Books Like...
Lost in Shangri La is a captivating true story of survival and adventure during World War II. The book narrates the harrowing account of a military airplane crash in the native jungles of New Guinea and the subsequent heroic rescue mission to save the survivors. Mitchell Zuckoff skillfully weaves together the tales of the crash, the survivors' struggle to survive, and the daring rescue attempt, providing a detailed narrative of a lesser-known historical event overshadowed by the war itself.
If you liked Lost in Shangri-la, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'Ghost Soldiers' by Hampton Sides is a gripping account of the rescue mission of American prisoners of war in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines during World War II. The book alternates between the harrowing experiences of the POWs and the daring mission of the Army Rangers and Filipino guerrillas to free them. Sides skillfully weaves together narratives of survival, heroism, and sacrifice, providing a vivid portrayal of the brutal conditions faced by both the prisoners and their rescuers.
Dr. Ralph Emerson Hibbs lay delirious in a ditch at the tattered edge of the jungle, his teeth clicking with chills. The malarial attack came over him suddenly, as they always did, the strength droppi...- #2
Save:In "A Higher Call," author Adam Makos narrates an incredible true story of an encounter between an American B-17 bomber crew and a German fighter pilot during World War II. The book delves into the lives of the two pilots, Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler, exploring their personal and military circumstances leading up to the fateful event that ties them together. Through a well-paced narrative, Makos highlights acts of humanity, heroism, and the pilot's code of chivalry, shedding light on the individuals behind the uniforms and showcasing the complexities of war beyond the conventional good versus evil narrative.
FRANZ STIGLER BURIED his hands in the pockets of his long, tattered wool coat as he shuffled along the streets of the small, bombed-out city. The frigid air crystallized his breath in the early mornin... - #3
Save:'Ruthless River' is a gripping true story of a couple's harrowing survival journey in the Amazon jungle. After a plane crash in Peru, Holly and Fitz Fitzgerald find themselves building a raft and navigating down the Madre de Dios River, facing dangers like piranhas and caimans. The book is written in a vivid and engaging style that captures the emotional rollercoaster of the couple's journey, filled with moments of joy, fear, and resilience, making it a compelling read for those seeking adventure and survival stories.
We’d just spent two hours trying to get a stranger’s pickup truck out of a muddy ditch. The truck had been our best hope to reach the rustic airport to buy tickets for a plane south to Puerto Maldonad... - #4
Save:'The Forgotten 500' by Gregory A. Freeman tells the untold story of the rescue mission during World War II to save hundreds of stranded allied airmen who had bailed out over occupied Yugoslavia. The narrative covers the operation Halyard, shedding light on the relationships between the Serb general Draža Mihailović and various parties involved. The writing style, although simple and suitable for young readers, is criticized for being repetitive at times, especially in portraying Mihailović in a one-sided manner. Despite some glossed-over areas, the book is described as an enjoyable read that provides insights into the shady alliances, duplicity, and political decisions that shaped the war.
This village seemed just like every other village ClareMusgrove had been through in the last four days, simple stone and thatch houses with minimal furnishings and even less food, occupied by people w... - #5
Save:'Theory and Practice of Hell' by Eugen Kogon is a detailed account of the Nazi concentration camps, providing insights into the daily horrors faced by prisoners during the Holocaust. Kogon, a former inmate himself, delves into the depths of the inhumanity experienced in the camps, shedding light on the extreme racism, brutal punishments, and the unimaginable suffering endured by the prisoners. The writing style is described as well-documented, historical, and erudite, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the Germans ran the concentration camps and the motivations behind the guards, prisoners, and the population at large.
two months in the spring of 1943 he was clerk in the “ Pathology Section.” During these weeks three different or ders from the Reich Main Security Office were received, assigning him to Auschwitz for ... - #6
Save:Boon Island by Kenneth Roberts is a historical fiction novel that tells the gripping tale of a shipwreck off the coast of Maine. The book portrays the harrowing experiences of the crew members who were stranded on a barren rock island, facing extreme weather conditions and resorting to cannibalism in order to survive. Roberts skillfully weaves together elements of excitement, suspense, and fear, creating a narrative that delves into themes of human endurance, ingenuity, and the best and worst aspects of human nature during times of crisis.
The author, Kenneth Roberts, presents a different perspective on historical events through his storytelling, blending authentic background details with fictionalized accounts of the shipwreck and its aftermath. Boon Island is praised for its mix of history and fiction, engaging writing style, and the way it vividly portrays the struggles of the crew members as they fight for survival against all odds.
Twice a year I protested to my father that I’d be better off in Greenwich; but he wouldn’t have it so. Roughly speaking, our wrangling went around and around, like moles in their devious underground w... - #7
Save:The Ice Master by Jennifer Niven is a gripping non-fiction account of the doomed 1913 voyage of the Karluk, where the crew faced extreme cold, hunger, fear, and poor leadership in the Arctic. Niven's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, making the real-life events feel like a work of fiction. The book delves into the struggles of the crew, the challenges they faced, and the harrowing tale of survival in one of the world's most unforgiving climates.
William Laird McKinlay, a small, weak infant, was not expected to live very long. The doctors told his parents that he would be lucky to survive a year and that, if by some miracle the child should li... - #8
Save:'Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man' by Lynn Vincent narrates the tragic events surrounding the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, from its crucial role in World War II to its harrowing sinking by a Japanese submarine. The story delves into the ship's history, the circumstances leading to the disaster, the heroic acts of survival, and the subsequent fight for justice and exoneration of Captain McVay. The writing style is detailed, engaging, and meticulously researched, providing a gripping and emotional account of one of the darkest chapters in naval history.
On the cruiser’s bridge, Captain Charles McVay had the conn, with Admiral Raymond Spruance tracking the action from his high bridge chair. Both men wore khaki shirts, tieless, and soft garrison caps. ... '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..."Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand is a gripping historical account that follows the incredible life of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic athlete who becomes a prisoner of war in Japanese camps during World War II. The writing style is described as engaging, addicting, and moving, with detailed research and a focus on presenting the harsh realities of war and human nature.
IN THE PREDAWN DARKNESS OF AUGUST 26, 1929, IN THE back bedroom of a small house in Torrance, California, a twelve-year-old boy sat up in bed, listening. There was a sound coming from outside, growing...
