Books Like...
'Shadow Divers' by Robert Kurson is a captivating work of nonfiction that delves into the world of deep wreck diving, where two divers, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, discover a sunken German U boat off the coast of New Jersey. The book follows their relentless quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding this lost submarine, taking readers on a thrilling and dangerous journey through the history of WWII submarines and the challenges of deep sea diving. Kurson's vivid writing style immerses readers in the deep diving culture, making the story both engrossing and informative.
If you liked Shadow Divers, here are the top 100 books to read next:
"The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea" by Sebastian Junger is a gripping non-fiction account of the catastrophic events surrounding the storm of the century in 1991. The narrative follows the crew of the Andrea Gail, a fishing vessel that disappeared without a trace during the storm, while also delving into the broader impact on other boats, rescue efforts, and the coastal damage caused. Through a combination of scientific evidence, local history, and third-party accounts, Junger weaves a harrowing tale of survival and loss at sea, immersing the reader in the intensity of the storm and the challenges faced by those caught in its path.
Junger's writing style in "The Perfect Storm" is described as compelling and immersive, drawing readers into the heart of the action and making them feel like they are experiencing the storm firsthand. expertly balances the technical aspects of meteorology, commercial fishing, and rescue operations with a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ultimately creating a vivid and haunting portrayal of the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
A SOFT fall rain slips down through the trees and the smell of ocean is so strong that it can almost be licked off the air. Trucks rumble along Rogers Street and men in t-shirts stained with fishblood...- #2
Pirate Hunters by Robert Kurson is a gripping non-fiction book that follows the story of two divers, John Chatterton and John Mattera, on a quest to find a sunken pirate ship, the Golden Fleece, captained by the infamous Joseph Bannister. The book seamlessly intertwines historical accounts of 17th-century piracy, life aboard a pirate ship, famous captains, and sea battles with the modern-day search for the legendary vessel, providing readers with a fascinating blend of past and present narratives. Kurson's writing style is praised for its ability to convey both historical information and current-day adventures, making the book an exciting and informative read.
John Chatterton and John Mattera were days away from launching a quest they’d been planning for two years, a search for the treasure ship San Bartolomé, sunk in the seventeenth century and worth a hun... 'The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story' by Douglas Preston is a non-fiction account of an archaeological expedition to discover a lost city in the Honduran rainforest. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the expedition's challenges, including encounters with dangerous wildlife, harsh conditions, and the team contracting tropical diseases. The author weaves together elements of history, archaeology, anthropology, and epidemiology to provide a detailed and realistic portrayal of the expedition, going beyond the initial sensationalism to delve into the complexities of exploring unknown territories.
Deep in Honduras, in a region called La Mosquitia, lie some of the last unexplored places on earth. Mosquitia is a vast, lawless area covering about thirty-two thousand square miles, a land of rainfor...'The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon' by David Grann delves into the life and disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett as he embarks on a quest to find a legendary lost civilization in the Amazon jungle. Alternating between Fawcett's expeditions and Grann's own journey to retrace Fawcett's steps, the book seamlessly weaves together historical accounts and modern investigations, creating a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and myth. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Grann brings to life the dangers, mysteries, and obsessions that have surrounded Fawcett's enigmatic fate.
Grann's writing style in 'The Lost City of Z' has been praised for its ability to captivate readers with a narrative that reads like fiction while being rooted in historical events. paints a vivid picture of Fawcett's relentless pursuit of the mythical city of Z, his encounters with the unforgiving Amazon environment, and the subsequent quests by others to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. With a blend of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and exploratory insights, Grann immerses readers in a tale of adventure, obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.
On a cold January day in 1925, a tall, distinguished gentleman hurried across the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey, toward the SS Vauban, a five-hundred-and-eleven-foot ocean liner bound for Rio de Janeir...- #5
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... 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 ...'Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage' by Alfred Lansing narrates the harrowing journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew as they face extreme conditions in Antarctica after their ship becomes icebound and breaks apart. The story follows their incredible struggle for survival, including abandoning ship, navigating through harsh weather, and enduring extreme temperatures and lack of resources for over a year.
The order to abandon ship was given at 5 P.M. For most of the men, however, no order was needed because by then everybody knew that the ship was done and that it was time to give up trying to save her...'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...- #9
In the summer of 1879, the USS Jeannette embarked on a perilous journey to map a course to the North Pole. However, their mission quickly turned disastrous as the ship became trapped in the ice near the Bering Strait. Forced to abandon ship, the crew faced a harrowing march across the ice, battling cold, starvation, injuries, and polar bears in their quest for survival. Hampton Sides' "In the Kingdom of Ice" vividly portrays the courage, suffering, and sometimes insanity of the crew members, painting a gripping picture of their audacious Arctic expedition in the late 1800s.
Sides' storytelling is masterful, weaving a tale of adventure, survival, and loss in the unforgiving Arctic landscape. The narrative is enriched with historical references, providing insights into the cultural norms of the time, the impact of the media, and prevailing beliefs. Through meticulous research and captivating writing, Sides brings to life the grand and terrible polar voyage of the USS Jeannette, capturing the essence of human endurance and the tragic consequences of hubris in a bygone era.
Close to midnight on the evening of Sunday, November 8, 1874, as the early edition of the next day’s New York Herald was being born, the gaslit building at the corner of Broadway and Ann Street bustle... Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson is a meticulously researched and immersive account of the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The book delves into the political backdrop of the time, intertwining the narratives of the passengers, the submarine commander, and the events in Washington DC and London. Larson's narrative style weaves together multiple viewpoints, providing a detailed examination of the tragic event and its aftermath, while also exploring the potential conspiracy theories surrounding the sinking.
THE SMOKE FROM SHIPS AND THE EXHALATIONS OF THE river left a haze that blurred the world and made the big liner seem even bigger, less the product of human endeavor than an escarpment rising from a pl...