Adventure comes in many forms, but sometimes the most thrilling tales are those that actually happened. Nonfiction adventures provide us with a window into experiences that are both extraordinary and true, allowing us to explore the world from the safety of our favorite reading spots. Here’s a list of must-read nonfiction adventures that will take you on an exhilarating journey through some of the most remarkable events and explorations ever recorded.

1. “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer – This heart-wrenching account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster puts you on the mountain with Krakauer as he documents one of the deadliest seasons in Everest history. It’s a harrowing tale of survival and ambition at the highest peak in the world.

2. “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage” by Alfred Lansing – Follow Ernest Shackleton and his crew’s unbelievable struggle for survival through the Antarctic seas. After their ship was trapped and destroyed by ice, they endured months stranded on ice floes, a journey across treacherous oceans, and an overland trek through an uncharted mountain range.

3. “The Perfect Storm” by Sebastian Junger – Experience the power of nature in this account of the 1991 Nor’easter that hit North America, focusing particularly on one fishing crew’s battle against a monstrous storm at sea.

4. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer – Delve into the mystery surrounding Christopher McCandless, who gave up his savings and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. This thought-provoking tale explores his ill-fated adventure off the grid.

5. “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey – A meditation on life in nature as well as a stark cry for ecological conservation, this classic recounts Abbey’s experiences when he served as a park ranger in Arches National Park in Utah.

6. “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed – After her life crumbles, Strayed makes an impulsive decision to hike over a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail alone. This is her story of healing and personal discovery.

7. “Touching My Father’s Soul: A Sherpa’s Journey to The Top of Everest” by Jamling Tenzing Norgay – Gain insight into Sherpa culture and spirituality combined with gripping mountaineering action as Norgay retraces his father Tenzing Norgay’s historic ascent alongside Sir Edmund Hillary while weaving his own adventure.

8. “The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon” by David Grann – Grann investigates the mysterious disappearance of explorer Percy Fawcett who vanished while searching for an ancient lost city in the Amazon.

9. “River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey” by Candice Millard―Follow Theodore Roosevelt’s perilous journey down an uncharted tributary of the Amazon River after his defeat in his bid for reelection.

10. “In A Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson – An affectionate portrait painted through Bryson’s travels across Australia which combines humorous anecdotes with fascinating details about one of earth’s most intriguing lands.

These true stories remind us of our own potential for bravery, resilience, and discovery when we step into new territories or face nature at its fiercest. Whether it’s conquering mountain peaks or surviving at sea, these best nonfiction adventures are sure to inspire and captivate any reader.