Lifestyle Section: Reading
The lifestyle section reflects items that the outdoor adventurer might enjoy. In some cases these items come from direct interaction with our Guides and Outfitters, but in many cases are selections our staff have included based on our understanding of clients’ interests and what they value.
The following reading section is curated to offer up some intellectual stimulation and entertainment whether your reading in the hammock at camp or relaxing at home awaiting your next wilderness adventure. Enjoy!
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Books (Fiction)
The River Why is a lyrical and thought-provoking novel that follows a young man's journey into nature and self-discovery, blending humor, philosophy, and environmental awareness. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, the story explores the deeper meanings of solitude, purpose, and connection.
“A hymn to the waters of the earth and the wholeness of life. It is also funny.”
“A masterpiece. . . . This is more than stunning fiction: It is a lyric record of a time and a life, shining with Maclean’s special gift for calling the reader’s attention to arts of all kinds—the arts that work in nature, in personality, in social intercourse, in fly-fishing.”
A River Runs Through It is a beautifully written novella that weaves together themes of family, nature, and grace through the story of two brothers growing up in early 20th-century Montana. With fly fishing as both a literal and symbolic thread, it offers a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the rhythms of life.
“Arresting, exquisite. . . . The Bear is more than a parable for our times, it’s a call to listen to the world around us before it’s too late.”
The Bear is a haunting and poetic novel set in a distant, post-human future, where a father and daughter live in harmony with nature as the last two people on Earth. With quiet beauty and emotional depth, it explores themes of survival, loss, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world.
“Gripping and visceral, The Call of the Wild plunges readers into the brutal beauty of the northern frontier, where Jack London masterfully captures the raw instinct and resilience that lies beneath the surface of civilization.”
The Call of the Wild is a timeless adventure that follows a domesticated dog’s transformation as he’s thrust into the harsh wilderness of the Yukon during the Gold Rush. Powerful and primal, it explores the pull of instinct, the struggle for survival, and the call to return to one’s wild roots.
“The Barrens grabbed me from the opening pages and never let go. A riveting adventure story written by a father-daughter team who clearly have wilderness chops.”
The Barrens is a gripping wilderness thriller that follows two friends on a harrowing journey into the remote Canadian North, where the landscape is as dangerous as the secrets they carry. With taut suspense and emotional depth, it explores survival, loyalty, and the haunting weight of the past.
The Last of the Mohicans is a sweeping historical novel set during the French and Indian War, blending action, romance, and cultural conflict in the early American frontier. Rich in adventure and atmosphere, it explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the collision of worlds in a rapidly changing land.
“[Cooper’s] sympathy is large, and his humor is as genuine—and as perfectly unaffected—as his art.”
Big Two-Hearted River is a quietly powerful story that follows a war-weary man seeking solace and healing in the rhythms of nature and solitude. With Hemingway’s trademark spare prose, it captures the deep, unspoken emotions beneath the surface of a simple fishing trip in the wilderness.
“The finest story of the outdoors in American literature”
“If I could get policymakers, and citizens, everywhere to read just one book this year, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future.”
The Ministry for the Future is a bold and urgent speculative novel that envisions a near future shaped by climate crisis and the global struggle to respond. Blending science, politics, and human resilience, Kim Stanley Robinson delivers a sweeping narrative of hope, action, and the power of collective change.
Out of the Wild: A Wilderness Survival Thriller by Jack Hunt is a gripping tale of survival and reconciliation. When veteran bush pilot Henry Shaw and his estranged daughter find themselves stranded in the unforgiving backcountry, they must confront both the perils of the wilderness and the complexities of their fractured relationship. As they navigate treacherous terrain and unforeseen challenges, their journey becomes a testament to resilience, trust, and the enduring bonds of family.
“What a ride. They say your best tool in a survival situation is between your shoulders, and Kara, the main character, certainly proves that.”
Books (Non-Fiction)
Adventure/Memoir
“Engrossing ... with a telling eye for detail, Krakauer has captured the sad saga of a stubborn, idealistic young man.”
Into the Wild is a gripping true story that follows a young man's quest for meaning and freedom as he leaves behind society to venture deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Through vivid storytelling and deep investigation, it explores the allure of solitude, the risks of idealism, and the enduring human desire to find one’s place in the world.
Canoeing with the Cree is a classic true adventure that chronicles two young men’s daring 2,500-mile canoe journey from Minnesota to Hudson Bay. Told with honesty and grit, it captures the spirit of exploration, the challenges of the wilderness, and the resilience required to face the unknown.
“Canoeing with the Cree is an all-time favorite of mine.”
“...the kind of book that requires the reader to set some time aside. Intrigued to find out what happens next, phone calls will go to voicemail and work deadlines will get postponed. His story is a solid addition to the genre of wilderness survival tales.”
The Twenty-Ninth Day is a gripping memoir by Alex Messenger, recounting his harrowing 600-mile canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness. Seventeen-year-old Messenger and his five companions embark on an adventurous journey through the remote tundra, facing challenging rapids and the stark beauty of the landscape. On the twenty-ninth day, a life-threatening encounter with a grizzly bear transforms their expedition into a desperate struggle for survival, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie forged in the face of adversity.
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod is a hilarious and heartwarming memoir of Gary Paulsen’s wild journey into the world of dogsledding and the legendary Alaskan race. Filled with chaos, wonder, and unexpected beauty, it captures the spirit of adventure and the unbreakable bond between musher and dogs.
“A breathtaking, heart-stopping, roller coaster ride that depicts the brutal reality of the Iditarod, the magnificent beauty of Alaska, and the unique, if not surreal, relationship that develops between man and dog.”
“...so vivid, sharp and compelling that you feel the heat of the desert, the frigid ice of the High Sierra, and the breathtaking power of one remarkable woman finding her way—and herself—one brave step at a time.”
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a powerful memoir of personal transformation as one woman hikes over a thousand miles alone through the American wilderness. Raw, honest, and inspiring, it explores grief, healing, and the strength discovered in pushing beyond one’s limits.
The God of Wild Places is a candid and contemplative memoir by theologian Tony Jones, chronicling his journey from the structured confines of organized religion to the untamed wilderness in search of a more authentic spiritual connection. Through personal narratives of canoeing, hunting, and solitude, Jones explores how nature became his sanctuary, offering insights into solitude, risk, and the divine presence beyond traditional church walls. This book resonates with readers seeking spiritual renewal in the natural world.
“Jones offers thoughtful observations, rich inner conversation, and insightful spiritual musings. Whether outdoor enthusiasts or not, readers will find much to ponder.”
“... a nail-biting chronicle of polar-bear encounters, brutal swarms of black flies and surprise tumbles down waterfalls, Shoalts also vividly describes an area of the country most of us will never witness.”
Alone Against the North is a thrilling true account of Adam Shoalts’s solo expedition into one of Canada’s last unexplored wilderness regions. Blending danger, discovery, and deep reverence for nature, it’s a testament to human endurance and the enduring allure of the unknown.
The Way of the Hermit is Ken Smith’s remarkable memoir of living alone for over 40 years in a self-built cabin by Scotland’s remote Loch Treig. After surviving a brutal assault in his 20s, Smith left behind conventional life to embrace solitude and self-reliance, acquiring his wilderness education through travels in the Yukon. His story blends thrilling adventures—like encounters with grizzly bears and near-death experiences—with quiet reflections on freedom, resilience, and the joy of living simply.
“A rip-roaring read... [and] a love story to the mountains in the mist, the pulsating northern lights and the red deer at dawn. And to independence.”
“Taylor’s adventures are characterized by their authenticity & daring—living alone in the Frank Church Wilderness during winter, working as a backcountry packer, & engaging with nature in ways that reject the polished veneer of scripted ‘reality’ entertainment.”
Lost on Purpose: The Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man is a compelling memoir by Patrick Taylor, a former executive who left behind his corporate life to embark on a solo trek across the Rockies in late fall. Inspired by the historic journey of Lewis and Clark, Taylor navigates the rugged Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Lolo Trail, confronting physical challenges and personal introspection. His journey offers a raw and honest exploration of self-reinvention, resilience, and the transformative power of nature.
Lost in the Wild: Danger and Survival in the North Woods by Cary J. Griffith is a compelling non-fiction account of a harrowing survival story in the Minnesota wilderness. The book chronicles the true ordeal of two young men who become disoriented and lost during a routine hunting trip, leading to a desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving elements. Griffith's narrative delves into the psychological and physical challenges faced by the men, offering readers a gripping exploration of human endurance and the will to survive.
“Absorbing and suspenseful, “Lost in the Wild” brings wilderness survival lessons to life.”
Other Non-Fiction
The Longest Silence is a masterful collection of essays that delves into the art, mystery, and passion of fly fishing across the globe. With poetic prose and profound insight, it celebrates the quiet allure of angling and the deep connection between nature and the human spirit.
“A meaty book, and an uplifiting one, dazzlingly well-written.... As compelling a testimony to the power and mystery of obsession as I have ever read.”
“Gooley interprets clues like a private investigator of the wilds, leaving no stone unturned . . . For those inclined to solve mysteries written into the landscape, this author’s lead is one they’ll want to follow.”
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs by Tristan Gooley is a practical guide to interpreting subtle natural clues—like tree shapes, animal behavior, and cloud patterns—to navigate and understand the outdoors. With over 850 tips drawn from decades of exploration, Gooley teaches readers how to decode the landscape, whether in the countryside, city, or coastline, turning every walk into a game of detection. This engaging book blends science, storytelling, and hands-on advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the natural world
An Immense World by Ed Yong is a captivating exploration of how animals perceive the world through senses vastly different from our own. From echolocation to magnetic fields, Yong reveals the hidden sensory realms that shape how creatures experience life. It’s a mind-expanding journey that challenges how we see—and think about—nature.
“Yong writes in a perfect balance of scientific rigor and personal awe as he invites readers to grasp something of how other animals experience the world.”
How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying by Ellen Zachos is a beginner-friendly guide that teaches readers how to safely identify, harvest, and prepare 40 of the most common edible wild plants found across North America. With clear descriptions, helpful photos, and tips on avoiding dangerous lookalikes, this compact field guide is perfect for nature walkers and aspiring foragers looking to explore the outdoors with confidence.
“This helpful guide to edible wild plants is perfect for beginners.”
“This book is fundamentally a celebration of the human potential, when nurtured, to notice nature, and of the miraculous experiences possible for those who do. To anyone who has wondered at the natural world, or who cares about retaining the option, it is well worth reading.”
A Sand County Almanac is a timeless foundational work in American conservation literature. Ecologist Aldo Leopold reflects on the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of the natural world and advocates for a land ethic—a respectful, ethical relationship between people and nature.
Ten Birds That Changed the World by Stephen Moss is a captivating exploration of how ten bird species have profoundly influenced human history, culture, and environmental awareness. Through engaging narratives, Moss delves into stories ranging from the pivotal role of carrier pigeons in wartime communications to the environmental impact of guano harvested from the guanay cormorant. This insightful book offers a unique perspective on the intertwined destinies of humans and birds across the globe.
“Mr. Moss is a captivating storyteller, whose crystal-clear prose offers handsome rewards, especially in those passages that rely on personal observation.”
“Pauline Reynolds-Nuttall really knows her way around a cast iron, and this cookbook is a must for any family, camper van or RV owner. Her recipes are easy, fun, and mouthwatering―with something for everyone. Make sure to check out Cast Iron Camping before your next camping trip!”
Cast-Iron Camping Cookbook by Pauline Reynolds-Nuttall is a practical guide featuring 75 easy, one-skillet recipes tailored for outdoor cooking. Designed for campers of all experience levels, the book emphasizes fast preparation, simple cooking, and quick cleanup, allowing more time to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're cooking over a campfire or portable stove, this cookbook helps turn your campsite into a delightful outdoor kitchen.