Books Like...

'Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart: An Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Carrot Quinn is a raw and honest account of the author's transformative journey on the Pacific Crest Trail. The book follows Carrot as she navigates the challenges of the trail, from physical hardships to emotional revelations, all while vividly describing the landscapes and people she encounters. The writing style is engaging, with readers feeling like they are walking alongside Carrot as she shares her experiences in an open and candid manner.

'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.

'Annapurna: A Woman's Place' by Arlene Blum narrates the incredible true story of the first all-women expedition to climb Annapurna. The author skillfully recounts the challenges faced during the expedition, including the struggles with Sherpas, cultural differences, and the determination of the team to summit the deadly mountain. Readers praised the detailed and thorough account of the adventure, highlighting the author's openness about the difficulties encountered and the fears experienced during the climb.

Blum's writing style is described as beautiful and engaging, allowing readers to feel immersed in the story and connected to the experiences of the women climbers. not only showcases the physical challenges of mountain climbing but also delves into the emotional and personal aspects of the journey, making it a compelling read for both mountaineers and general readers alike.

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.

In "Winds of Skilak" by Bonnie Rose Ward, readers are taken on a captivating journey of true grit, true love, and survival in the Alaskan wilderness. The book follows Bonnie and her husband Sam as they leave their Ohio home to start a new life on a tiny island on Skilak Lake in Alaska. Through beautifully written memoir, readers are immersed in the couple's 15-year wilderness adventure, facing isolation, sub-freezing temperatures, and the challenges of living off the land without modern amenities.

Follow the River by James Alexander Thom is a gripping historical fiction novel based on the true story of Mary Draper Ingles, who was captured by Shawnee Indians during an attack on her village in 1755. The book chronicles Mary's incredible journey of survival and determination as she escapes captivity and embarks on a perilous 800-mile trek back home, accompanied by another captive. The narrative vividly portrays the harsh realities of frontier life in early America and showcases the strength of the human spirit through Mary's extraordinary resilience and courage.

Thom's writing style in Follow the River is described as eloquent, vivid, and immersive, drawing readers into Mary's harrowing experiences and making them feel like they are alongside her every step of the way. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail bring the characters to life, capturing the essence of the pioneer spirit and the challenges faced by individuals in the unforgiving wilderness of 18th-century America.

'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.

Colin Fletcher's 'The Man Who Walked Through Time' is a classic of Outdoor Literature that recounts his 1963 solo backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon. The book delves into Fletcher's mental journey rather than just the physical details of his walk, focusing on his quest for a change of perspective and his contemplation of the immense age of the Canyon's rocks. It explores themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the vast expanse of time in the geology of the Grand Canyon, inspiring readers to find inner solitude and meaning in the outdoors.

The Tracker by Tom Brown Jr. is a memoir about growing up and learning to read the wilderness by deeply observing it. Tom Brown Jr. and his best friend were trained by his friend's grandfather, an Apache tracker. As an adult, Tom Brown Jr. located dozens of missing people and fugitives. The book is described as highly recommended for those interested in outdoorsmanship, survivorship, and Native American skills. The plot revolves around the protagonist's journey of self-discovery through nature and survival skills, inspired by his mentor, the Apache tracker.

'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.