Experience the Great Outdoors Through These Awesome Books
There is a quote that says, “A book is a magical thing that lets you travel to far-away places without ever leaving your chair.” (Katrina Mayer) There are some books that have such descriptive language that you can picture the setting so vividly in your mind you feel you are actually there. In this post we have put together a list of five such books. Are you wanting to go someplace? Then check these out!
This book is a true story that actually takes you into the wild. Cheryl is truly lost after her mother, at age 45, passes away from cancer. Broken by grief and loss, and with very little knowledge or experience, she soon decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. This book is her first-hand account of the trials, triumphs, and the many lessons that she learned as she solo hiked 1,100 miles of the trail over a three month period. The book is not only about her hiking journey but also her journey through grief as she deals with her mother’s death and her own life choices. FYI…while this is an excellent book there is some profanity and Cheryl is very frank about her experiences.
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In this book a very young girl, Kya Clark, is abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself in the remote marshlands of the North Carolina coast. Through her descriptive writing, the author is able to paint a striking picture of the beauty and isolation of the area. Also, the reader is drawn into Kya’s life and circumstances as she not only finds a way to survive but to grow and manage on her own. Kya, wild and reclusive, faces many difficulties but manages to develop a friendship with a young man along the way who teaches her to read. When the community is rocked by a murder, suspicion falls on Kya. This book is multifaceted and well worth the time to read it.
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It’s the mid 1970’s and Ernst has returned home from the Vietnam war but he is not the same man as he was before. At his insistence, he, his wife, Cora, and their daughter, Leni, end up going off the grid by moving to Alaska, which was vastly untamed at that time. This book will take you along to the unforgiving wilderness and incredible beauty of Alaska. It will also delve into the struggles and difficulties the family faces with the land and at home. The journey of this family, the characters they encounter, and the Alaska setting make this book one that will not be forgotten.
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Theo Cray is a professor of Biology vacationing in Montana when he is questioned in connection to a murder of one of his former students. He soon moves from person of interest to consultant when he notices something suspicious about the ecosystem where the body was discovered. This sets off a chain of events that force Theo into the murder investigation in unexpected ways. Because of his background in science, he’s a very interesting investigator. The writing is gritty and gripping. The Naturalist is a page turner that will keep you guessing until the end, and if you love it, I’ve got great news! There is a whole series devoted to the cases Theo continues to help solve.
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In my last book post, What’s On Your Summer Reading List?, I mentioned a book about the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. This book is similar as it is also about the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. Five courageous women brave the elements, the rough environment, and other dangers to bring books to people living in the remote regions of the Appalachians. This story is one of friendship, love, determination, self discovery, and more. It also takes us on a journey through the beautiful, yet wild, and sometimes treacherous mountains of Kentucky.
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Want More Great Books to Read?
Check out these other posts with lots of great books for your reading pleasure!
The Best Classic Books that are Important and Enjoyable
A Fantastic Mystery Series You Do Not Want to Miss
Five Thrillers for a Thrilling October
Five Books You’ll Love That Teach You Something Too
Happy Reading,
Karen
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Thanks for the book suggestions. I know I will enjoy reading these!!!
They are really good ones!
Great suggestions! My reading list gets longer. I have read WILD. It would inspire younger people to hike the trail!
You’re so right!