Are you looking for inspiration for your next adventure?
Or maybe you are simply looking for an escape from the mundanity of everyday life. Either way, we have got you covered with our hand-picked selection of the best non-fiction adventure books that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and your wanderlust sparked.
As humans, we have an innate desire to explore, experience, and embark on adventures that challenge us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Reading about other people's adventures can be just as exhilarating and inspiring as living them. Whether you are an avid adventurer or an armchair traveler, this list of the best non-fiction adventure books is for you.
How We Choose These Best Non-Fiction Adventure Books
We scoured Amazon and read reviews from readers who had read and enjoyed these books. We also considered the author's reputation and expertise in the adventure genre, and the level of inspiration and engagement each book offered. Here are our top 5 picks:
1. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
#1 National Bestseller
This book provides a vivid and intense account of the events leading up to the tragedy and the aftermath that followed.
What Is This Book About
Into Thin Air is a gripping first-hand account of Jon Krakauer's experience of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition. Krakauer recounts the events that led to the deaths of eight climbers and how he survived to tell the tale.
Why You Will Love It
Krakauer's writing style is captivating, and his vivid descriptions will transport you to the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest. This book is not only a thrilling adventure story but also a reflection on the human spirit and the consequences of our desire for adventure.
2. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
New York Times Bestseller
This is a gripping non-fiction book that tells the harrowing story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition in 1914. The book is based on the first-hand accounts of the crew members and the extensive research conducted by author Alfred Lansing.
What Is This Book About
Endurance tells the incredible story of Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Antarctic expedition of 1914-1916. The book follows Shackleton and his crew as they battle extreme weather conditions, starvation, and the constant threat of death.
Why You Will Love It
Lansing's account of the expedition is based on interviews with the surviving crew members, making it a fascinating insight into their experiences. Endurance is an inspiring tale of leadership, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
3. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann
National Bestseller
This book chronicles Fawcett's expeditions into the jungle, his disappearance during his final trip, and the subsequent efforts to locate him and uncover the mysteries of the lost city.
What Is This Book About
The Lost City of Z tells the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett's obsession with finding a mythical ancient city in the Amazon jungle. Fawcett and his team disappeared in 1925, and their fate remained a mystery for decades.
Why You Will Love It
Grann's investigative journalism brings to life Fawcett's thrilling adventures and his obsession with discovering the unknown. This book is not only an adventure story but also a thought-provoking exploration of the allure of the unknown and the human desire for discovery.
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
National Bestseller
Through interviews with people who met McCandless on his journey and his own journal entries, Krakauer paints a picture of a complex and troubled individual who was seeking a deeper connection with nature and the world around him.
What Is This Book About
Into the Wild is the true story of Christopher McCandless, who gave up his privileged life to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer retraces McCandless's journey and explores the young man's motivations and ideals.
Why You Will Love It
Krakauer's writing style is captivating, and his exploration of McCandless's journey is both haunting and inspiring. This book is a cautionary tale about the perils of living too close to the edge, but also an inspiring story of adventure, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life less ordinary.
5. Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
The Adventure Classic
This book recounts the harrowing tale of two young mountaineers, Simpson and Simon Yates, who attempt to climb the treacherous Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes.
What Is This Book About
Touching the Void is a non-fiction book written by Joe Simpson that tells the true story of his perilous climb of Siula Grande, a mountain in the Peruvian Andes. The book recounts the climb's disastrous descent, which resulted in Simpson falling into a deep crevasse and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, being forced to cut the rope connecting them in order to save his own life. Simpson miraculously survived the fall and then undertook a grueling journey back to base camp. This book is a gripping and powerful account of the human spirit and its will to survive in the most challenging of circumstances.
Why You Will Love It
Touching the Void is a gripping and emotional tale of human endurance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is a true story of survival against all odds, and Simpson's vivid and raw writing style puts you right in the middle of his harrowing experience. You will be inspired by his sheer willpower and determination to survive, and the story's themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance will resonate with you long after you finish reading. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves true adventure stories or is looking for a powerful tale of human resilience.
Best Non-Fiction Adventure Books FAQs
People are always asking us questions about our best nonfiction adventure books, but we can't keep up!
We love that people are interested in our books, but it's hard to keep up with all the questions.
We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about our best nonfiction adventure books. This should help answer some of your questions. If you have any others, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
What are some must-read non-fiction books?
There are many excellent non-fiction books worth reading. Here is a list of some must-reads:
1. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan – This book dives deep into the complexity of the industrial food system and provides an eye-opening look into how our dietary choices affect not only ourselves but also the entire world around us.
2. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – This book takes readers through a comprehensive account of human history, from its origins to the present day, and examines how Homo sapiens have evolved to become today’s dominant species on earth.
3. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell - In this thought-provoking work, Gladwell helps to uncover and explain why we sometimes make decisions without any conscious effort or contemplation, delving into areas such as intuition, psychology, neurology, and decision-making strategies in the process.
4. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling – Combining facts with stories to show how humans can often be misled when it comes to understanding global trends or data sets related to poverty rates and life expectancy worldwide; this book encourages readers to develop more reliable ways for viewing data to view events objectively rather than through emotion or experiences alone.
5. Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking By Susan Cain - Focusing on introversion as a strength rather than something that needs fixing; Cain explores introverted tendencies within individuals and looks at what could be causing them before offering steps for embracing true strengths that come from these temperaments.
What are the best nonfiction books to become smarter?
Reading nonfiction books is one of the most effective ways to become smarter and better informed about a range of topics. There are so many to choose from, but here are some classics that stand out for their timelessness and ability to spark invaluable insight:
1. The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene - This book provides an in-depth look at string theory, which attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics with Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. It explains complex concepts in an engaging way that readers can easily understand.
2. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - This book offers insightful perspectives into the dual process strategies humans use when making decisions—consciously or intuitively—and how this affects our behavior and cognition. It provides thought-provoking insights on decision-making, judgment, reasoning, problem-solving, and more!
3. Cosmos by Carl Sagan – Sagan takes readers on a breathtaking journey through galaxies far away with this amazing look at the universe around us — its scale and composition as well as its evolution over time — perfect for those looking for a deeper understanding of space exploration and astrophysics!
4. On Writing Well by William Zinsser - A must-read guidebook on honing your writing skills whether you are wanting to take it up professionally or just improve your everyday writing style. It offers detailed advice accompanied by illustrative examples on everything from story structure to grammar rules that all writers need help mastering once in a while!
5. Guns Germs And Steel: The Fates Of Human Societies By Jared Diamond – An eye-opening look into why certain civilizations were able to conquer others throughout history; this text breaks down the reasons into three factors — guns germs & steel — each explained exhaustively in Diamond’s fascinating analysis!
Is adventure fiction or nonfiction?
Adventure is an expansive genre of literature that can range from fiction to nonfiction and everything in between. It boils down to the general context of the story itself.
If a piece of literature contains elements like daring escapades, adventurous journeys, courageous quests, and thrilling exploits, then it likely falls into the category of adventure fiction. This type of storytelling typically involves some sort of quest or mission that leads to the climax and resolution of a larger issue - something interesting for readers to follow along with as they explore fictional worlds filled with creative ideas and characters. Examples include fairy tales, myths, science fiction, heroic epics such as The Odyssey by Homer, or even modern-day books like JRR Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings trilogy.
On the other hand, if a book presents factual stories including actual adventures taken by real people then it most likely falls into the realm of nonfiction or true adventure stories. Here audiences are presented with detailed accounts based on real events - rather than fantastical ones - allowing them to gain insights about different cultures across time and place. Popular examples include Mark Twain's Roughing It detailing his adventures through Nevada during the 1860s or John Krakauer's Into Thin Air outlining his attempt at Mt Everest in 1996 among others!
In summary: adventure literature can be both fiction and nonfiction depending on its central premise – so dive into either one for a thrilling read!
What are the 5 types of non fiction books?
Non-fiction books come in a wide range of types and styles, each offering interesting insights into the world around us. Here are five common types of non-fiction books that many readers enjoy exploring:
1. Biography/Memoirs: Books that tell the story of a person's life. They often include anecdotes, personal reflections, and experiences unique to the individual being written about. Some popular examples include "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson and "Pioneer Girl" by Bich Minh Nguyen.
2. History: Books that explore past events or eras to inform readers about how they shaped our present—and potentially our future. Examples such as "The Color of Water" by James McBride provide vivid descriptions of how past events have shaped civil rights movements today while reminding us of their lasting power on generations to come.
3. Science: Non-fiction books geared toward learning more about scientific topics such as mathematics, astronomy, biology, or chemistry can be found in this category! Popular titles like "The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking" by Edward Burger and Michael Starbird discuss problem-solving methods derived from ancient philosophies combined with modern science for a truly inspirational journey through philosophy and reasoning!
4. Self Help: These non-fiction books focus on helping you become your best self - both mentally and physically - through advice from prominent authors within their field who have seen success firsthand! Titles like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear offer detailed strategies for forming better habits in life whether personal or professional related goals you're looking to achieve!
5. Religion & Spirituality: Books exploring various spiritual disciplines from faith traditions around the world are abundant in stores today; providing diverse perspectives on topics such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Vedanta Hinduism just to name a few! Readers will find words like “Jesus Among Other Gods” By Ravi Zacharias an eye-opening look at competing worldviews compared against Christianity allowing anyone with questions or doubts regarding faith to engage thoughtfully in these conversations without any pressure whatsoever
What are the three types of adventure stories?
The three main types of adventure stories are exploration adventures, survival adventures, and quest adventures.
Exploration Adventure Stories involve a protagonist who goes on a journey for exploration, either geographical or mental. Examples include Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, Homer's Odyssey, and Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Survival Adventures revolve around characters striving to survive a seemingly insurmountable challenge or situation. Think Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe or Lord of the Flies by William Golding. These stories often explore themes such as courage and perseverance while showcasing man’s inner strength when faced with adversity.
Quest Adventure Stories involve protagonists’ pursuit of an unobtainable goal that is of great importance to them. In these stories protagonists often face obstacles along their journeys and must overcome them to obtain what they seek; think Cinderella searching for her prince charming or Frodo Baggins seeking to destroy the one ring in JRR Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Ultimately these tales show readers how true reward comes from hard work instead of just luck alone!
What are adventure fiction books?
Adventure fiction books are a genre of literature that centers on an exciting and suspenseful journey or series of events. These stories often involve physical action, exploration, and danger to create a thrilling narrative arc for the reader. Popular adventure fiction books include Jules Verne's '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island', Jack London's 'White Fang' and Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. More recent tales include Suzanne Collins’s ‘The Hunger Games Trilogy’, Veronica Rossi’s ‘Under The Never Sky Series’, and James Dashner’s ‘Maze Runner Series'.
Adventure fiction books offer an escape from everyday life as they tell thrilling stories in unique settings. They have been popular since Greek mythology when epic heroes like Hercules went forth with great courage on dangerous adventures to prove their worthiness amongst the gods. Adventure fiction continues today with modern genres like science-fiction and fantasy novels exploring new worlds full of passion, peril, discovery, and excitement - all within pages of incredible writing!
What is the genre for adventure?
The genre of adventure is a broad and diverse one that encompasses many different types of stories. Adventure narratives can range from classic, epic tales such as the Odyssey or Gilgamesh to films like Indiana Jones or The Lord of the Rings and beyond. In general, an adventure story typically has a hero who embarks on a quest and faces obstacles along the way; some stories may even involve fantastic creatures and magical events. At its heart, adventure storytelling tends to be filled with suspense, excitement, danger, and discovery – all elements which make it exciting, thrilling, and fun for readers (and viewers). Whether these adventures take place in exotic jungles far away or closer to home in our everyday lives; they often involve seeking out new experiences that are outside of our comfort zone. Ultimately, this genre encourages us to face life’s unknown challenges with courage – something we could all use more of!
Why is adventure fiction good?
Adventure fiction is a type of literature that can transport readers to far-away worlds, delve into fantastic characters’ minds, and inspire them to think beyond their everyday lives. It helps readers learn about different cultures and explore the unknown.
Adventure fiction encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones and be more open to learning about new things. This can foster empathy for people from different backgrounds, cultures, and origins as it gives insight into the motivations behind certain behaviors or reactions in others.
Additionally, adventure fiction can bring out emotions such as fear, excitement, joyfulness, and even sorrow that help individuals become more aware of themselves by understating feelings they may never have experienced in the real world. It also provides an outlet for creative exploration through a safe environment; when stories don’t follow a particular pattern or formula but instead rely on imagination they are much more magical than traditional genre classics like romances or detective suspense novels because anything could happen!
Finally, having an escape into another realm brings much-needed solace during difficult times by offering respite from everyday life struggles; reading about someone else’s story gives us hope that our journeys will end happily too!
Conclusion
There you have it, our top 5 picks for the best non-fiction adventure books available on Amazon. Whether you're an avid adventure enthusiast or simply looking to escape into an exciting world of exploration and discovery, these books are sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
We hope our selection has inspired you to pick up one of these books and embark on your thrilling journey. From the harrowing tales of Shackleton's Antarctic expedition to the inspiring true story of Cheryl Strayed's Pacific Crest Trail hike, these books offer a glimpse into the courage and determination of those who seek to push the limits of human endurance.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of one of these books today and embark on an adventure you'll never forget!
If you have already read any of these books, let us know what you think about them in the comments section below. And if you know of any other non-fiction adventure books that we missed out on, be sure to share them with us as well!
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