14 Best Adventure Books to Unleash Your Inner Explorer

Traveling is nice, but there are some locations you simply cannot see since time has passed them by. Fortunately, we have writers, adventurers, and books that allow us to traverse those places long gone or yet to be discovered. Through the pages of an adventure book, the mysteries of ancient civilizations, the charm of long-forgotten landscapes, and the thrill of uncharted territories come to life. We present some best adventure books here, just discover the adventure journey with your curious minds.

Meet Arvin, your intelligent and friendly assistant designed to enhance your reading experience and expand your literary horizons. With a vast repository of knowledge, Arvin specializes in recommending the best adventure books and making book summaries. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer and embark on unforgettable literary journeys with Arvin by your side!

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Chris McCandless is relatable. He was born and raised in the suburbs. He felt disenchanted with his planned life. And he was young, intelligent, and full of energy. His life story seems predictable at first. Then, he cashes in everything for nothing. He transforms into Alexander Supertramp. Jon Krakauer has many fine works. He is the only author with two books on this list. This may be his best book.

Krakauer faced criticism for incorporating personal narrative into a biography. Despite this, the result is stunning literary nonfiction. He captures the angst and familial strife in McCandless’ life. This turmoil leads McCandless to defect from society. He journeys down the Colorado River to Mexico. Eventually, he makes his way into the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Both tragic and uplifting, frustrating and inspiring, McCandless’s adventure surely is one for the ages. 

Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence

Lawrence describes his role in a “procession of Arab freedom from Mecca to Damascus.” This involved a series of battles. These battles changed the face of the Middle East. They helped meld tribes into nation states. The experience tested his mental and emotional strength. He endured torture, thirst, and horror. He also faced personal loss along with military success.

His writing, which can occasionally be overly dramatic, is also moving and eloquent. “For years we lived anyhow with one another in the naked desert,” he writes, “under the indifferent heaven. By day the hot sun fermented us; and we were dizzied by the beating wind. At night we were stained by dew, and shamed into pettiness by the innumerable silences of the stars.”

The Martian by Andy Weir

Astronaut Mark Watney finds himself stranded on Mars after a failed mission, presumed dead by his crew. Using ingenuity and determination, Watney must navigate the harsh Martian environment to survive, leading to an intense, gripping adventure about resilience and human spirit.

The Lost City of Z by David Grann

This non-fiction account chronicles the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett. He disappeared in the Amazon while searching for a legendary lost city. Grann delves into Fawcett’s expeditions and the mystery surrounding his fate, offering readers a thrilling exploration of adventure and obsession.

The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

In this survival story, 13-year-old Brian Robeson is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed only with a hatchet, he must learn to survive in the wild, facing not only the elements but also his own fears and solitude.

“This is the book that made me love the outdoors,” says David Wilkinson, Switchback Travel’s Founder. He, of course, is not alone: Hatchet is something of a cult classic. The epic story follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson. His plane crashes in northern Canada, killing the pilot. Robeson is left with nothing but a hatchet. He must fend for himself in the wilderness. The tale is gripping and memorable.

Tracks by Robyn Davidson

This memoir recounts Davidson’s remarkable solo trek across the Australian desert with her camels and dog. Her journey explores not just the physical challenges of the harsh landscape but also the transformative experience of solitude and self-discovery.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

In this humorous account, Bryson attempts to hike the Appalachian Trail, facing the daunting and sometimes ridiculous challenges of the trail. His observations on nature, people, and the absurdities of outdoor adventures make this both an entertaining and insightful read.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

This travel literature classic blends adventure and exploration as Chatwin journeys through the remote region of Patagonia in South America. A blend of history, myth, and vibrant storytelling, it captures the spirit of adventure in an untouched land.

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

This harrowing true story recounts the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition. Told from the perspective of Krakauer, who was part of the team, it explores the limits of human endurance, the allure of adventure, and the devastating consequences of ambition. The story he tells rises, like the great peak itself, slowly, and then builds to a remarkable climax. Krakauer brings each character to life with detailed descriptions. They progress upward throughout the story. Their backstories are woven into the narrative. These backstories are like seeds scattered throughout the book. When the climax arrives, the effect is profound. It is horrifying, sad, exhilarating, and satisfying all at once.

The Sea-Wolf by Jack London

This thrilling tale follows an intellectual man who is rescued by a seal-hunting ship and finds himself under the captaincy of the brutal Wolf Larsen. The novel explores themes of survival, strength, and the clash of philosophy in the wild and ruthless sea.

Travels by Marco Polo

This book is a detailed account of a Venetian merchant’s extensive travels throughout Asia during the 13th century. The narrative explores the diverse cultures and customs of the Eastern world. It includes the Mongol Empire and China. The author spent time in Kublai Khan’s court. His descriptions reveal the grandeur of these civilizations. They challenge European assumptions about the East. His tales of exotic wonders continue to captivate readers today.

The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé

While technically a comic series, Tintin encapsulates adventure in every tale of the young reporter and his dog, Snowy, as they travel the globe solving mysteries and battling villains. Each story is a rich tapestry of exploration and excitement.

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

Desert Solitaire is a collection of vignettes about wilderness life. It is written by park ranger and conservationist Edward Abbey. The book details unique adventures and conflicts he faces. These include land development damage and excessive tourism issues. He also discovers a dead body during his experiences. However, Desert Solitaire is more than just a collection of stories. It serves as a philosophical memoir too. Abbey reflects on the desert as a paradox. It is beautiful and liberating yet also isolating and cruel. Often compared to Thoreau’s Walden, this book discusses life’s mysteries. It is set against the backdrop of the American southwestern wilderness.

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold

It may seem a stretch to call Aldo Leopold an adventurer. His yeoman farmer lifestyle is not glamorous or groundbreaking. However, omitting his A Sand County Almanac would be unforgivable. This book deserves inclusion in any outdoor stories collection. Leopold is one of the greatest advocates for wilderness. Wilderness is where most great adventures occur. A Sand County Almanac is an unforgettable introduction to ecology and conservation. Though it was first published over fifty years ago, it remains relevant today.

Conclusion

With the best adventure books, you can not only enjoy the beauty of exploration but also the power of imagination. So take your compass, pack your curiosity, and let these enthralling stories guide you to uncharted places of your own imagination.

With personalized suggestions, insights into themes and styles, and helpful tips on how to choose the perfect book for your mood, Arvin makes the journey through the world of adventure literature exciting and accessible. Feel free to ask Arvin about specific titles, authors, or even the latest trends in literature.

FAQs