Our recommendations on the best adventure books
Adventure books are one of the most popular categories in travel literature. Travel in general is often a celebration of discovery, but there is something especially intriguing and inspiring about the quest to truly push human boundaries. Several notable works in this genre are first and foremost funny, written from the self-deprecating point of view of everyday people subjecting themselves to extreme situations, blending humor with thrilling accounts of their adventures. Other recommended adventure travel books are as serious as it gets, with heart-stopping stories of harrowing voyages and devastating disasters. There are first-person accounts of treacherous mountain climbs and polar expeditions that are especially well-written and hard to put down. Others are just gripping stories of historical expeditions that faced incredible challenges. We hope you enjoy our recommendations on some of the best adventure books.
The Best Adventure Books
The Best Adventure Books
The Worst Journey in the World, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
One of our best recommendations for stories about exploration is The Worst Journey in the World, the intense story of the tragic scientific expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott in 1911 to Antarctica, where five people died just after reaching the South Pole. The author was one of the surviving members on the team, and he provides a truly personal account of the entire three-year campaign, with special insight into polar exploration at the time, the extreme challenges faced by the team, and the motivation that drives humans to such an endeavor.
A Long Way Home, by Saroo Brierley
A Long Way Home is the remarkable true story of Saroo Brierley, who at five years old became lost on a train in India, separating him from his family. Adopted by an Australian couple, he grew up in Tasmania, but memories of his childhood never faded. Twenty-five years later, armed with only fragmented recollections and Google Earth, Saroo embarked on an extraordinary journey to find his birth mother. This amazing tale of perseverance and family bonds captivated readers worldwide and was later adapted into the acclaimed film 'Lion,' starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.
Endurance, by Alfred Lansing
Plunge into the icy depths of Antarctic adventure with Endurance, Alfred Lansing's gripping account of Ernest Shackleton's audacious attempt to conquer the South Pole. Far from a mere expedition tale, this riveting narrative unveils an extraordinary saga of human perseverance against nature's harshest extremes. As Shackleton's crew battles crushing ice, bitter cold, and dwindling hope, readers witness the emergence of true leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Hailed as one of the greatest exploration stories ever told, Endurance will leave you breathless, inspired, and in awe of the indomitable human spirit.
God's Middle Finger, by Richard Grant
In God's Middle Finger, intrepid journalist Richard Grant plunges headfirst into the heart of chaos—the notorious Sierra Madre region of northern Mexico. Dodging bullets and barely escaping with his life, Grant navigates a treacherous landscape where law and order are mere afterthoughts. With a blend of self-deprecating humor and raw honesty, he recounts his harrowing journey through lawless jungles and remote villages. As he teeters on the edge of disaster, Grant's quest for ancient hidden truths transforms into a pulse-pounding adventure that will leave readers both laughing and gasping for breath.
Into the Heart of Borneo, by Redmond O'Hanlon
Plunge into the wildest depths of Southeast Asia with Into the Heart of Borneo, a side-splitting adventure that tops our list of must-read travel books. Scottish writer Redmond O'Hanlon, armed with more wit than wilderness skills, embarks on a perilous expedition not attempted since 1926. Joined by his equally unprepared friend, poet James Fenton, and three bemused native guides, O'Hanlon stumbles through the untamed jungles of Borneo, facing challenges that would make even hardened adventurers quake.
Farther Than Any Man, by Martin Dugard
Captain James Cook's extraordinary voyages come alive in Martin Dugard's Farther Than Any Man. This gripping account follows Cook from the treacherous waters of Cape Horn to the lush islands of Tahiti, the dangerous Great Barrier Reef, and the icy expanse of Antarctica. Through Cook's own journal entries, readers experience his groundbreaking discoveries, tense encounters with indigenous peoples, and the constant struggle against nature's fury. From claiming Australia for Britain to his tragic demise in Hawaii, Cook's tale is one of unparalleled exploration that forever changed our understanding of the world.
A Wolverine is Eating My Leg, by Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is one of our favorite adventure travel writers, noted for his wry and self-deprecating humor and willingness to put himself into some crazy situations. A Wolverine is Eating My Leg is one of his best collections of travel writing. Follow Cahill's unexpected encounters as he travels around the world, with plenty of daring adventures and a lack of advance planning that will keep you laughing.
The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost, by Rachel Friedman
The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost is a well-written and funny memoir by recently graduated college student Rachel Friedman. Confused with what to do next with her life, she buys a ticket to Ireland and gets drawn into the wonders of exploring the world. Following her own adventure in three different countries, Rachel recounts her experiences through self-deprecating humor with a unique and captivating voice. This book speaks to the hearts of those searching for where they belong in life.
Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts
Vagabonding is the quintessential guide by Rolf Potts on how to navigate long-term world travel, ahead of its time and full of practical insights on how to actually make the trip successful. There's plenty of inspiration by way of quirky experiences, irreverent musings on local cultures, and helpful travel tips peppered throughout this unique travel guide. With an off-beat sense of humor and no-nonsense approach, Vagabonding will likely inspire you that everyone is capable going wherever they want - both physically and mentally.
The Long Way Round, by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
Long Way Round is the funny narrative of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman and their 20,000-mile motorcycle trip traveling east around the world. They are both famous actors of course, but here they simply come across as normal friends lucky enough to follow a crazy dream. Follow along to witness these famous faces transformed into helmet-wearing, road-loving adventurers, conquering the world one mile at a time.
The Long Walk, by Slavomir Rawicz
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom recounts the extraordinary journey of a Polish Army lieutenant who, in 1941, escaped from a Siberian gulag with six others. After Poland's invasion by Nazi Germany, they reportedly walked 4,000 grueling miles to freedom, showcasing incredible human resilience. Their harrowing trek took them through some of the world's most unforgiving landscapes, from frozen Siberian forests to the scorching Gobi Desert. This inspiring tale of survival against overwhelming odds, fueled by an unwavering desire for freedom, later inspired the 2010 film The Way Back, bringing their remarkable story to a wider audience.
Blood River, by Tim Butcher
Blood River is the adventure masterpiece by journalist Tim Butcher’s attempt in 2000 to recreate the illustrious 1874 journey taken by H.M. Stanley into the heart of the African Congo. The conditions were not much better for Butcher, making for an extremely arduous but entertaining adventure. In this non-fiction narrative, readers join Butcher journeys down the mysterious and fabled Congo River, navigating its treacherous waters and exotic landscapes and offering captivating insights into one of Africa's most fascinating lands.
The White Spider, by Heinrich Harrer
Heinrich Harrer, renowned for his memoir Seven Years in Tibet, was primarily an accomplished mountaineer. He gained particular recognition for his role in the first successful ascent of the Eiger's formidable North Face in the Swiss Alps. In his book The White Spider, Harrer offers a comprehensive account of this perilous climb, blending his personal experience with a detailed history of previous attempts on the mountain. His narrative provides insight into the challenges and tragedies that marked earlier expeditions, offering readers a thorough understanding of the Eiger's significant place in mountaineering history.
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, by David Miller
In AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, David Miller invites readers on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and endurance as he tackles one of the most grueling hiking challenges on Earth. Unlike Bill Bryson's witty (and incomplete) attempt chronicled in A Walk in the Woods, Miller's gripping narrative plunges deep into the heart of the Appalachian Trail experience. With meticulous attention to detail, he equips aspiring thru-hikers with invaluable insights on preparation and perseverance, transforming his mid-life quest into a masterclass on conquering the world's longest hiking-only footpath.
Walden on Wheels, by Ken Ilgunas
Walden on Wheels chronicles Duke University grad student Ken Ilgunas' innovative approach to avoiding crushing student debt, drawing inspiration from Henry David Thoreau's philosophy of simple living. This unexpectedly engaging book offers a candid and often self-deprecating account of Ilgunas' experiences as he explores America and makes his home in a renovated 1993 Ford Econoline van. Through his unconventional journey of self-discovery, Ilgunas weaves together moments of wit, adventure, and personal growth, providing readers with a fresh perspective on modern challenges and the pursuit of financial freedom.
Sailing Alone Around the World, by Captain Joshua Slocum
Fans of maritime literature will find much to appreciate in Sailing Around the World, Joshua Slocum's compelling account of his groundbreaking 1895 solo circumnavigation. This seminal work, one of the earliest chronicles of a global sailing journey, has enthralled readers since its publication at the dawn of the 20th century. Slocum's narrative skillfully balances technical sailing details with vivid descriptions of his encounters and challenges. His understated prose belies the magnitude of his achievement, allowing readers to fully grasp the courage and determination required to complete such a monumental voyage. As a cornerstone of nautical literature, Sailing Around the World continues to inspire adventurers and armchair travelers alike, offering timeless insights into the human spirit's capacity for exploration and perseverance.
Other Adventure Book Recommendations
Also feel free to check out some of the adventure travel books listed in our “Best of the Best” section!
Wild, by Cheryl Strayed
Catfish and Mandala, by Andrew X. Pham
Chasing the Devil, by Tim Butcher