A good book is like a good friend. It takes you on adventure, it tugs on your heart strings, it’s an escape. You can easily immerse yourself in a good book.
My sense of adventure is at a peak right now. I want to get out, be active, and explore everywhere. Since it’s not always easy to pack up and go (what with two dogs, two kids, and a husband and all that), there are some times that exploring calls for opening up the pages to a good book.
I’ve read several books over the years that encouraged a sense of exploration and adventure and I think they’re fabulous books. Check out my five favorite books that take me on an epic adventure a few pages at a time.
Five Books to Ignite Your Sense of Adventure, Exploration, and Triumph
1. Walden by Henry David Thoreau
A true classic, Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a wonderful book to immerse yourself in when you need to get back to nature and rediscover yourself. I love how simple living was at the forefront of Mr. Thoreau’s mind back in the mid 1800s when it seems like such a new and foreign principle to so many living in today’s world and society. It just goes to show how primal and timeless connecting with the natural world is for humankind.
2. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s so funny. I haven’t read it in years but as I’m writing this it’s even making me chuckle, which means I need to grab it off the book shelf and read it once again. Bill Bryson is a wonderful storyteller and he takes you on an epic, and laughable, adventure as he rediscovers America on the Appalachian Trail. You’ll be locked in from the start with this fascinating and hilarious book.
3. Wild by Cherly Strayed
I just finished reading Wild for book club. I really enjoyed it. It was similar to A Walk in the Woods in that it was the story of one person’s adventure and discoveries on foot — except clear across the U.S. on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was a great read — one of those books that I stayed up late reading just so I could get to the next chapter and find out more.
4. It’s Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong
A discussion of Lance Armstrong doesn’t come without controversy these days, I’ll give you that. But before any of that happened, he was just a guy. A guy with cancer. Crazy cancer. And he won against it. Several times, in fact. It’s Not About the Bike is the account of Lance Armstrong’s early life and career, and is so relatable. But what’s more is the theme of perseverance and triumph. I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it before. Just be sure you have some tissues nearby.
5. High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed by Michael Kodas
Admittedly, I’m only partway through High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed since Wild was selected as our book club book last month. But it’s a fascinating read so far. I’m in awe of Mt. Everest and I like to immerse myself in everything Everest, so when I saw this I knew I needed to pick it up.
I highly recommend all of these books. They’re great summer reads, perfect for the deck or patio, in your tent on a camping trip, or on the beach while lounging in the sunshine. They’ll ignite your sense of adventure and maybe even give you some new adventure ideas.
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s YOUR favorite adventure/triumph book?
What’s your favorite book overall?
Linking up with Friday Five, Fitness Health & Happiness, Friday Favorites, and Taking the Long Way Home.
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