I caught a nasty cold two weeks into last summer. It was easy to see why my body suddenly shut down. Since school let out, my daughter and I were getting up early and staying up late. We squeezed every drop of free time we could out of her school break. We packed our days with seeing new places, learning what we wanted to learn and staying outside. But our bodies did not adjust well to this sudden burst of newfound energy, and it left us in bed for a week in recovery.
I wish we learned our lesson, but we didn’t. As soon as school let out this year, we dove into summer’s deep end again. With reckless abandon, we went to late-night concerts, rock climbed every day, and started a new workout plan. We have enjoyed a few mornings exploring the library, and our last visit reminded us we needed to slow down.
Summer is the perfect time to break free and embark on an adventure that doesn’t have to be physically debilitating. Especially for us, reading gives us much-needed downtime for all the adventures we want to take on.
Whether you’re planning a thrilling outdoor excursion, seeking inspiration from the comfort of your hammock or looking for a Father’s Day gift, I’ve got some adventure books for you. These were my spring reads and will transport you to incredible places and fuel your adventurous spirit. Get ready to embark on an adventure this summer with these inspiring reads.
The Greatest Survival Stories Ever Told: Seventeen Incredible Tales, Lamar Underwood (Editor)
The Greatest Survival Stories Ever Told: Seventeen Incredible Tales is hands down one of my favorite books of the year. I loved it so much that I had to get my own hard copy to keep on my bookshelf forever.
The first story, “Leiningen Versus the Ants” by Carl Stephenson, immediately hooked me when I first cracked open the cover. Originally published in Esquire magazine in 1938, this story has aged like a fine wine.
As I kept reading, I realized this book packs in stories from authors I’ve always wanted to read but never quite got around to, like Rudyard Kipling and Sir Ernest Shackleton. It’s like a who’s who of classic adventure writers. So you get to enjoy some thrilling tales and feel like a smarty-pants for tackling some of these literary giants.
One story that stood out to me was “The Devil’s Thumb” by Jon Krakauer. If you’re a fan of his work, like I am, you’ll get a glimpse into the beginning of his adventurous path. And let’s not forget the hidden gems, like “The Shipwreck of the Whaleship Essex” by Owen Chase. Did you know this true story inspired Moby Dick? Mind Blown!
Thanks to the editor, Lamar Underwood, for putting together such an awesome collection and writing fantastic introductions to each story.
I have to admit, this book might have slipped past a lot of adventure lovers out there. Maybe it’s because the cover looks dated or it’s been hiding out in the young adult section of the library. Sure, some of the older stories might feel a bit old-fashioned, but the writing is so timeless, it doesn’t matter.
This book deserves a spot on your must-read list, especially for those who love a good adventure and storytelling.
You will need to get creative to find a copy of this book. I suggest asking your favorite independent book store owner to order a copy.
A Light through the Cracks: A Climber’s Story by Beth Rodden
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading A Light through the Cracks: A Climber’s Story. Beth Rodden’s memoir is captivating and emotionally charged and left me invested from start to finish. As a long-time admirer of Rodden’s rock-climbing achievements, her journey thrilled me, which she shares with remarkable honesty and vulnerability.
I also enjoy reading the “other’s side” of books. This is the second half of the once married super-star rock climbing couple Tommy Caldwell and Beth Rodden, affectionally known while they were together as BethandTommy. You may have seen Tommy’s film The Dawn Wall or read his book The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits (you can find my review of this book on my Goodreads review page (Susan’s Goodreads Reviews).
The book begins with a gripping scene at the Amsterdam airport as Rodden returns home from a harrowing kidnapping experience in Kyrgyzstan during a climbing trip for one of her sponsors. From there, the story toggles through her life before, during and after this pivotal event. It details her relationship with Tommy Caldwell, her struggles with body image and her journey to find her authentic voice.
Rodden’s courage in sharing the intimate details of her story is admirable and inspiring. She holds nothing back. She exposes the pressures and consequences she faced as an elite female climber throughout her young adult life. From her obsessive overtraining and body issues to her affair and the fallout of her marriage, Rodden’s raw and emotional storytelling is a testament to her commitment to healing and personal growth.
As a woman and rock climber, I found many parts of Rodden’s story deeply relatable. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrating our passions with the broader spectrum of our lives and the strength that comes from embracing our authentic selves. When Rodden overcomes her “small voice” through motherhood is a particularly empowering moment in the book.
A Light through the Cracks honestly portrays a life lived with passion, resilience, and the courage to be vulnerable. Beth Rodden’s memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and understanding, and it reminds us that we can overcome life’s challenges with determination.
Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest by Beck Weathers, Stephen G. Michaud
Beck Weathers’ memoir, Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest, is an account of his near-death experience on Mount Everest during the infamous 1996 expedition. Weathers acknowledges that Jon Krakauer is a superior storyteller and does an exceptional job of retelling the events in his book Into Thin Air. So Weather’s account offers a personal and introspective look at his life before, during and after the ill-fated climb.
Weathers’ story goes beyond the harrowing tale of survival in the face of a brutal storm that claimed eight climbers’ lives. It digs into the complex relationships within his family, particularly his strained marriage and growing alienation from his children. The author’s candid admissions of his shortcomings and the inclusion of material from his wife and children provide a multi-faceted perspective on the impact of his single-minded pursuit of mountaineering glory.
The book’s central theme revolves around Weathers’ transformative experience on the brink of death. His miraculous survival, despite rescuers leaving him for dead, catalyzes a reevaluation of his priorities. Weathers’ realizes his family is more important than his climbing ambitions. This is a poignant moment that highlights the power of second chances and the opportunity for redemption.
While the author’s personal growth is commendable, the book becomes bogged down in the details of his personal life. Some readers may find these details boring, especially in the last third of the book. The family dynamics are less engaging than the gripping survival story at the heart of it all.
Additionally, Weather’s portrayal of himself may not be universally appealing. His admitted flaws and how he treated his family can be frustrating. Some readers may struggle to empathize with him.
Left for Dead is an honest account of one man’s journey from an obsessive challenge seeker to the fallout of personal reckoning. While it may not be the definitive book on the 1996 Everest disaster, it offers a unique perspective on the power of focusing on what truly matters in life.
A Chef on Ice: Living and Working as a Chef in Antarctica by Sebastien JM Kuhn
In A Chef on Ice, first-time author, Seb Kuhn takes readers on an unexpected adventure as he embarks on a unique journey in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments: Antarctica. Kuhn’s infectious enthusiasm for life, cooking and serving others shines through on every page, making this book a delightful and winning read.
Kuhn’s adventurous spirit is evident from the start, as he seizes the opportunity to work as a chef for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). His determination, qualifications, and personality make him stand out among hundreds of applicants, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the rigorous training process required for working in Antarctica, from security clearance to survival skills. Upon returning to Australia after his initial stint on the continent, Kuhn embarks on a new adventure—launching a food truck business and turning a profit. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forces Kuhn to adapt once more when it strikes. Through a combination of good fortune and resourcefulness, he grabs the chance to return to Antarctica.
Kuhn’s likable personality and positive attitude through adversity make him admirable and relatable, which readers will enjoy getting to know. His tales of adventure, quick thinking, and creative problem-solving in the fierce cold and wind with limited resources keep readers turning pages to discover what happens next. Food lovers will enjoy Kuhn’s vivid descriptions of his dishes, which showcase his passion for his craft and will have your mouth watering. Entrepreneurs will get a fascinating glimpse into what it’s like to build businesses in challenging circumstances.
I highly recommend this book. It’s fun, entertaining, and always exciting. People who love adventure, travel, and food will especially enjoy it. The only critique is that it could use more background on the other people in Antarctica or Kuhn’s family to add even more color to the narrative.
The book also provides access to Kuhn’s stunning photography and videos of Antarctica. There’s also an extra surprise at the end, which provides an immersive experience that transports readers to this awe-inspiring continent.
A Chef on Ice is a delightful adventure in the frozen wilderness. Seb Kuhn is the kind of guy you’ll want to follow on his next exciting adventure. Thank you to Reedsy for giving me the opportunity to read this book before it was published.
The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe
Rebecca Lowe is a journalist by trade but takes on this assignment from a unique perspective. Driven by her desire to understand the Muslim region beyond the headlines, she starts a challenge like no other—an odyssey on a bike that takes her from Europe to Iran. Throughout the story, Lowe pedals through Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and the Gulf states.
Lowe’s adventure didn’t come easy. She faced many obstacles, including extreme conditions and encounters with questionable people and police states. However, her determination and the hospitality of the local people allowed her to complete her first-hand living portrait of the modern Middle East.
Lowe focuses on the individuals she meets, the histories of the countries she visits and how cultures uniquely develop. She presents a nuanced and human perspective on a region that the West often misunderstands, introducing readers to poor villagers, students and activists.
Lowe writes in a well-researched and journalistic style, infusing her work with a personal and humorous tone. While she centers the cycling part of her journey as a theme, she dedicates much of the book to exploring the rich history, culture and politics of the countries she visits. Her insights into Iran, which occupies much of the book, are particularly illuminating.
The book’s main challenge is her deadline of reaching the end of her journey as quickly as possible, which leaves a lot of heavy detail for each culture but not enough context to digest it all in one book. The content is not light and is sprinkled with adult tales and language. However, the book offers a unique and enlightening perspective on the Middle East. I recommend this book for anyone interested in travel, cycling or gaining a deeper understanding of this complex region.
Mother, Nature: A 5,000-Mile Journey to Discover if a Mother and Son Can Survive Their Differences by Jedidiah Jenkins
In his poignant and deeply personal memoir Mother, Nature: A 5,000-Mile Journey to Discover if a Mother and Son Can Survive Their Differences, Jedidiah Jenkins takes readers on an unforgettable 5,000-mile road trip across America with his Pentecostal mother Barbara. Their mission: to retrace the route Barbara walked decades earlier with Jedidiah’s father, Peter, chronicled in their bestselling Walk Across America book trilogy. The journey is a chance for a gay son and his devoutly religious mother to show that love is stronger than their clashing beliefs.
With compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty, Jenkins grapples with the pain of feeling unsupported by his mother due to her literal interpretation of the Bible and inability to accept his sexuality. But even though he’s struggling, his love and compassion for his mom are in every chapter. He tries to find a middle ground with her, bonding over true crime podcasts and thrift shopping while diving into deep conversations about faith.
In a country where everyone’s beefing over politics and religion, Jenkins shows what it looks like to choose empathy and try to understand people, especially your family. We need more of that energy these days.
The trip doesn’t magically fix their issues by the end, but that’s what makes this book so genuine and relatable. Jenkins avoids villainizing his mother or wallowing in bitterness. He shows the human side of their struggle and gives a blueprint for tough talks with loved ones, even when you disagree. He owns up to his faults and tries to see where his mom is coming from.
While their road trip rambles sometimes, like the highways they travel, the book’s emotional core and Jenkins’ knack for dropping insights never let up. Mother, Nature is a courageous, generous and ultimately hopeful book about what it means to truly love someone, even when it’s messy and imperfect. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to heal divisions in their own families and communities.
Wild Running: Lessons from Dogs, Wolves, and the Natural World – A Memoir by Rebecca Wallick
In her book Wild Running, Rebecca Wallick shares heartwarming stories about her beloved Malamute dogs and how they impact her life. An encounter with a wolf on a trail run sparks a new appreciation for wolves and dogs. However, Wallick is confronted with a new health condition that challenges her passion for ultra-running. Undeterred, she moves to Idaho and returns to running and spending time with her Malamutes. She vividly captures the breathtaking natural beauty with its changing seasons and captivating landscapes. Wallick also explores the relationship between humans and wolves and the challenges her wolf-like dogs confront as they navigate the threat of human hunting in their community.
Wallick effortlessly taps into her passions, immersing readers in the world of ultra-running and her beloved Malamute dogs. Her writing flows seamlessly when she describes the most loved aspects of her life. For example, her writing shines when she describes the Idaho wildflowers and her appreciation of wolves and Malamutes.
The book is filled with heartwarming anecdotes, such as one of her dogs Maia’s affinity for babies. Wallick’s descriptive prowess shines through in these moments, painting vivid pictures that draw readers into the scene.
However, the storyline can sometimes feel disjointed, with descriptive interludes of nature interrupting the narrative flow. While Wallick’s attempt to capture various topics is commendable, the transitions between them can feel abrupt and lack cohesion.
Nature lovers will enjoy Wallick’s keen observations of the natural world and her dogs’ connection to their surroundings. Despite its patchiness, Wallick’s book remains engaging for nature and dog lovers. It offers a unique blend of personal experiences, nature appreciation, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.
Thank you to Reedsy for giving me the opportunity to read this book before it was published.
Final Thoughts
As the summer unfolds, I invite you to embark on an adventure with these inspiring reads. Whether you’re seeking thrilling tales of survival, heartwarming stories of personal growth, or unique perspectives on distant cultures, these books will transport you to incredible places and ignite your adventurous spirit.
As a copyeditor and proofreader specializing in the outdoor adventure and sports genres, I am passionate about helping authors bring their captivating stories to life. If you’re an author in need of professional editing services to ensure your adventure book shines, I would be thrilled to assist you on your journey. In the meantime, grab one of these inspiring reads, find a cozy spot in the shade and let the adventures begin!
Thanks to: https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/
