Adventures can take out around the world, into perils, and wonders. You're unlikely to climb the tallest peaks, risk your life in Antarctica, or spear the mythic whale -- but books can take you there from the comfort of your RV or a warm campfire. You also could learn natural navigation and embark on a national park adventure...the adventures are endless.
Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-inducing (and potentially tragic) exploration across the world, or something that's applicable right outside the RV doorstep, these 12 adventure books to read in 2022 have excellent and diverse experiences within their pages and are the perfect companion on long RV trips. Check out the list below.
Author: Bernadette McDonald
Genres: Non-Fiction, Expeditions, Mountaineering, Memoir
Details: Lots of books detail the happenings of single mountaineering expeditions, but few cover multiple ascents in the way that Winter 8000 does. Award-winning author Bernadette McDonald shares her winter ascents of the world's 14 highest peaks.
Covering 14 ascents within 272 pages limits the chapters to highlights, so you don't have to wade through minutia of mountaineering logistics. You still get a well-rounded perspective that includes boredom, risk assessment, saying goodbye and physical challenges. Winter 8000 was a 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition Finalist, and it deserves to be on your shortlist of books to read too.
Author: Colin Fletcher
Genres: Non-Fiction, Solo Adventure, Hiking, Memoir
Details: Few people have hiked the Grand Canyon in its entirety, and fewer have done the canyon in a single go. Colin Fletcher was the first recorded person to do so. Embark on a descent instead of ascent, and experience one of the nation's most popular park in a new way. A well-told memoir from a "compulsive walker," the book is physical, spiritual, and scientific. You'll never learn about river science in such a captivating way.
Author: Tristan Gooley
Genres: Non-Fiction, Biology, Geography, Astronomy
Details: A textbook with adventure dispersed throughout, The Natural Navigator will have you reading grass blades, mosses, trees, and streams to determine directions. There are some pointers for inner-city navigation, too. Gooley's writing isn't the easiest to read, but he's the best in the field at getting somewhere without any maps, compasses or other instruments, making it an ideal read for adventure RVers. Learning natural navigation is a true asset to any back-country camper, and it's interesting even if you only tour roadways. Make sure to read through the last couple of chapters, where Gooley tells of a trip to some of the few still isolated indigenous tribes.
Author: Alfred Lansing
Genres: Non-Fiction, Expeditions, Ships, History
Details: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage has no hyperbole in its title. The book details one of the most perilous expeditions in all of history. It's an Antarctic expedition that's best summed up by Explorer Sir Raymond Priestly's advice: "When disaster strikes and all hope is gone...pray for Shackleton." If you haven't read it yet, Ernest Shackleton's true story will have you anxious at every peril.
Author: Angela Madsen
Genres: Travel, Biography, Veteran, True Story
Details: Another marine adventure that's not for the faint of heart, Angela Madsen's Rowing Against the Wind inspires with the authors grit and determination. A veteran and paraplegic, Madsen has won golds in the Paralympics. This book tells of her service, her botched injury, her relationship with Debra (her wife) -- and her transoceanic solo rows.
Author: Julian Rubinstein
Genres: Biography, True Crime, Politics, Adventure
Details: Armenia to Hungary. Janitor to worst-ever professional hockey player. Prisoner to most-successful bank thief. All with alcohol and absurdity along the way. Attila Ambrus made the best of life in post-USSR Transylvania and Hungary, where opportunity was scare if available at all. He ultimately found that the greatest opportunity lied in robbing banks, after trying professional hockey, church painting, roulette playing and much more. His adventures detail a life of liquor and luck, and will have you laughing all along the way. The award-winning Ballad of the Whiskey Robber entertainingly tells this true-life adventure. The book can only be considered "true crime" if you're the chief of police charged with catching him.
Author/Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
Genre: Children's, Biography, Travel, Environment
Details: Miss Rumphius is another true-life tale of travel and adventure, albeit one that's presented differently and much more sedate. A circular tale that begins and ends in Maine, Miss Rumphius travels the world but eventually returns home. One of Barabar Cooney's finest works, this book is a must-read for families. Adults who don't have children will find the story surprisingly captivating as well.
Author: Madison & Cees Hoffman, Illustrator: Noh. A
Genre: Children's, Travel, Adventure, National Parks
Details: Another children's book, Kitten's Quest is a true story about a young cat that traveled the country. With stops at many of the most popular U.S. National Parks, the search for a beautiful place highlights some of the country's best spots. Kitten's Quest is a fun introduction to national parks for any children who are going on a cross-country road trip. As an added bonus, a portion of proceeds are donated to the Trust for Public Lands.
Author: Jonathan Melburg
Genre: Nonfiction, Biology, Environmental, Biography
Details: Go on an adventure of a different sort, and learn about some birds that you're likely to see while traveling. A Most Remarkable Creature provides a full education of caracas and other large birds, but it details their lives in a highly entertaining way. Follow the migrations of these birds as you also learn about their intelligence, social habits and other traits. A Most Remarkable Creature departs on its subject from the caracaras, which are a crow-like falcon that puzzled Charles Darwin. You'll learn almost as much about ecology and evolutionary theory as you will about the birds themselves.
Author: Herman Melville
Genre: History, Literature, Adventure, Tragedy
Details: One of the most classic adventures, Moby Dick is a novel but based on extensive research -- Herman Melville spent years aboard whaling ships before writing this epic. If you haven't previously read the tomb, it'll keep you enthralled around many evening campfires. Call it Moby Dick, or The Whale.
With Valentine's Day is right around the corner, it's time to make plans for this holy day of love when you're on the road. If you're looking to have an exceptional holiday, check out our guide to The Most Romantic Places for RVers to Spend Valentine's Day.
