~ Book Reviews ~
‘My Daddy is Climbing Denali’ by Samuel Sidiqi
On the surface, it’s a children’s book about a father preparing to climb Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. But in reality, it goes much deeper, telling a story about adventure, purpose, and the quiet influence of leading by example.
‘Epic Bike Rides of the World’ by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet's Epic Bike Rides of the World is a beautifully curated celebration of two-wheeled travel that takes you on a global journey across the most thrilling cycling routes on Earth.
‘Endurance: The True Story of Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic’ by Alfred Lansing
First published in 1959, ‘Endurance: The True Story of Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic’ by Alfred Lansing is a gripping account of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914–1916 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
‘Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques’ by Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe
As the official handbook for Mountain Training’s winter leadership qualifications, "Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques" by Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe is a comprehensive guide designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and techniques for safe and effective movement in winter mountain environments.
The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne, Described in Both Directions (Includes separate OS 1:25K map booklet) by Cicerone
Providing a detailed account of the 100-mile route, The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne, Described in Both Directions by Cicerone is an essential guide for anyone planning to explore one of England’s most iconic National Trails.
‘ The Man Who Cycled the Americas ’ by Mark Beaumont
The Man Who Cycled the Americas by Mark Beaumont is a captivating and inspiring account of an extraordinary 13,000-mile journey spanning the length of two continents.
‘50 50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days’ by Dean Karnazes
‘50 50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days’ by Dean Karnazes is an inspiring and energetic account of an extraordinary feat of endurance: running 50 marathons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days.
‘Winged Scalpel’ by Dr Richard Villar
Winged Scalpel by Dr Richard Villar, a former SAS doctor, is a gripping and deeply insightful memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life and career of an orthopaedic surgeon who has worked extensively in war zones and disaster-stricken areas around the globe.
Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad by Dr Richard Dawood
First published in 1985, Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad by Dr Richard Dawood is a highly regarded resource for anyone planning to travel internationally, especially to regions where health risks may be more pronounced.
Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie
Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie is a compelling autobiography that delves into the life and career of one of Britain’s most decorated athletes.
‘Beyond Possible’ by Nimsdai Purja
Beyond Possible by Nimsdai Purja (aka ‘Nims) is an electrifying memoir that captures the extraordinary feat of summiting the world's 14 highest mountains in less than seven months — an accomplishment that redefined the boundaries of human endurance and resilience.
‘Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the world's toughest endurance race’, by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle
"Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the World's Toughest Endurance Race" is a thrilling account of an extraordinary challenge undertaken by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle.
‘Running on empty’, by Marshall Ulrich
"Running on Empty" by Marshall Ulrich offers an exhilarating and deeply personal glimpse into the mind of an ultramarathon runner, chronicling his astounding run across America.
‘ The Row to Recovery ’ by Sam Peters
In 2011, six ex-servicemen embarked on an arduous mission to row across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavour accomplished by fewer people than those who have summited Everest.
‘Journeys to Impossible Places’, by Simon Reeves
Simon Reeve's "Journeys to Impossible Places" takes us readers on a visceral and captivating tour through some of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth – and it reading it certainly feels like you’re there with him!
‘We are Explorers’, by Kari Herbert
‘We Are Explorers’ by Kari Herbert delves into the really captivating stories of fourteen women whose adventurous spirits and curiosity led them to extraordinary discoveries around the world.
‘Facing Up’ by Bear Grylls
"Facing Up: A Remarkable Journey to the Summit of Mount Everest" is an inspiring piece by British adventurer Bear Grylls, that was first published in 2000 and a memoir of Grylls's journey to the summit of Mount Everest at the age of 23.
‘My Life as an Explorer’ by Roald Amundsen
Roald Amundsen's ‘My Life as an Explorer’ is a staple for any would-be adventurer or explorer, detailing his extraordinary life and unparalleled achievements.
This memoir, published just a year before his mysterious disappearance at the North Pole, is a compelling and intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of Amundsen's stellar career, which surpasses those of his more famous rivals, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.
‘The Places in Between’, by Rory Stewart
"The Places in Between" is a travel memoir written by Rory Stewart, a British author, diplomat, and politician. Published in 2004, the book details Stewart's journey on foot across Afghanistan in early 2002.
Stewart's trek took him from Herat in the west to Kabul in the east, a distance of over 600 miles, traversing through some of the most remote and inhospitable terrain in Afghanistan. His journey was particularly significant as it occurred shortly after the fall of the Taliban regime and during a period of transition in the country.
Rowing the Pacific, by Mick Dawson
A hugely engaging piece of work, Mick, outlines his story from his time in the Royal Marines, the career transition from the military in to becoming a professional Yacht skipper, to how he got started in ocean rowing, and then his preparation for the north pacific route from Japan to San Francisco.
First rowing the Atlantic Ocean in 2001, Mick’s story is funny, intimate, gripping, and a moving account of trying to complete his goal of rowing across the north pacific.