Books Like...
'To the River' by Olivia Laing is a reflective and interesting book that follows the author's journey along the River Ouse, prompted by a personal breakup. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of memoir, history, nature, and literature, with a focus on notable figures like Virginia Woolf and Kenneth Grahame. Laing's writing style is described as poetic, erudite, and reflective, offering richly descriptive passages of the natural world and blending them effortlessly into the narrative. The book explores themes of loss, nature, history, and personal reflection, drawing parallels between the author's journey and the stories of the river.
If you liked To the River, here are the top 11 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as nature, birds, climate change, migration, grief, and self-realization. The author uses lyrical prose to take readers on thought-provoking journeys, encouraging them to observe and absorb the subtleties of nature and reflect on human frailties and beauty. Through expert bird observations, Macdonald helps readers understand and cope with the greater feelings in her life, touching on subjects like spiritualism, behavior, and the interconnectedness of life.
When I was small, I decided I wanted to be a naturalist. And so I slowly amassed a nature collection, and arranged it across my bedroom sills and shelves as a visible display of all the small expertis... - #2
Save:'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... - #3
Save:'The Living Mountain' by Nan Shepherd is a short, poetic, and philosophical reflection on the author's deep connection with the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. Shepherd beautifully expresses her spiritual experience of being alone in nature, capturing the essence of the mountains through weather, life, people, and body. The book delves into Shepherd's observations of the natural world, including the geography, weather changes, plants, and animals of the Cairngorms, all while reflecting on the meaning of existence and the interconnectedness of humans with nature.
Summer on the high plateau can be delectable as honey; it can also be a roaring scourge. To those who love the place, both are good, since both are part of its essential nature. And it is to know its ... - #4
Save:'The River' by Peter Heller is a suspenseful novel about two young friends on a wilderness canoe trip facing natural disasters and human frailties, leading to a tragic outcome. The plot is a slow-burn thriller set on the rivers of northern America, focusing on the characters' survival in the face of extreme pressure and strained relationships. The writing style is a mix of suspenseful, literary, and beautiful, with a focus on character development and atmospheric descriptions.
The two of them loved paddling in storm. With the spray deck sealing the canoe they felt safe as long as they did not broach sideways, and they struck out away from the shadows and sounds of shore. Th... - #5
Save:"Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey is a memoir recounting the author's time spent as a park ranger in the Utah desert, particularly at Arches National Park. Abbey's writing style shifts between beautiful and evocative descriptions of nature to angry polemics against road building, motor vehicles, and what he perceives as the destruction of the wilderness. The book combines essays on the raw beauty of Arches National Park with socio-cultural critiques, showcasing Abbey's passion for the desert landscape and his disdain for the impact of human interference on the environment.
Abbey's narrative in "Desert Solitaire" captures the heat, mystery, and rewards of experiencing the desert firsthand. Through vivid imagery and poignant anecdotes, the author conveys the stark beauty and unforgiving harshness of the southwestern American desert. His writing style is described as compelling, wry, and imbued with a weathered, dry sensibility that reflects his deep connection to the wilderness he explores in the book.
There are lonely hours. How can I deny it? There are times when solitaire becomes solitary, an entirely different game, a prison term, and the inside of the skull as confining and unbearable as the in... Thor Heyerdahl, inspired by his theory that Polynesians could have originated from South America, embarks on an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft named Kon-Tiki. Along with five companions, they face the challenges of nature, including raging seas, wild winds, and encounters with various marine creatures, to prove his hypothesis. The book vividly describes the preparations, the voyage itself, and the eventual landing on a Polynesian island, capturing the spirit of adventure, scientific curiosity, and camaraderie among the crew.
ONCE IN A WHILE YOU FIND YOURSELF IN AN odd situation. You get into it by degrees and in the most natural way but, when you are right in the midst of it, you are suddenly astonished and ask yourself h...- #7
Save:H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is a memoir that intertwines the author's journey through grief after the loss of her father with her experience of training a goshawk named Mabel. The book also delves into the life of author T.H. White and his struggles with training a goshawk, providing a parallel narrative to Macdonald's own story. Through eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Macdonald navigates the complexities of falconry, personal loss, and self-discovery, creating a compelling narrative that blends elements of memoir, biography, and nature writing.
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES north-east of Cambridge is a landscape I’ve come to love very much indeed. It’s where wet fen gives way to parched sand. It’s a land of twisted pine trees, burned-out cars, shotgun-... 'A River Runs Through It and Other Stories' by Norman Maclean is a collection of several stories that explore family relationships, the beauty of nature, and the challenges of life in Montana and Idaho. The narratives are intertwined with themes of fly fishing, reflecting deeper meanings of love, understanding, and self-discovery. Maclean's writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and evocative, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes and emotional depths of the characters' experiences.
Norman Fitzroy Maclean was born in Iowa on 23 December 1902 into a Scots-Presbyterian family with Nova Scotia roots. His brother Paul, born three years later, was murdered in 1938, the cruel event aro...- #9
Save: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... 'The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey' by Candice Millard is a gripping non-fiction account of Theodore Roosevelt's perilous expedition down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon rainforest. The narrative delves into the harrowing journey that pushed the limits of Roosevelt and his crew, showcasing themes of endurance, survival, and the complexities of exploration in an unforgiving environment. Millard's writing style expertly weaves together history, geography, character studies, and thrilling storytelling to offer readers a captivating insight into Roosevelt's tenacious character and the challenges faced by the explorers.
After his defeat in the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a joint American-Brazilian expedition to explore the treacherous River of Doubt, a journey filled with physical and psychological challenges that tested the limits of the men involved. Millard's narrative skillfully captures the essence of adventure, bravery, and questionable decision-making, painting a vivid picture of the dangers faced by the expedition in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book provides a fascinating exploration of Roosevelt's post-presidential adventure and the indomitable spirit that drove him to undertake such a daring quest.
THE LINE OUTSIDE MADISON Square Garden started to form at 5:30 p.m., just as an orange autumn sun was setting in New York City on Halloween Eve, 1912. The doors were not scheduled to open for another ...
