On a recent backpack trip in the Grand Canyon I learned that my fellow travelers happened also to be avid readers. Over the course of several days, we had a number of interesting discussions about favorite books and interesting stories, as well as suggestions for good reads. Following my normal sleep pattern, I had some extra time this morning to ponder other books that I had enjoyed, and in turn would recommend to others. Given the current climate of suggested isolation, I thought I might share some favorite titles that I’ve found especially enjoyable over the years.

• The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss. This sly little story about Sneetches, as much as anything I learned in college or Sem, prepared me for work in the inner city of Milwaukee. The Pants with Nobody Inside Them taught me empathy. A must read for children and adults alike.
• Desert Solitaire and the Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey. Not a huge fan of the Abbey himself, but in my formative years I connected with Doc and his desire to burn down billboards, and Ed’s admonitions to get out of cars and walk! or crawl in order to really see and experience wild places.
• The Journals of Lewis and Clark. Down the Colorado: Diary of J. W. Powell’s First Trip. Nothing like the very words of the explorers themselves, who so casually spoke of most hardships as if they were just another day at the office.
• The Conquest of Mt. McKinley by Belmore Brown. These early climber/explorers were hard men. What they went through to almost be the first to climb Denali makes modern climbers all seem like sissies. By the way – If I loaned you my copy, whoever you are, could I PLEASE have it back. I miss it!
• Touching the Void by Joe Simpson. A harrowing tale with probably the highest pucker factor of any book I’ve ever read. And one of the few movies that is as good as the book. Talk about the will to live….wow!
• A Most Hostile Mountain by Jonathan Waterman. The author/climber intersperses his own effort to climb Mt St Elias with historical details of the Duke of Abruzzi’s efforts to climb the same.
• Shackleton by Alfred Lansing. My favorite adventure story – hands down! Shackleton’s failed expedition and subsequent survival story has been called the most successful failure of all time.
• A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. This was the first true “laugh out loud” book. Don’t watch the movie…please, just read this book if you haven’t already.
• Apollo by Charles Murray and Catherine Bly Cox. When JFK challenged the nation to go the moon, none of the technology, systems, or procedures had even been envisioned, much less invented. This is the fascinating story of how it all came together.
• The Sky Below by Scott Parazynksi. This is one astronaut’s story. Interesting to read about the joys, frustrations, egos, and hard work necessary to achieve space flight.
• The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. If you’re into space, the fictional world created by this talented writing duo (know by the pen name above) is a wonderful read.
• Around the World by Bike by Alastair Humphreys. I loved Al’s observations and honesty, and thoroughly enjoyed going with him on his four year journey. Sharon enjoyed the story, but was not as big a fan.
• Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure by Barbara Savage. Back when Sharon and I were embarking on our own lengthy bicycle adventure, this book was massively inspirational.
• Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi. At age 16, without most of what might be considered “necessary” skills, Tania set off and sailed around the world by herself. Many years after her voyage I had the chance to meet Tania. Sure got me dreaming!
• The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. I’ve read countless fiction novels. Enjoyed many/most of them tremendously. For some reason, this one always bubbles up to the top of any list I can think of. Makes me want to go buy a small bookstore.

I’ve told many people that one of the greatest gifts given to me by my mother was both the ability to read, as well as a love of reading. I consider there to be no greater luxury than a comfortable chair, a good book, and the time to read. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope somewhere in this list, you will find a book that inspires, amazes and broadens your horizons.

I very much look forward to hearing your suggestions for good reads as well. Please leave them in the comments section below.