of American nature writing, all anchored in questions of gender and feminism.

"Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World" by Rita Golden Gelman follows the author's journey as she travels the world, immerses herself in different cultures, and learns to relax, trust herself, and shed some of her western modesty. Gelman's memoir documents her life-altering decision to leave her old world behind after a devastating divorce, selling everything she owns to embark on a nomadic lifestyle in her late 40s. provides a fascinating insight into the lives of people from various cultures, showcasing common humanity and the transformative power of travel.