If you’re a fan of historical non-fiction, particularly tales of adventure and survival like The Wager by David Grann, you’re in for a treat. This genre offers a captivating blend of real-life events, meticulous research, and gripping narratives that transport readers to different times and places. Here are 17 books that will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like The Wager.
Books Similar to The Wager by David Grann
1. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
Alfred Lansing’s Endurance recounts the harrowing Antarctic expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. The crew faced insurmountable odds after their ship was trapped and crushed by ice, yet their story is one of perseverance and survival. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tales of human spirit and resilience.
2. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea tells the true story that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. It’s an astonishing account of a whaling ship’s crew who faced starvation, cannibalism, and despair after their ship was sunk by a whale. This riveting narrative is a testament to human endurance and the will to survive.
3. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
David Grann’s The Lost City of Z explores the mysterious disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett in the Amazon. Blending history, biography, and adventure, this book delves into Fawcett’s quest for a fabled city and the perils he faced. It’s a gripping read that will fascinate any history buff.
4. River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey
Candice Millard’s River of Doubt chronicles Theodore Roosevelt’s perilous expedition down an uncharted tributary of the Amazon River. Facing treacherous conditions, disease, and hostile wildlife, Roosevelt and his team’s journey is a thrilling testament to human endurance. This book is perfect for those who love tales of exploration and adventure.
5. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air is a first-hand account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. Krakauer, a journalist and climber, provides a gripping narrative of the events that led to the tragedy. This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in extreme adventures and the human spirit’s limits.
6. The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea
Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm details the 1991 storm that caught several fishing boats off the coast of New England. Combining meteorology, oceanography, and personal stories, Junger creates a vivid and harrowing account of men battling nature’s fury. This book is a gripping read for those fascinated by natural disasters and human courage.
7. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and WWII bombardier who survived a plane crash, weeks adrift at sea, and years in a Japanese POW camp. Hillenbrand’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this a must-read for fans of survival stories.
8. Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission
Hampton Sides’ Ghost Soldiers recounts the daring rescue of over 500 American POWs from a Japanese camp in the Philippines during WWII. This gripping narrative showcases the bravery and determination of the soldiers involved. It’s an inspiring read for those interested in war stories and heroism.
9. The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom
Slavomir Rawicz’s The Long Walk is a harrowing account of his escape from a Siberian gulag and his subsequent 4,000-mile trek to freedom. Facing extreme conditions and immense physical challenges, Rawicz’s journey is a testament to human resilience. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy incredible survival stories.
10. Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man’s Miraculous Survival
Joe Simpson’s Touching the Void recounts his near-fatal climb in the Peruvian Andes. After a fall leaves him severely injured, Simpson’s struggle to survive against all odds is both harrowing and inspiring. This book is a gripping read for anyone interested in mountaineering and survival.
11. Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors
Piers Paul Read’s Alive tells the incredible story of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes in 1972. Stranded in extreme conditions, the survivors resorted to unimaginable measures to stay alive. This book is a gripping and emotional read for those fascinated by human endurance.
12. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat tells the inspiring story of the American rowing team that competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This narrative weaves together the personal struggles and triumphs of the team members, culminating in their extraordinary victory. It’s a heartwarming and motivational read.
13. Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II
Mitchell Zuckoff’s Lost in Shangri-La recounts the story of a plane crash in the New Guinea jungle during WWII and the survivors’ struggle to stay alive. The book highlights the incredible rescue mission that followed. This gripping tale of survival and heroism is a must-read for history enthusiasts.
14. The White Darkness
David Grann’s The White Darkness tells the story of Henry Worsley, a British explorer who attempted to cross Antarctica alone. The book delves into Worsley’s life, his passion for exploration, and the challenges he faced on his final journey. It’s a compelling read for those fascinated by polar expeditions.
15. Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II
Robert Kurson’s Shadow Divers follows two deep-sea divers who discover a sunken German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey. Their quest to uncover the submarine’s secrets leads to an incredible tale of bravery and determination. This book is a thrilling read for those interested in underwater exploration and WWII history.
16. Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea
Steven Callahan’s Adrift is a personal account of his survival after his boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Adrift on a life raft for 76 days, Callahan’s story is one of ingenuity, endurance, and hope. This book is a gripping and inspiring read for anyone interested in survival stories.
17. The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen’s Race to the South Pole
Roland Huntford’s The Last Place on Earth chronicles the epic race between Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen to reach the South Pole. This detailed account explores the challenges, strategies, and fates of both expeditions. It’s a fascinating read for those interested in polar exploration and historical rivalries.
These 17 books offer a wealth of adventure, history, and human spirit, making them perfect companions for fans of The Wager by David Grann. Each of these narratives will transport you to different times and places, showcasing the incredible resilience and determination of those who faced the unknown.