A guide to some of the best nonfiction adventure books for adults for an inspiring read
I’ve always been captivated by the raw truths and tales that nonfiction adventure books for adults portray.
And there’s no better way to improve your coffee table books and adventure books collection, than with inspiring stories based on real events.
These captivating stories are all about survival while facing the most horrid conditions, proving that humans are capable of great acts of bravery.
Let’s find inspiration and motivation in these stories together.
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Nonfiction Adventure Books For Adults – My top picks:
| Category | Name | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books about the sea | In the Heart of the Sea |  | Click here |
| Survival stories books based on true stories | The Revenant |  | Click here |
| Best books like Into the Wild | The Lost City of Z |  | Click here |
| Wilderness survival books | Never Cry Wolf |  | Click here |
| Best sea stories | A Voyage for Madmen |  | Click here |
1. Through the Brazilian Wilderness
by Theodore Roosevelt
Before reading “Through the Brazilian Wilderness” by Theodore Roosevelt, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from nonfiction adventure books for adults that mix history with adventure.
Roosevelt’s recollection of his expedition through the Amazon rainforest defies any notion of a dry historical account; instead, it’s an inspiring tale with me on the edge of my seat.
His insightful and candid observations offer a glimpse into the challenges faced while navigating uncharted territories.
The book has quickly become one of the best wilderness survival books in my collections.
2. Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea
by Steven Callahan
“Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea” by Steven Callahan finds its way onto the best survival stories books based on true stories for a good reason.
Surviving solely on his wits and willpower, Callahan’s detailed account of being stranded at sea for over two months is nothing short of a lesson in human strength.
Delving into the practicalities of survival, from rationing food to ingenious navigation, the book avoids fanciful prose and remains firmly grounded in reality.
Steven’s introspective journey through the perils of the Atlantic offers a profound insight into our relationship with the vast oceans.
3. Annapurna
by Maurice Herzog
Maurice Herzog’s “Annapurna” is a hallmark among nonfiction adventure stories, captivating readers with its depiction of the pioneering 1950 first ascent of an 8,000-meter peak.
The narrative’s authenticity captures not just the triumph but also the complex challenges Herzog and his team face.
It’s rare to find a tale that vividly paints the duality of human strength and vulnerability in the face of nature’s unforgiving elements.
For anyone drawn to the mountains or tales of real-life adventure, “Annapurna” is one of the greatest outdoor adventure books, and it leaves a mark after reading it.
4. Between a Rock and a Hard Place
by Aron Ralston
Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston it’s a remarkable account of human willpower.
Aron Ralston is a mountain climber who was hiking the Bluejohn Canyon in the Utah desert in 2003 and had a horrible accident – he was trapped for 5 days, which ultimately led to him amputating his arm to save his life
Reading his story gave me a deep understanding of how unpredictable nature is and how strong we can be when our life depends on it.
This book should be noticed if you’re searching for a book that combines adventure with a personal touch.
5. Undaunted Courage
by Stephen E. Ambrose
“Undaunted Courage” by Stephen E. Ambrose delivers a masterful recounting of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, cementing its place among top-tier non-fiction adventure books.
The author meticulously details the expedition’s perils, achievements, and profound impacts without overwhelming the reader.
What struck me most was the way Ambrose illuminates the human aspects of these historical figures, making them relatable and their experiences tangible.
This isn’t just a book; it’s a compelling invitation to explore the backbone of American frontier history.
6. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
by David Grann
When you’re on the hunt for true adventure books that talk about human determination, “The Lost City of Z” should be on your reading list.
David Grann delivers an investigative memoir that is as much about the enigmatic Amazonian city as it’s about the people obsessed with its legends.
What captivated me was the rich narrative woven with historical and personal accounts and the subtle undercurrent of what pushes us to explore the unknown.
Reading this book, I felt I was trekking through the dense Amazon alongside the explorers, sharing their discoveries and setbacks.
‘The Lost City of Z’ combines history and psychology and is a compelling choice that doesn’t disappoint.
7. Into the Wild
by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild” is the latest addition to the list of nonfiction adventure books for adults that profoundly resonates with my love of true exploration stories.
It tells the story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his conventional life to pursue a life in the wilderness.
What struck me most about the book is the portrayal of McCandless’s idealistic pursuits and the stark reality he faces.
Krakauer’s investigative approach provides a thoughtful perspective on this tragic adventure, marrying the allure of untamed nature with the poignant solitude that comes with it.
8. Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer
No list of adventure books for adults is complete without Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air“.
The story is based on the author’s experience during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
It reveals the unpredictable nature of high-altitude climbing and the fragility of the human spirit in relation to nature.
Krakauer’s firsthand account is both sobering and enlightening, showing the reader that even the most skilled adventurers may find themselves at the mercy of the mountain.
While it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in such expeditions, this book deeply respects the climbers’ ambition and courage.
It’s a must-read for those who are after the best books like Into the Wild and are intrigued by mountain exploration’s extreme challenges and psychological demands.
9. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
by Alfred Lansing
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing simply must be on the shelf of any enthusiast of books about outdoor adventures.
Alfred Lansing’s meticulous research vividly describes the perilous Antarctic expedition led by Ernest Shackleton, but it’s the crew’s resilience and unyielding spirit that truly anchors the narrative.
Rather than the grandiose language often found in tales of heroism, Lansing opts for a more grounded approach, letting the facts speak for themselves.
The book offers more than just a story of survival; it offers a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of danger.
10. Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors
by Piers Paul Read
Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read was added to my collection of best survival books non-fiction.
The story is about the ordeals faced by Uruguayan rugby team members after their plane crashed in the Andes.
Read’s narrative doesn’t just recount the days of survival; it immerses you in the psychological and physical battles each survivor endured.
The book showcases human resilience in its rawest form—genuine and profound.
To anyone passionate about real heroic tales, this true-life saga is a must-read that deserves its place on your bookshelf.
11. The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea
by Sebastian Junger
Since I turned the last page of “The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea” by Sebastian Junger, I couldn’t get it out of my head.
It’s one of those nonfiction adventure books for adults that challenges your perception of nature’s might and human resilience.
The book is about the 1991 storm, the once-in-a-century Halloween Storm, which devastated the North Atlantic and when the Andrea Gail crew of six vanishes never to be found.
Sebastian Junger follows the stories of other fishermen, sailors, and rescue personnel caught in this terrible storm and tells a story everyone should read.
12. Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley & Livingstone
by Martin Dugard
Into Africa by Martin Dugard recaptures the riveting historical encounter between two iconic explorers.
The book chronicles the extraordinary journey of journalist Henry Morton Stanley as he searches for the elusive explorer Dr. David Livingstone in the heart of Africa.
Dugard’s narrative vividly captures the dangerous landscapes, cultural clashes, and personal dramas that defined this iconic expedition, offering a gripping account of one of history’s most legendary quests.
Dugard’s storytelling kept me invested from the first page to the last, proving learning can be an adventure.
My final thoughts on the best nonfiction adventure books for adults
It’s been an incredible ride sharing my personal experiences and the lessons learned from the nonfiction adventure books for adults that have inspired me.
Each story has offered a window into extraordinary lives and quests, which has nudged me to seek out my adventures.
I hope my insights have sparked your curiosity and you’re now ready to discover your next great read.
Remember to share your favorite nonfiction adventure tales in the comments – I’d love to hear what’s stirred your soul and where your next adventure lies!
FAQ about the top nonfiction adventure books for adults
What are the best nonfiction adventure books for young adults?
Some of the best nonfiction adventure books for young adults are No Summit Out of Sight: The True Story of the Youngest Person to Climb the Seven Summits by Jordan Romero, Marooned in the Arctic by Peggy Caravantes, or A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.
What are the best true adventure books?
Some of the best true adventure books are Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick, or The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann.
What are the best non fiction exploration books?
Some of the best non fiction exploration books are Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. by Piers Paul Read, or The Puma Years by Laura Coleman.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
