Books Like...
'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.
If you liked Arctic Dreams, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Horizon' by Barry Lopez is a mesmerizing journey that spans across various landscapes and cultures, emphasizing the enchantment, respect, and marvel of all beings and things. Lopez's writing style is described as gentle, beautifully descriptive, and deeply personal, as he delves into global issues with a unique perspective. explores resilience in the face of harsh conditions, human irresponsibility, and evolutionary changes, while celebrating the interconnectedness of all living things.
The boy and I are leaning over a steel railing, staring into the sea. The sun is bright, but shade from a roof above us makes it possible to see clearly into the depths, to observe, quivering there, w... 'The Sun Is a Compass' by Caroline Van Hemert is a memoir of her incredible journey covering over 4,000 miles from Washington state to northern Alaska through hiking, skiing, and pack rafting. As a field biologist, Van Hemert intertwines her personal experiences with her scientific research, particularly focusing on migration patterns. The narrative captures the challenges and close calls faced by the author during her adventurous expedition, making it an engaging and inspiring read for those interested in wilderness exploration and personal growth.
I haven’t always loved the outdoors. But as a kid growing up in Alaska, there was no escaping its offerings or denying the fact that the forty-ninth state, with its coarse manners and vast acreage, wa...- #3
'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
'Sightlines' by Kathleen Jamie is a collection of essays that take the reader on a journey through various natural landscapes, from remote Scottish islands like St. Kilda to the Bergen Natural History Museum in Norway. The author's writing style is described as eloquent, lyrical, and poetic, capturing the beauty and intricacies of the natural world with vivid descriptions. Jamie's observations on the environment, wildlife, and her experiences on archaeological digs provide a unique perspective on the connections between nature and humanity.
THERE’S NO SWELL to speak of, just little lapping waves, so landing is just a matter of running the Zodiacs up onto the stony beach, allowing us to jump ashore. Not jump exactly: we swing our legs ove... Based on the opinions provided, 'Ada Blackjack: A True Story of Survival in the Arctic' by Jennifer Niven is a gripping narrative that delves into the 1921 Wrangel Island expedition, showcasing the harrowing experiences of Ada Blackjack and four other expedition members. The book skillfully weaves together the tales of adventure, survival, and tragedy, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and the challenges faced by individuals in extreme conditions. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, the author brings to life the remarkable true story of Ada Blackjack's resilience and courage amidst the unforgiving Arctic landscape.
in September 1923, a diminutive twentyfive-year-old Eskimo woman named Ada Blackjack emerged as the heroic survivor of an ambitious polar expedition. In the annals of Arctic exploration, many men have...A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold is a slow, thoughtful book of nature writing, filled with wonderfully detailed observations about the animals and plants on Leopold's farm in Wisconsin. The book showcases Leopold's love for and knowledge of the natural world, shining through his writing. The author's insights on nature and the environment, as well as his early recognition of the need for conservation and a land ethic, provide a moving narrative that calls for a deeper connection with the natural world.
'Never Cry Wolf' by Farley Mowat is a classic memoir that follows a young zoologist on an assignment to study wolves in northern Canada. Mowat's writing style combines humor, factual information, and thought-provoking insights into the lives of wolves. Through his observations, Mowat challenges the misconceptions surrounding wolves and highlights the delicate balance of nature.
WHEN I BEGAN writing this book eleven years ago the wolf was cast in a rather minor role. My original plan was to write a satire about quite a different beast—that peculiar mutation of the human speci...- #8
"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... - #9
'Coming Into the Country' by John McPhee is a captivating exploration of Alaska through the eyes of diverse individuals living in the region. McPhee intricately weaves together stories of gold miners, fishermen, and residents of small villages, shedding light on the unique challenges and adventures faced in the Last Frontier. The book delves into Alaskan history, including the era of the pipeline construction in the 1970s, while also highlighting the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. McPhee's writing style is described as conversational, engaging, and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of life in Alaska.
Paddling again, we move down long pools separated by short white pitches, looking to see whatever might appear in the low hills, in the cottonwood, in the white and black spruce—and in the river, too.... - #10
'Erebus: The Story of a Ship' by Michael Palin is a detailed historical account of the voyages of the HMS Erebus, focusing on its exploration of the Antarctic and its ill-fated attempt to find the Northwest Passage in the Arctic in the 19th century. Palin weaves together the narrative of the ship's journeys with his own experiences visiting the locations central to the story, providing a comprehensive and engaging look at the ship's history. The book is a mix of historical facts, personal reflections, and detailed accounts of the expeditions, offering a unique perspective on the adventures of the Erebus and its crew.
7 June 1826, Pembroke, Wales: it’s the sixth year of the reign of George IV, eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. He is sixty-three, with a quarrelsome marriage, a flauntingly extravagant lif...