Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.

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Sebastian Junger

The Perfect Storm : A True Story of Men Against the Sea

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"The Perfect Storm" is a gripping account of a deadly storm and fishing crew's fight for survival. The author seamlessly combines factual reporting with empathetic storytelling, making this a must-read for fans of true adventure stories and maritime disasters. Readers will be awed by the unbelievable forces of nature and the courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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John Steinbeck

Travels with Charley : In Search of America

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A quest across America, from the northernmost tip of Maine to California’s Monterey PeninsulaTo hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light—these were John Steinbeck's goals as he set out, at the age of fifty-eight, to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years.With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the interstates and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Along the way he reflects on the American character, racial hostility, the particular form of American loneliness he finds almost everywhere, and the unexpected kindness of strangers.

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Graham Bowley

No Way Down : Life and Death on K2

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2. No Way Down is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts as it offers a gripping account of the disaster that unfolded on K2. The author takes readers hour-by-hour through three deadly days, presenting stories of heroism, tragedy, and endurance against all the odds. The book also highlights the concept of survival in extremely hostile environments.

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Ibn Battuta, H. A. R. Gibb

Travels in Asia and Africa : 1325-1354

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"Travels in Asia and Africa: 1325-1354 by Ibn Battuta is a remarkable travelogue that takes you on a vivid journey through the Islamic world of the 14th century. Through his observations, he brings to life the diversity of societies and cultures with incredible detail. The book is a must-read for history buffs and travel enthusiasts alike. The extensive notes and historical background added by H.A.R Gibb further enrich the reading experience."

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Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods : Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

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The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

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Jim Rogers

Adventure Capitalist - The Ultimate Investor's Road Trip

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This book could be a good read for you if you're curious about the exhilarating world of investing. Through the author's captivating storytelling, you'll embark on an adventure-filled road trip, exploring the highs and lows of the investment landscape. This book will not only entertain you with its thrilling anecdotes but also provide valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of successful investors. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with knowledge that can help you navigate the world of finance. Happy reading!

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Bear Grylls

True Grit

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True Grit is a collection of extraordinary true stories of survival and endurance from adventurers, explorers, soldiers, and spies. The book is filled with eye-watering tales of bravery and resilience that will keep readers gripped throughout. It is perfect for those who seek inspiration and motivation to never quit in the face of adversity.

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Chris Lear

Running with the Buffaloes : A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men's Cross Country Team

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Top five Best Books About Running, Runner's World Magazine Top three Best Books About Running, readers of Runner's World Magazine(December 2009) In RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES, writer Chris Lear follows the University of Colorado cross-country team through an unforgettable NCAA season. Allowed unparalleled access to team practices, private moments, and the mind of Mark Wetmore--one of the country's most renowned and controversial coaches--Lear provides a riveting look inside the triumphs and heartaches of a perennial national contender and the men who will stop at nothing to achieve excellence. The Buffaloes' 1998 season held great promise, with Olympic hopeful Adam Goucher poised for his first-ever NCAA cross-country title, and the University of Colorado shooting for its first-ever national team title. But in the rigorous world of top-level collegiate sports, blind misfortune can sabotage the dreams of individuals and teams alike. In a season plagued by injury and the tragic loss of a teammate, the Buffaloes were tested as never before. What these men managed to achieve in the face of such adversity is the stuff of legend and glory.With passion and suspense, Lear captures the lives of these young men and offers a glimpse of what drives a gifted runner like Adam Goucher and a great coach like Mark Wetmore. Like Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike, RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES is at once a glowing celebration of a sport and an inspiration to anyone who has ever had the courage to beat the odds and follow a dream.

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Eric Hansen

Motoring With Mohammed - Journeys To Yemen And The Red Sea

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In 1978 Eric Hansen found himself shipwrecked on a desert island in the Red Sea. When goat smugglers offered him safe passage to Yemen, he buried seven years' worth of travel journals deep in the sand and took his place alongside the animals on a leaky boat bound for a country that he'd never planned to visit.As he tells of the turbulent seas that stranded him on the island and of his efforts to retrieve his buried journals when he returned to Yemen ten years later, Hansen enthralls us with a portrait -- uncannily sympathetic and wildly offbeat -- of this forgotten corner of the Middle East. With a host of extraordinary characters from his guide, Mohammed, ever on the lookout for one more sheep to squeeze into the back seat of his car, to madcap expatriates and Eritrean gun runners- and with landscapes that include cities of dreamlike architectural splendor, endless sand dunes, and terrifying mountain passes, Hansen reveals the indelible allure of a land steeped in custom, conflicts old and new, and uncommon beauty.

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Jack Monroe

True Survival Stories

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Real-life dramas of ordinary people whose extraordinary courage and determination meant the difference between life and death. The experiences include: 151 days spent alone in the Arctic wastes being adrift on a raft in shark-infested waters and being left for dead in the jungle.

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Tim Butcher

Chasing the Devil : On Foot Through Africa's Killing Fields

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For many years war made Sierra Leone and Liberia too dangerous for outsiders to travel through. Facing down demons from his time in Africa as a journalist, Tim Butcher heads deep into this combat zone, encountering the devastation wrought by lawless militia, child soldiers, brutal violence, blood diamonds and masked figures who guard the spiritual secrets of remote jungle communities. On an epic journey that demands courage, doggedness and sheer luck, Butcher treks for 350 blistering miles through rainforest and malarial swamps to gain an extraordinary ground-level view of an overlooked region on the cusp of a remarkable recovery.

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Farley Mowat

The Boat Who Wouldn't Float

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If the sea calls to you, but life's kept it just out of reach, "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float" can serve as both a cautionary tale and a source of riotous fun. Mowat's knack for storytelling brings to life the boisterous journey of a man and his leaky boat. With each page, you'll feel the salty breeze and the exasperated love for a ship with a mind of its own. It's an adventure you wouldn't want to have, but would never want to end.

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porter-james

The Travails Of Jimmy Porter - A Memoir, 1802-1842

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The rollercoaster tale of James Porter, mastermind of the Frederick mutineers, scallywag and swashbuckling romancer, whose pursuit of freedom takes him around and around the world.

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Alastair Humphreys

Thunder and Sunshine : Riding Home from Patagonia

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Alastair Humphreys' round the world journey of 46,000 miles was an old-fashioned adventure: long, lonely, low-budget and spontaneous. Cycling across five continents and sailing over the oceans, his ride took four years to complete, on a tiny budget of hoarded student loans. "Thunder and Sunshine" is the final part of the remarkable expedition. Having pedalled through the Middle East and Africa and to Cape Town. He still had to cross to South America and ride upto Canada across Siberia and back through Europe to finish his journey. In many ways, this was only the beginning. "Thunder and Sunshine" recounts an epic journey that succeeded through Humphreys' trust in the kindness of strangers, at a time where the interactions of our global community are more confused and troubled than ever.

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Ian Frazier

Great Plains

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The author profiles the storied Great Plains of the American Midwest, relating the history, the lore, and the stories of the current inhabitants of the area

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Colin Thubron

Shadow of the Silk Road

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To travel the Silk Road, the greatest land route on earth, is to trace the passage not only of trade and armies but also of ideas, religions, and inventions. Making his way by local bus, truck, car, donkey cart, and camel, Colin Thubron covered some seven thousand miles in eight months—out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey—and explored an ancient world in modern ferment.

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Sarah Outen, Dame Ellen MacArthur

A Dip in the Ocean : Rowing Solo Across the Indian

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A Dip in the Ocean would be an inspiring read for adventure lovers who seek courage and endurance in their own lives. Sarah Outen's incredible journey of rowing solo across the Indian Ocean after suffering the sudden loss of her father will touch your heart and motivate you to push beyond your limits. Her salty tale is full of funny moments that will make you laugh, while also being poignant enough to make you shed a tear. The book does an excellent job of showcasing the unpredictability of nature, which Sarah successfully negotiates with her determination and willpower, making her an inspiration to us all. Trust me, you'll come out of this book feeling empowered and motivated!

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Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry In America

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`I could have been American; after all I was nearly born there. So I wanted to find out what is it that makes the United States of America so unique, so diverse, so very American...'The beauty. The grandeur. The extraordinary contradictions.But enough about Stephen.What of America, the thrillingly varied colossus of a country that Stephen went to explore? What is the reality beneath the stereotypes of gun-toting and Bible-bashing?In his chariot of Englishness - a black London cab - Stephen starts his epic journey on the east coast and zig-zags across America, stopping in every state from Maine to Hawaii. En route he discovers the south Side of Chicago with blues legend Buddy Guy, marches with Zulus in New Orleans' Mardi Gras, and drums with the Sious Nation in South Dakota; joins a Georgia family for Thanksgiving, `picks' with Bluegrass hillbillies, and finds himself in a Tennessee garden full of dead bodies.Whether in a club for failed gangsters (yes, those are real bullet holes) or celebrating Halloween in Salem (is there anywhere better?), Stephen is welcomed by the people of America - mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos. This is the best of the big country, the best of the big brain and the best book about America by Stephen Fry you'll ever read. What more need be said?

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Pankaj Mishra

Butter Chicken In Ludhiana : Travels In Small Town India

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Butter Chicken in Ludhiana is a must-read for those interested in understanding how India's middle class is moving forward with globalization. Pankaj Mishra's colorful writing style is witty and insightful, making this book a delightful read. The book provides an in-depth look at the aspirations, dreams, and challenges of a society that is evolving rapidly.

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Alexander Frater

Chasing The Monsoon : A Modern Pilgrimage Through India

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Chasing The Monsoon is a must-read for travel enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new cultures and regions. The book takes the reader on a journey through India in search of the monsoon, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape. Alexander Frater's vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters, along with his personal anecdotes, make this a unique and engaging read. The book is also great for those interested in meteorology and weather patterns, as it provides in-depth knowledge of the monsoon.

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Ann Jones

Looking for Lovedu : Days and Nights in Africa

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Looking for Lovedu is a great read for someone who enjoys adventure and travel writing. Ann Jones details her dangerous journey through Africa in search of the Lovedu tribe, a legendary group ruled by a rainmaking queen. Through her writing, readers will experience the excitement of traveling through the deserts of North Africa to South Africa, and learn about the traditional culture and customs of the African people.

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Jim Rogers

Investment Biker : Around the World with Jim Rogers

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This book is about the authora s amazing trip across six continents and the world economy and society. It discusses whoa s sinking and whoa s swimming, which countries are on the rise and which are collapsing, where you can make a million and where you could lose one. Every place he stopped on the trip, Rogers talked to businessmen, bankers, investors and regular people. He learned reams of information that youa d never learn from reading the financial pages of any periodical. Delivers a thrilling account of the journey of a lifetime and provides tips that would enable you to pay for a trip just like it.

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Daniel Coyle

Armstrongs War

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Armstrong's War is a great read for fans of Lance Armstrong or those interested in the world of professional cycling. The book provides a deep insight into the life, struggles, and controversial doping allegations of the world's most accomplished athlete. Coyle's narrative style takes readers on a rollercoaster ride from the lowest points in Armstrong's life to the pinnacle of his sixth straight victory in the Tour de France. Through Coyle's storytelling, readers get to witness Armstrong's determination, resilience, and sheer will to win. Armstrong's War highlights the Darwinian world of professional bike racing, where athletes compete fiercely and the sport chooses them.

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Arthur Grimble

A Pattern of Islands

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This remarkable book is the story of those dramatic and romantic atolls in the Central Pacific - the Gilbert and Ellice Island - woven into the travel-autobiography of the author, who, the day after his wedding in 1913, left England with his wife for the remotest corner of the British Empire where a 'cadet' of the Colonial Administration Service has never before been seen.

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Peter Matthiessen, Kenneth Garrett

End of the Earth

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"End of the Earth" could be a good read for nature lovers who are interested in exploring the world's most unforgiving and remote locations. It provides a unique and informative insight into the wildlife and history of the region, while also showcasing Matthiessen's excellent lyrical writing style. Readers will enjoy going on a journey with the author and the crew of Akademik, as they discover the incredible creatures and landscapes of these far-flung places.

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Ted Bishop

Riding with Rilke : Reflections on Motorcycles and Books

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"Part travelogue, part ode to his bike and part literary criticism...a memoir infused with joie de vivre."― Publishers Weekly In this "joyful book" ( Booklist ), archive diver and Ducati enthusiast Ted Bishop takes readers on an epic trip from Edmonton to Austin, through the classic landscapes of the American West, and to some of America's and Europe's most famous cities as he considers what it means to be a road dog and a researcher. Whether describing how he came to own a Ducati, debating the merits of D. H. Lawrence's novels, relishing the outlaw thrill of cruising small American towns on his bike, or holding Virginia Woolf's suicide note in the British Library, Bishop "easily blends his love of books and archives with his love of motorcycles and riding...an unusual combination...but one that ultimately works" ( Library Journal ). A Playboy Best Book of 2006.

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Bill Bryson

Neither Here, Nor There

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Recommended for travelers seeking a humorous and witty insight into Europe. Bryson's observations on each place and culture, from being robbed in Florence to window-shopping in sex shops, will have you laughing out loud. Bryson's unique perspective will transport you back in time to his own student travels through Europe, with plenty of funny anecdotes along the way.

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Nathan Doneen

The Divide - A 2700 Mile Search For Answers

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Cycling the Great Divide…alone?The first thing you've got to ask yourself is: "What the hell am I doing?"At least, that's what Nathan was saying less than two miles into the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, when he encountered his first major problem and his first major decision: turn back to Banff, or press on?It was all uphill from there.As an amateur cyclist with no touring experience, Doneen pulls you into a world of erratic weather, cramped bivy sacks, and overwhelming solitude as he crisscrosses the Continental Divide on his way to the U.S.-Mexico border, bumping into Tour Divide racers, stumbling upon CDT hikers, and surprising all sorts of Rocky Mountain wildlife.With the help of some trail angels, kind strangers, and other adventurous spirits, Doneen teases apart his past while battling the personal assumptions and cultural expectations that have been steering his life…all while trudging through mud, swatting at insects, and slathering chamois crème on saddle sores.So are you ready for an adventure? Ready to get off the beaten path… the plotted course… that red line? Then join Nathan on The Divide.

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Ian Baker, Dalai Lama XIV

The Heart Of The World - A Journey To Tibet's Lost Paradise

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The myth of Shangri-la originates in Tibetan Buddhist beliefs in beyul, or hidden lands, sacred sanctuaries that reveal themselves to devout pilgrims and in times of crisis. The more remote and inaccessible the beyul, the vaster its reputed qualities. Ancient Tibetan prophecies declare that the greatest of all hidden lands lies at the heart of the forbidding Tsangpo Gorge, deep in the Himalayas and veiled by a colossal waterfall. Nineteenth-century accounts of this fabled waterfall inspired a series of ill-fated European expeditions that ended prematurely in 1925 when the intrepid British plant collector Frank Kingdon-Ward penetrated all but a five-mile section of the Tsangpo's innermost gorge and declared that the falls were no more than a "religious myth" and a "romance of geography."The heart of the Tsangpo Gorge remained a blank spot on the map of world exploration until world-class climber and Buddhist scholar Ian Baker delved into the legends. Whatever cryptic Tibetan scrolls or past explorers had said about the Tsangpo's innermost gorge, Baker determined, could be verified only by exploring the uncharted five-mile gap. After several years of encountering sheer cliffs, maelstroms of impassable white water, and dense leech-infested jungles, on the last of a series of extraordinary expeditions, Baker and his National Geographic-sponsored team reached the depths of the Tsangpo Gorge. They made news worldwide by finding there a 108-foot-high waterfall, the legendary grail of Western explorers and Tibetan seekers alike. The Heart of the World is one of the most captivating stories of exploration and discovery in recent memory--an extraordinary journey to one of the wildest and most inaccessible places on earth and a pilgrimage to the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist faith.

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Tony Hawks

Round Ireland with a Fridge

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Round Ireland with a Fridge is a delightful book that takes the reader on a hilarious adventure across Ireland with a fridge as the main character. Tony Hawks’ easy narration style proves excellent for moments of reflection while also keeping readers engaged through witty humor. Whether or not you have been to Ireland, you will enjoy this travel book.

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Ma Jian

Red Dust

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Red Dust is a must-read for those interested in China's recent history and culture. Through Ma Jian's insightful journey, readers can gain a unique perspective on China's societal challenges. The book is a compelling mix of beautiful descriptions of the country's natural beauty and commentary on the repressive nature of China's government in the 1980s.

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Ross E. Dunn, Ibn Battuta

The Adventures Of Ibn Battuta - A Muslim Traveler Of The Fourteenth Century

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Ross Dunn here recounts the great traveler's remarkable career, interpreting it within the cultural and social context of Islamic society and giving the reader both a biography of an extraordinary personality and a study of the hemispheric dimensions of human interchange in medieval times.

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Yossi Ghinsberg

Jungle - A Harrowing True Story Of Survival

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This book is a thrilling and captivating true story of survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. You'll be amazed by the strength and resilience of the characters as they face the most challenging circumstances in the unforgiving depths of the jungle. "Jungle" is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can lead to triumph. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys gripping adventure stories and tales of resilience.

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William Jon Watkins, Tom Brown Jr.

The Tracker : The Story of Tom Brown, Jr. as Told to William Jon Watkins

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The Tracker is a captivating true story of survival that takes you on a journey through the wilderness with skilled outdoorsman Tom Brown Jr. It's a must-read for outdoor enthusiasts who want to learn the art of tracking and understand the ways of nature. The book covers his incredible apprenticeship in the wild, which teaches all that is hidden from modern humans, including tracking and survival skills. This book is highly recommended for people who are interested in exploring the natural world and learning from an expert in the field.

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Barry Lopez

Arctic Dreams : Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape

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This book would be great for people who enjoy nature and travel writing. Lopez masterfully intertwines the history, ecology, and human experience of the Arctic landscape. Reading this book is like embarking on a journey to a far-off land, every page as captivating as the last. Lopez's prose is both poetic and informative, making this book a true gem for anyone seeking to learn more about the Arctic and its inhabitants.

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Giles Milton

Samurai William : The Englishman Who Opened Japan

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An eye-opening account of the first encounter between England and Japan, by the acclaimed author of Nathaniel's Nutmeg .In 1611, the merchants of London's East India Company received a mysterious letter from Japan, written several years previously by a marooned English mariner named William Adams. Foreigners had been denied access to Japan for centuries, yet Adams had been living in this unknown land for years. He had risen to the highest levels in the ruling shogun's court, taken a Japanese name, and was now offering his services as adviser and interpreter.Seven adventurers were sent to Japan with orders to find and befriend Adams, in the belief that he held the key to exploiting the opulent riches of this forbidden land. Their arrival was to prove a momentous event in the history of Japan and the shogun suddenly found himself facing a stark to expel the foreigners and continue with his policy of isolation, or to open his country to the world. For more than a decade the English, helped by Adams, were to attempt trade with the shogun, but confounded by a culture so different from their own, and hounded by scheming Jesuit monks and fearsome Dutch assassins, they found themselves in a desperate battle for their lives.Giles Milton's Samurai William is the fascinating story of a clash of two cultures, and of the enormous impact one Westerner had on the opening of the East.

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Jacques Steinberg

You Are an Ironman : How Six Weekend Warriors Chased Their Dream of Finishing the World's Toughest Triathlon

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A "New York Times" bestselling author takes readers inside the Ironman triathlon.As he did so masterfully in his "New York Times" bestseller, "The Gatekeepers, " Jacques Steinberg creates a compelling portrait of people obsessed with reaching a life-defining goal. In this instance, the target is an Ironman triathlon-a 2.4-mile open-water swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride, then finally a 26-mile marathon run, all of which must be completed in no more than seventeen hours.Steinberg focuses not on the professionals who live off the prize money and sponsorships but on a handful of triathletes who regard the sport as a hobby. Vividly capturing the grueling preparation, the suspense of completing each event of the triathlon, and the spectacular feats of human endurance, Steinberg plumbs the physical and emotional toll as well as the psychological payoff on the participants of the Ford Ironman Arizona 2009. His "You Are an Ironman" is both a riveting sports narrative and a fascinating, behind-the scenes study of what makes these athletes keep going..

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Arif Rafhan

Reality Bitchslap

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"Reality Bitchslap" is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the ups and downs of travel in Southeast Asia through the eyes of a relatable protagonist. The quirky black-and-white illustrations add an extra layer of humor that will keep you engaged from cover to cover. Arif Rafhan's real-life adventures are unfiltered and relatable, making this book an excellent choice for anyone who loves to travel or appreciates a good coming-of-age story.

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Tahir Shah

The Caliph's House : A Year in Casablanca

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The Caliph's House is a must-read for anyone interested in Morocco and its culture. The author's vivid descriptions of local traditions and customs, combined with the challenges he faced trying to renovate an old mansion, make for a funny and engaging read. The book's most unique aspect is undoubtedly its focus on jinns, the invisible spirits believed to be present in the house, and the various exorcism rituals performed to keep them at bay. If you are looking for an entertaining account of an adventurous family's move to a foreign land, this is definitely the book for you.

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Jeremy Wade

River Monsters : True Stories of the Ones that Didn't Get Away

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Called “the greatest angling explorer of his generation” (Independent on Sunday), Jeremy Wade takes viewers where no wildlife program has gone before. Now Wade goes truly beneath the surface, disclosing full details of how he catches each species and recounting the off-camera highlights of his extraordinary life. From his arrest as a suspected spy in Southeast Asia to a plane crash in the rainforest, every page of the Wall Street Journal bestseller River Monsters is packed with adventure. From the heart of the Congo to the depths of the Amazon, Wade reels in fish of staggering proportions and terrifying demeanor for an unforgettable read.

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Bertrand; Jones Piccard, Brian W. Jones

The Greatest Adventure

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The Greatest Adventure is a gripping true story that will take you on an epic journey around the world in a balloon. Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones's account of their 29,000-mile journey in the Breitling Orbiter 3 is full of adventure, courage, and determination. With freezing temperatures and daunting challenges, the book provides a vivid description of aeronautical challenges and human strength. A must-read for adventure seekers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

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Giles Milton

Samurai William : The Adventurer Who Unlocked Japan

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In 1611 an astonishing letter arrived at the the East India Trading Company in London after a tortuous seven-year journey. Englishman William Adams was one of only twenty-four survivors of a fleet of ships bound for Asia, and he had washed up in the forbidden land of Japan. The traders were even more amazed to learn that, rather than be horrified by this strange country, Adams had fallen in love with the barbaric splendour of Japan - and decided to settle. He had forged a close friendship with the ruthless Shogun, taken a Japanese wife and sired a new, mixed-race family. Adams' letter fired up the London merchants to plan a new expedition to the Far East, with designs to trade with the Japanese and use Adams' contacts there to forge new commercial links. SAMURAI WILLIAM brilliantly illuminates a world whose horizons were rapidly expanding eastwards.

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Robert Macfarlane

The Wild Places

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The Wild Places is both an intellectual and a physical journey, and Macfarlane travels in time as well as space. Guided by monks, questers, scientists, philosophers, poets and artists, both living and dead, he explores our changing ideas of the wild. From the cliffs of Cape Wrath, to the holloways of Dorset, the storm-beaches of Norfolk, the saltmarshes and estuaries of Essex, and the moors of Rannoch and the Pennines, his journeys become the conductors of people and cultures, past and present, who have had intense relationships with these places. Certain birds, animals, trees and objects snow-hares, falcons, beeches, crows, suns, white stones recur, and as it progresses this densely patterned book begins to bind tighter and tighter. At once a wonder voyage, an adventure story, an exercise in visionary cartography, and a work of natural history, it is written in a style and a form as unusual as the places with which it is concerned. It also tells the story of a friendship, and of a loss. It mixes history, memory and landscape in a strange and beautiful evocation of wildness and its vital importance.

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Ewan; Boorman McGregor, Ewan McGregor

Long Way Down

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This book could be a good read for motorcycle enthusiasts and travel lovers. It provides an insightful and entertaining account of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's journey through Africa, including the challenges they faced and the amazing scenery they encountered. The book stands out for its humorous and honest narration, and can inspire readers to take on their own daring adventures.

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Jon Krakauer

Eiger Dreams : Ventures among Men and Mountains

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Eiger Dreams is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and those who enjoy the thrill of risk-taking. Jon Krakauer's vivid storytelling and personal experiences make this book an engaging and inspiring read. The collection of essays includes tales of both triumph and tragedy, as well as insights into the motivations behind extreme sports and mountaineering. The book is perfect for anyone who wants to be transported to the world of daredevils, athletes, and misfits who push themselves to the limits of what is possible.

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Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson's African Diary

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Bill Bryson goes to Kenya at the invitation of CARE International, the charity dedicated to working with local communities to eradicate poverty around the world. Kenya, generally regarded as the cradle of mankind, is a land of contrasts, with famous game reserves, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant cultural tradition. It also provides plenty to worry a traveller like Bill Bryson, fixated as he is on the dangers posed by snakes, insects and large predators. But on a more sober note, it is a country that shares many serious human and environmental problems with the rest of Africa: refugees, AIDS, drought and grinding poverty. Travelling around the country, Bryson casts his inimitable eye on a continent new to him, and the resultant diary, though short in length, contains the trademark Bryson stamp of wry observation and curious insight. All the author's royalties from Bill Bryson's African Diary, as well as all profits, will go to CARE International.

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William Dampier, Nicholas Thomas

A New Voyage Round the World

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The first great English-language travel book, A New Voyage Round the World (1697) is an incomparably vivid, chaotic and fascinating account by the pirate, explorer and naturalist William Dampier of his many adventures.The world he describes sprawls all the way from the Caribbean west across the Pacific to the Philippines and Southeast Asia - a vast expanse tied together by the Spanish Empire. Dampier and his men live lives of rascally precariousness, in the shadow of great Spanish galleons and fortresses, always on the verge of disaster. His book is filled with raids, escapes, wrecks and storms, but Dampier is also a great observer of animals, exotic foods, boats, customs: the book is a cornucopia of descriptions of everything from giant centipedes to bananas. It was originally designed simply to entertain and inform, but it is now a unique document, miraculously preserving glimpses of now long-vanished peoples and places.This new edition, introduced and annotated by Nicholas Thomas, makes clear Dampier's key role as a proselytizer for the early British Empire, as an inspiration for generations of naturalist and explorers, and as a uniquely curious character.

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Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.