The Top Travel and Adventure Books for One-Person Wolf Packs
Intrepid spirits who venture into the unknown. People who want more. Want change. People who risk it all. ALONE. These are the solo traveler books that have most inspired, excited, or downright confused me. How do these people do it??? Pick up these books to see.
The White Darkness by David Grann
I went into The White Darkness already knowing the ending, but thanks to Grann’s writing, I never wanted to skip a word. The White Darkness by David Grann chronicles the true story of Henry Worsley, a British explorer, and his daring 2015 quest to complete the unfinished Antarctic journey of his hero, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Throughout, Worsley's grapples not only with the physical toll of the expedition but also the profound impact of isolation on his psyche. The consequences of his choices are profound, leading to a reflection on the price of pushing the boundaries of human endurance. David Grann's narrative not only pays homage to the great explorers of the past but also serves as a meditation on the enduring allure of the Antarctic and the profound impact of exploration on the individuals who dare to venture into its icy vastness.
How to Be Alone: an 800-mile hike on the Arizona Trail by Nicole Antoinette
In How to Be Alone: An 800-Mile Hike on the Arizona Trail, Nicole Antoinette embarks on a transformative solo journey along the Arizona Trail, driven by a profound desire for solitude and self-discovery. Antoinette's motivation to travel is fueled by a need to confront her own inner demons and navigate the complexities of life. Amid the challenging terrains of the Arizona wilderness, encounters with wildlife, she also grapples with the internal struggles that emerge when confronted with one's own thoughts and vulnerabilities.
As the narrative unfolds, Antoinette's journey serves as a mirror to her own development and evolution. Ultimately, readers are left with a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity to find strength in solitude, navigate internal landscapes, and emerge with a renewed sense of self. How to Be Alone stands as a compelling narrative of personal growth, resilience, and the profound lessons learned through the courageous act of embracing one's own company amidst the vastness of the natural world.
Planetwalker by John Francis, Phd
It pays to listen. That’s what John Francis learned over 22 years of walking and 17 years of silence. It began as a silent environmental protest, but as a young African-American man walking across the country in the early 1970s, his idea of "the environment" expanded beyond concern about pollution and loss of habitat to include how we humans treat each other and how we can better communicate and work together to benefit the earth.
Through his silence and walking, he learned to listen. Along the way—while silent—he earned college and graduate degrees in science and environmental studies. “Part of the mystery of walking is that the destination is inside us, and we really don't know when we arrive until we arrive.”
A Voyage for Mad Men by Peter Nichols
The cover says it all: “Nine men set out to race each other around the world. Only one made it back.” "A Voyage for Madmen" by Peter Nichols shares the incredible account of the first non-stop solo around-the-world yacht race, the Golden Globe Race of 1968.
Solitude is the dominant theme here, and its profound impact on the participants is explored through letters, journals, and log entries. Many are poignant and erratic log entries as the men grapple with failures, unbelievable circumstances, and the intense pressures of the race. At every tack, Nichols captures their moments of introspection, loneliness, and the overwhelming sense of being truly alone in the vast expanse of the ocean.
Readers will also feel the relentless brutality of the sea. The sailors' encounters with ferocious storms, mountainous waves, and the unforgiving Southern Ocean are described with visceral detail. The book's accounts of near-death experiences and desperate battles with nature serve as a testament to the sailors' resilience and the sheer unpredictability of the ocean.
Alone Time: Four Seasons, Four Cities, and the Pleasures of Solitude by Stephanie Rosenbloom
A delightful exploration of the joys of solitude set against the backdrop of four captivating cities across the globe. Eager to discover the pleasures of being alone, Rosenbloom embarks on a solo adventure through Paris, Istanbul, Florence, and New York City.
Driven by a desire to understand the art of solitary living and its impact on well-being, Rosenbloom takes readers on an intimate journey filled with cultural discoveries and personal revelations. Each city becomes a canvas for her exploration of solitude, highlighting the unique experiences and perspectives that arise when one embraces time spent alone.
Throughout the book, readers witness Rosenbloom's emotional evolution as she navigates the enchanting streets of Paris, immerses herself in the rich history of Istanbul, indulges in the art and cuisine of Florence, and rediscovers the magic of New York City. From moments of self-discovery to the appreciation of simple pleasures, Rosenbloom's journey captures the transformative power of solitude on one's outlook on life.
One Man’s Wilderness by Sam Keith and Richard Proenneke
One Man's Wilderness chronicles the extraordinary journey of Richard Proenneke, a man who left behind the comforts of modern life to immerse himself in the rugged wilderness of Twin Lakes, Alaska. Retiring at the age of fifty, Proenneke embarked on an adventure of self-reliance, building his own cabin and living off the land through hunting, fishing, and gathering. His story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a longing for simplicity, and the desire to forge a meaningful connection with nature.
Proenneke's heartfelt journal entries resonate with a profound sense of awe and gratitude for the natural world. His detailed descriptions of daily life, from the construction of his cabin to encounters with wildlife, convey a deep respect for the environment and a profound understanding of the delicate balance of living in harmony with it.
The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo
If this isn’t one of the most beautifully photographed books in the world, we give up. "The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World" by Jessica Nabongo is an inspiring travel memoir that takes readers on a remarkable adventure across the globe. From witnessing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland to exploring the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco, from immersing herself in the rich history of Egypt's ancient pyramids to savoring the flavors of street food in Thailand, Nabongo's vivid descriptions bring each destination to life. Her encounters with locals, whether it's sharing traditional meals with families in Vietnam or joining a tribal celebration in Papua New Guinea, showcase the power of human connection across cultures. "The Catch Me If You Can" is not only a testament to Nabongo's incredible achievement but also an inspiring celebration of the world's vast wonders and the boundless potential of travel to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Writers, take note! Bleaker House by Nell Stevens is a unique memoir that follows Stevens as she embarks on a writing retreat to the remote Falkland Islands, seeking solitude and inspiration. Stevens lightens the mood with humor and honesty throughout, recounting the challenges of isolation and the eccentric characters she encounters.
Bleaker House offers readers a delightful mix of personal introspection, travelogue, history, and literary insight, making it a charming and memorable read for those who appreciate a blend of humor and creativity in memoir writing.
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather Anderson
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather Anderson is a riveting memoir that documents the author's remarkable feat of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in record time. Anderson's narrative not only captures the physical challenges of covering 2600 miles on foot but also delves into the mental and emotional aspects of endurance. Readers will be captivated by her tales of navigating treacherous terrains and enduring extreme weather conditions. Anderson beautifully reflects on the transformative power of nature, the camaraderie forged along the trail, and the sheer determination required for such an extraordinary achievement. Thirst stands out as a gripping exploration of human resilience, pushing the boundaries of what the mind and body can endure in the pursuit of a personal quest.
Would your father let you sail around the world at 17 years old with no experience? Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi is a captivating memoir that recounts the author's extraordinary journey as she becomes the first American woman to sail solo around the world. Aebi's narrative takes readers on a thrilling adventure, navigating not only the vast oceans but also her own self-discovery. The most compelling moments in the book include her encounters with unpredictable weather, the challenges of solo sailing, and the cultural experiences at various ports of call. Aebi's honest and introspective storytelling resonates with readers, offering a unique blend of adventure and personal growth. Maiden Voyage stands as a testament to determination, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration by David Roberts
This riveting work delves into the harrowing true story of Douglas Mawson's solo Antarctic expedition in 1912, an epic of survival that stands as a testament to one man's unyielding determination against the harshest elements on Earth.
With meticulous research and a narrative style that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Alone on the Ice brings to life a historical adventure that reads like a thrilling novel. Roberts skillfully combines exploration history, survival drama, and the raw emotion of Mawson's experience, making this book a captivating and inspiring read for anyone fascinated by tales of adventure, exploration, and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. Get ready to be transported to the frozen wilderness and be mesmerized by a story that showcases the incredible strength found within the human soul.
Alone in Antarctica: The First Woman To Ski Solo Across The Southern Ice by Felicity Aston
I’m an unabashed Felicity Aston fan, and Alone in Antarctica: The First Woman To Ski Solo Across The Southern Ice is a captivating memoir that recounts her remarkable, arduous 59-day expedition, covering an astonishing 1,744 kilometers of icy terrain. The book takes readers on through the highs and lows as Aston faces extreme weather conditions, navigational hurdles, and moments of solitude in the desolate and unforgiving Antarctic landscape. Her journey of self-discovery and resilience becomes a testament to the human spirit's indomitable will to conquer the most daunting challenges.
A classic. Davidson's memoir chronicles the author's audacious solo trek across 1,700 miles of the Australian Outback with her camels. A blend of adventure and self-discovery, Davidson's narrative captivates readers with vivid descriptions of the harsh desert landscape and the challenges she faces in forging a deep connection with her camels. Among the most compelling moments are Davidson's encounters with indigenous cultures, the test of survival in the unforgiving terrain, and her contemplative reflections on solitude. Tracks is a powerful exploration of resilience, the wild spirit of the Outback, and one woman's extraordinary journey to find herself in the vastness of the Australian desert.
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