Survival is an innate human instinct that has been honed over the course of human evolution. From our earliest days on this earth, we have been fighting for our survival in the face of adversity, and this has led to some incredible stories of courage, resilience, and perseverance. In this article, we will explore some of the best survival stories books that have been written over the years.
The Best Survival Stories Books
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken is a biographical account of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After surviving a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini and two of his fellow crew members were adrift on a life raft for 47 days before being captured by the Japanese. Zamperini was then taken to a prisoner-of-war camp where he endured brutal treatment for two years before being released at the end of the war.
Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of resilience, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit.
- The characters are well-developed, and the plot is suspenseful and engaging.
- The novel is based on a true story and offers an insight into the horrors of war and the strength of the human spirit.
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Into Thin Air is a non-fiction book that chronicles the disastrous events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, where eight climbers died on the mountain. The book is an account of Krakauer’s experience as a journalist and a member of the ill-fated climbing team, and it offers a detailed look into the conditions and challenges that climbers face on the world’s highest peak.
Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of human ambition, the pursuit of adventure, and the consequences of pushing oneself to the limits.
- The characters are real people, and the book offers an insight into the lives of those who choose to climb Mount Everest.
- The book is an emotionally charged account of a real-life tragedy, and it offers a sobering reminder of the dangers of adventure and exploration.
The Revenant by Michael Punke
The Revenant is a novel set in the early 19th century that tells the story of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper who is left for dead by his fellow trappers after being mauled by a grizzly bear. Glass then sets out on a journey of survival and revenge that takes him through some of the harshest terrain in the American West.
Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of survival, revenge, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
- The characters are well-developed, and the plot is suspenseful and engaging.
- The novel is based on a true story, and it offers an insight into the lives of early pioneers and fur trappers.
Alive by Piers Paul Read
Alive is a non-fiction book that tells the story of a Uruguayan rugby team that was stranded in the Andes Mountains after their plane crashed in 1972. The book is an account of their incredible journey of survival, where they had to resort to cannibalism to stay alive in the face of extreme cold, hunger, and thirst.
Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of survival, the will to live, and the limits of human endurance.
- The characters are real people, and the book offers an insight into the lives of those who have been forced to make extreme decisions in the face of adversity.
- The book is a gripping account of a real-life survival story that challenges the reader to consider the lengths they would go to in order to survive.
- H2: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
- Robinson Crusoe is a classic novel that tells the story of a man who is stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck. The novel follows Crusoe as he struggles to survive in the face of isolation, hunger, and danger.
- Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the human desire for companionship and community.
- The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging and suspenseful.
- The novel is a timeless classic that has inspired countless survival stories and has become a staple of the adventure and survival genre.
- H2: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Hatchet is a young adult novel that tells the story of Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. The book follows Brian as he struggles to survive in the wilderness using only his wits and a hatchet that he finds in the wreckage.
- Here are some key points about the book:
- The novel explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
- The characters are relatable and engaging, and the plot is suspenseful and fast-paced.
- The novel is a popular choice for young readers and has become a classic in the survival and adventure genre.
- Checklist List: What to Look for in a Survival Stories Book
- If you are interested in reading books about survival, here are some things to look for:
- Real-life experiences: Look for books that are based on true stories or real-life events. These stories can offer a unique perspective on survival and the human experience.
- Well-developed characters: A good survival story should have well-developed characters that the reader can connect with and root for.
- Themes of resilience and perseverance: Survival stories often explore the themes of resilience and perseverance, which can be inspiring and motivating for readers.
- Suspenseful plot: A good survival story should have a plot that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat.
- Insight into survival skills and strategies: Look for books that offer insights into the skills and strategies that are needed for survival in different situations.
- FAQs:
- Q: Are survival stories only about physical survival?
- A: No, survival stories can be about physical survival, emotional survival, or survival in any other sense. The important thing is that the character is facing adversity and is able to overcome it through resilience and perseverance.
- Q: Are survival stories only for adults?
- A: No, survival stories can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. There are many great survival stories written specifically for young adults and children.
- Q: Are survival stories always based on true stories?
- A: No, survival stories can be based on true stories, fictional stories, or a combination of both. The important thing is that the story is engaging and offers insights into survival and the human experience.
- Q: Are survival stories always set in extreme environments?
- A: No, survival stories can be set in any environment where the character is facing adversity and must overcome it through resilience and perseverance. This can include everyday situations or more extreme environments like the wilderness or a war zone.
- In conclusion, survival stories offer a unique perspective on the human experience and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Whether you are interested in stories of physical survival or emotional survival, there is a survival story book out there for you. So pick up one of these books and be inspired by the incredible stories of triumph over adversity.
