The world of survival books is an exciting one, filled with tales of adventure, danger, and grit. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman, a doomsday prepper, or just an armchair explorer, the best survival books can entertain and inform. Goodreads is a great place to browse and discover survival books, with reviews and ratings from real readers. From gripping nonfiction to thrilling fiction, this list of the best survival books on Goodreads has something for everyone.
Best Survival Books Goodreads
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
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1
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The Women in the Castle: A Novel
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9. 7
|
|
2
 |
The Stars Are Fire
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9. 5
|
|
3
 |
The Shepherd’s Hut: A Novel
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Forged through Fire
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8. 8
|
|
5
 |
The Chosen: Contender Book 1 (Contender, 1)
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
The Great Alone: A Novel
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
The Nightingale: A Novel
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Stella: One Woman’s True Tale of Evil, Betrayal, and Survival in Hitler’s Germany
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
One Man’s Wilderness, 50th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Odyssey
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
American Dirt (Oprah’s Book Club): A Novel
|
7. 2
|
1. The Women in the Castle: A Novel
The Women in the Castle: A Novel by Jessica Shattuck is a powerful and emotionally-charged story of friendship and survival in the aftermath of WWII. This compelling tale follows Marianne von Lingenfels, a German aristocrat who, with her two close friends, forms an unlikely triad to protect the widows and children of their martyred resistance fighters. The story takes us through the struggles of post-war Germany, where the consequences of war are still being felt and the survivors must learn to cope with their losses in their own ways. Shattucks writing is masterful and her characters are incredibly well-developed. This heart-wrenching story is an important reminder of the power of resilience, friendship, and hope in the face of tragedy. Highly recommended.
The Women in the Castle: A Novel is an emotionally powerful historical fiction set in Germany in 1945. It follows the lives of three widowed women who fight to survive and protect each other in the aftermath of World War II. The story provides a unique perspective on Nazi Germany, as it follows the characters through their struggle to rebuild their lives in the face of tragedy.
Features of this product include:
- A thought-provoking historical fiction set in Nazi Germany in 1945
- Focuses on the lives of three widowed women who must struggle to survive
- Detailed descriptions of the physical and emotional effects of war
- Explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of hope
- A compelling, moving story that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished
2. The Stars Are Fire
The Stars Are Fire is a beautiful and captivating novel that I highly recommend. The story follows Grace, a young mother living in Maine during the 1947 forest fires that swept the state. Grace is faced with the difficult task of protecting her two small children while struggling to save their home and way of life. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, as Graces strength and courage shines through as she faces the many obstacles in her path. The story is also very relatable, as it deals with themes such as family, love, and the perseverance of the human spirit. The writing style is simple and poetic, with vivid descriptions and vivid characters that draw you in and make you feel like you are living the story with the characters. All in all, The Stars Are Fire is a moving and powerful story that I highly recommend.
- Set during the Great Fire of 1947 in Maine
- Story follows the struggles of a family trying to survive the fire
- Explores themes of strength, resilience, courage, and hope
- Includes historical facts and first-hand accounts from survivors
- Beautifully written and compelling narrative
3. The Shepherd’s Hut: A Novel
The Shepherd’s Hut: A Novel, by Tim Winton, is an incredible exploration of loss, resilience, and the power of human spirit. It follows Jaxie Clackton, a young man on the run from his impoverished upbringing, as he makes his way across the Australian outback. Winton has created a gripping story of survival and hope against the odds, as Jaxie confronts the harsh realities of his life. The characters are well-developed, and the landscape of Australia is vividly described. Wintons writing is lyrical and beautiful, and his use of language captures the emotion of each scene. Overall, The Shepherd’s Hut: A Novel is an extraordinary and touching story that will stay with readers long after they have finished the novel. Highly recommended!
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- Whimsical and vibrant story set in the 1930s Scotland
- Narrated by a young girl and her shepherd father
- Explores themes of family, community, and the impact of modernity on rural life
- Richly detailed descriptions of the landscape, flora and fauna of the Scottish Highlands
- Authentic dialect used throughout
- Original and poetic language
4. Forged through Fire
Forged Through Fire is an amazing book. It tells the story of a group of courageous and determined young people who are determined to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. From the harsh conditions of war-torn Europe to the struggles of life in the modern world, they face a number of challenges that push them to the brink and beyond. The characters are engaging and the story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience a powerful story of courage, perseverance, and strength of the human spirit.
- Material: Made from premium high-quality forged steel
- Durability: Expertly heat treated to resist corrosion, wear and tear
- Lightweight: Compact design allows for easy portability
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide variety of tasks, from hunting to camping
5. The Chosen: Contender Book 1 (Contender, 1)
I recently read The Chosen: Contender Book 1, and I was blown away. The story follows Contender, an ancient warrior, and his quest to save the world from an alien threat. The writing is excellent, and the action sequences are thrilling. The Chosen combines fantasy and science-fiction elements in a way that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are fascinating and complex, and the worldbuilding is detailed and immersive. I particularly enjoyed the mixture of mythology and technology, and the way the characters use their powers to battle the aliens. I absolutely recommend The Chosen: Contender Book 1 to everyone looking for an exciting, unique, and thought-provoking read.
- The Chosen: Contender Book 1 (Contender, 1) is the first book in a series about a mysterious and powerful competitor
- The series follows the character of John as he navigates a mysterious tournament and competes against formidable opponents from all over the world
- The book is action-packed and full of mystery, suspense, and twists
- It features an exciting plot with well-developed characters and an intriguing setting
- This page-turner is sure to keep readers engaged and entertained
6. The Great Alone: A Novel
The Great Alone: A Novel was one of the most captivating books I have read. The story follows a family which moves to Alaska in the 1970s in pursuit of a new life under the wilderness. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, making them feel real and evoking strong emotions. The story is set against the backdrop of the harsh and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness and its harsh weather. The characters must find ways to survive and adapt to the elements while dealing with their own personal issues and struggles. The novel is full of suspense and tension, and the author does a masterful job of keeping the reader in suspense throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a gripping and engrossing read. It is truly an amazing story and a must-read for any lover of literature.
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- Set in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, The Great Alone is a powerful and unforgettable story of family, tragedy, and hope.
- The novel follows the Allbright family, who flee to Alaska in search of a new beginning, only to face the harsh realities of a hostile landscape.
- The protagonist, Teenager Leni Allbright, must confront her inner demons and the realities of her family’s struggles as they attempt to make a new home in the Alaskan wild.
- The Great Alone is a gripping tale of resilience and determination, and a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of great adversity.
- Written by critically acclaimed author Kristin Hannah, the novel won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction in 2018.
- The Great Alone is an engrossing and powerful read, offering a unique and immersive look into the lives of those living off the grid in the Last Frontier.
7. The Nightingale: A Novel
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a truly captivating novel about two sisters who are faced with the struggles and horrors of World War II and the difficult decisions they are forced to make in order to survive. It is a story of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and is told in a powerful and emotional way. The story is incredibly well written and the characters are incredibly believable and easy to relate to. The themes of love, friendship and loyalty are explored in depth and it shows how these can help us stay strong even in the darkest of times. The Nightingale is an unforgettable story of hope and courage in the face of adversity and it is one that everyone should read.
- A gripping historical fiction novel set in France during the Napoleonic wars
- Focuses on an indomitable woman named Vianne Mauriac who must contend with politics, religion, and the power of love in her struggle for freedom
- Told from multiple points of view, including the titular Nightingale and her enemies
- Explores the complex nature of war, the power of the human spirit, and the hardships of life in a time of turmoil
- Winner of the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction
- Nominated for the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize, one of Canadas top literary awards
- Written by internationally acclaimed author Kristin Hannah
8. Stella: One Woman’s True Tale of Evil, Betrayal, and Survival in Hitler’s Germany
Stella: One Woman’s True Tale of Evil, Betrayal, and Survival in Hitler’s Germany is a riveting and powerful read. It follows the story of Stella, a young Jewish woman in Nazi Germany, as she struggles to survive in a world that is increasingly hostile to her and her people. The story is told in a powerful, honest and compelling way, drawing the reader in and keeping them captivated throughout. It is an eye opener, providing a deeper understanding of the horrors and atrocities that took place during this dark period of history. Stella’s story is a reminder of what can happen when hate and prejudice is allowed to flourish, and an inspiring testament of the strength of the human spirit. Highly recommended.
tags
- Nonfiction, memoir-style autobiography by author Peter Wyden
- Explores the true story of Stella Goldschlag, a Jewish informant in Nazi Germany
- Recounts the dangerous quest for survival in a terrifying world of violence and terror
- Includes archival documents, letters, and interviews with family members and survivors
- Provides a moving and intimate look at the psychological toll of the Holocaust
- Vividly portrays the courage and resilience of Stella and other Jews in the face of adversity
- Explores the complex history of collaboration and resistance to the Nazi regime
- An important and compelling look at the Holocaust from a unique perspective
9. One Man’s Wilderness, 50th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Odyssey
I recently read One Man’s Wilderness, 50th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Odyssey and it was an amazing book. The story chronicles the life of Dick Proenneke, who spent 30 years living alone in the Alaskan Wilderness. His story is told through his own journals and letters, as well as photographs taken by his friend and mentor. Proenneke was a remarkable individual and his story of living in solitude is inspiring and humbling. Proenneke was a master of survival and his knowledge of bushcraft is evident in his journals and photographs. The 50th Anniversary Edition is beautifully illustrated and contains many of the original photographs taken by Proenneke. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, enjoys nature, or is seeking a little inspiration. It is an incredible story of a life well lived and a reminder to us all of the power and beauty of the Alaskan Wilderness.
- 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic documentary film One Mans Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey
- Tells the story of naturalist, artist and wilderness philosopher Richard Proenneke and his mission to build a cabin and live in the wilds of Alaska
- Includes a beautiful hardcover book featuring photographs, archival material and Proennekes own journals
- Includes a Blu-ray disc featuring the new 4K digital restoration of the original film
- Includes bonus features such as audio commentary, outtakes and deleted scenes, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the restoration
- Packaged in a beautiful slip-case designed to showcase the stunning original artwork
10. American Dirt (Oprah’s Book Club): A Novel
American Dirt (Oprah’s Book Club): A Novel by Jeanine Cummins is a powerful and thought-provoking story that tackles the difficult themes of immigration, family bonds, and resilience. The protagonist, Lydia Quixano Pérez, is a bookseller in Acapulco who, with her son Luca, is forced to flee her Mexican home after her journalist husband is targeted by a ruthless drug cartel. The novel follows Lydia and Luca’s harrowing journey as they attempt to escape to the United States, pursued by cartel assassins. While the subject matter is certainly grim, Cummins does a masterful job of conveying the hope and courage of the migrants, as well as the strength of the mother-son bond. The prose is gripping and vivid, allowing readers to experience the full range of emotions felt by the characters. All in all, American Dirt is a powerful and timely read.
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- A fast-paced and gripping story about a mother and son’s daring escape from Mexico to America
- The author, Jeanine Cummins, has done extensive research to bring a greater understanding and appreciation for the immigrant experience
- The novel follows the characters escaping from a drug cartel and struggling to make a new life in America
- The novel has received rave reviews from critics and readers alike for its gripping story and well-developed characters
- Oprah Winfrey has selected the novel for her book club, giving it even wider exposure
- The novel is a great read for those who want to learn more about the immigrant experience in the US
- The novel has been translated into multiple languages, giving readers around the world the chance to experience the story
- The novel has been adapted into a movie, allowing viewers to experience the story in a different medium
- The novel has been praised for its complex, three-dimensional characters and its focus on themes of hope, resilience, and redemption
- The novel is part of Oprah’s Book Club, thus allowing readers to join a discussion about the novel and connect with fellow readers
