Adventure Book Recommendations

I've been a big reader all my life, and have always been drawn to adventure stories. I swear that this list could be 30 books long, but I decided to keep it concise.. for now.

The Sun Is a Compass - Caroline Van Hemert

This memoir blends adventure and biology as the author, a wildlife biologist, embarks on a 4,000-mile journey through the Arctic wilderness. It’s a tale of resilience, exploration, and finding one’s place in the natural world—perfect for those who cherish both science and personal discovery. I really loved this book because of Caroline's openness and honesty about being a woman in her 30's trying to figure out the next step. For a lot of us, the next step probably isn't a 4000-mile Arctic expedition but, for Caroline, it is. And I find that to be super badass.

All That Glitters - Margot Talbot

An introspective memoir that delves into human connection, resilience, and overcoming personal struggles through ice climbing. Talbot’s journey from darkness to empowerment weaves themes of vulnerability and growth, making it ideal for anyone who values stories of transformation and the healing power of nature. I particularly liked this book because Margot is Canadian, and most of the stories in her book take place in the Canadian Rockies. She is so fearless and vulnerable in her storytelling, and I think outdoor people can relate to her using climbing as a means of escape from some of the harder things in life. This was a really great read.

Wild Fierce Life - Joanna Streetly

A celebration of the outdoors and a call to live courageously. This book resonates with those who find empowerment and healing through wild spaces. It’s both a memoir and an ode to nature’s transformative power. I bought this book in Ucluelet and read it during a 2-week Vancouver Island trip a couple of years ago. She writes so eloquently about life on the island, the bad and the good. Some stories were inspirational, some were heartbreaking. Either way, I am thankful to the bookstore lady who recommended this one to me.

Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer

This book is a perfectly crafted blend of Indigenous wisdom, ecology, and scientific knowledge. It is all about our relationship with the earth, and how some of us have lost that relationship along the way. Robin is a scientist who writes about reconnecting to her indigenous roots. Each chapter is a different short story, so it is a great one to read if you aren't looking to dive into something too long. It’s a deeply enriching read for anyone passionate about conservation, sustainability, and reconnecting with nature. I may or may not have cried a few times reading this book. Happy and sad tears.

A Field Guide to Getting Lost - Rebecca Solnit

This book is philosophical, so try going into it with a bit of a metaphorical mindset. It is not about literally getting lost, but about the exploration of loss, transformation, and wandering. For those who appreciate metaphorical and literal journeys, this book offers wisdom on finding clarity in uncertainty.

A Bolt from the Blue - Jennifer Woodlief

A gripping story of survival, loss, and finding strength after life-altering events. This book is about a climbing accident on the Grand Teton and the ensuing rescue effort by the Jenny Lake Rangers, an elite Search and Rescue team in Grand Teton National Park. This book is not for the faint of heart - the accident itself is quite devastating but the bravery and the skills involved in the rescue is nothing short of heroic. For those drawn to tales of resilience and the human spirit, this book will resonate deeply.

In Praise of Paths - Torbjørn Ekelund

A meditative reflection on walking and the paths we traverse, both in nature and in life. After an epilepsy diagnosis, Torbjorn is told that he can no longer drive, so he begins to walk everywhere. It is so simple but, rather than limiting him, walking opens his world up to so much more. This book is beautiful and powerful and speaks to the meditative power of taking the heel-toe express. It also dives into the history of trails and paths and human beings' creation of paths. I found it fascinating. This book is perfect for hikers and wanderers who see trails as metaphors for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

A Wolf Called Romeo - Nick Jans

Okay, this one comes with a trigger warning because I bawled my eyes out. It devastated me and I still think about it often but I also found this book to be so beautifully written and such a powerful story about the relationship between humans and animals. It is the true story of an unlikely friendship between the people (and dogs) and a wild wolf in Juneau, Alaska. It’s a must-read and it made me want to change everything about my life and become a wolf biologist in Alaska... I still might.

The Hidden Life of Trees - Peter Wohlleben

This book is amazing. Period. It reveals how trees communicate and support each other, and how there is just so much to learn about the interconnectedness of the natural world. It’s an eye-opening read for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of ecosystems and the interdependence of life. You might end up wanting to chain yourself to your nearest tree and vow to never use a chainsaw again after this one.

The Mountain Story - Lori Lansens

This is the only work of fiction I've put in this list. This is a book about young man who goes into the mountains to end his life but ends up running into some lost hikers who need his help to get home. It's an intense survival tale that explores friendship, loss, and the human connection to nature. I have a favourite hiking quote that I got from this book: "The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls".

Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer

This is a very famous book about a very famous event. It is about the 1996 disaster on Mount Everest, written from the point of view of someone who was on the trip. Krakauer’s harrowing account of the disaster is a deep dive into ambition, teamwork, and the limits of human endurance. And his storytelling is just nothing short of phenomenal. Any level of adventurer will appreciate the book's honesty and raw emotion. It's heartbreaking, it is compelling, it's a bestselling book for a reason.

Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer

Okay, another Krakauer book. But you really can't talk about adventure stories without talking about Into the Wild. The story of Chris McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness is both inspiring and cautionary. He does what we all have dreamt of doing - leaving everything we have behind and taking off into the wilderness. This book speaks to those who dream of ultimate freedom and the consequences of chasing it without preparation. BUT, if you are going to read this book then I implore you to follow it with The Wild Truth, which is Christopher McCandless' sister's telling of the story.

The Wild Truth - Carine McCandless

A companion to Into the Wild, this memoir offers insights from Chris McCandless’s sister, shedding light on his motivations and their shared upbringing. It’s a powerful read for those who seek a fuller understanding of his story. I am really glad that I read this one immediately after Into the Wild. There are a lot of things that Krakauer did not say in Into the Wild. The McCandless parents wouldn't allow him to publish the book if it contained certain things. Anyways... I won't say anything else... just read them both.

Rock Paper Fire - edited by Peter Stark

This book came out of the Banff Centre's Mountain and Wilderness writing program, so it's close to home for me. It's a collection of personal essays and reflections on adventure, resilience, and the outdoors. I love it and I have re-read some of the stories multiple times. It's another good pick if you don't want to commit to a big book and are more interested in bite-sized stories. This book appeals to those who value diverse voices and stories of transformation through nature.

There you have it! I hope that this list inspires you to get outside and live an adventure story of your own.