Books

I love to read books about the outdoors, whether fiction with outdoor themes, guide books, or memoirs. I've done a good bit of reading, but only my favorites are listed here. They are presented in no special order other than alphabetically based on the author's last name. The list will be updated as new favorites pop up.

 

THE LIST

Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods - An entertaining account of two middle aged men unfit for thru-hiking hitting the Appalachian Trail and giving it their best shot. This book will make you laugh. Update: This book came out as a movie. The movie deviated from the book, failed to make me laugh, and left me feeling lukewarm at best.

Tim Ernst, Arkansas Hiking Trails: A Guide to 78 Selected Trails in "The Natural State" - Once upon a time Mama lived in Arkansas and entertained herself by hiking and backpacking Arkansas trails using this helpful and nicely laid out book as her guide.

Jack P. Hailman and Elizabeth D. Hailman, Backpacking Wisconsin - If you land in Wisconsin, you'll quickly learn that although it is a great state for outdoor pursuits, you are no longer living in a mecca for backpackers. This book will come to your rescue, providing great ideas for trails to try, and what to expect when you get there.

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age Trail Atlas 2014 - Detailed color hiking maps of the 1,000+ mile (1,609 km) Ice Age Trail and connecting routes.

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age Trail Guide Book 2014 - The official guidebook to the 1,000+ mile (1,609 km) Ice Age Trail and connecting routes.

Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer - A fictional account of the lives of three southern women as they come to terms with themselves and others, ever loving the earth and its creatures.

Wm. Chad McGrath, Great Wisconsin Walks, 45 Strolls, Rambles, Hikes and Treks - The book is divided into themes to satisfy your mood: beach walks, walks with a view, urban walks, walks in the woods, riverside walks, etc. McGrath does a nice job of pointing out what you'll see at each destination, from fauna to architecture, to geologic formations.

Farley Mowat, Never Cry Wolf - An fictionalized account of one Canadian researcher's foray into the lives of wolves. Mowat's flair for writing will hold you spellbound.

Daniel Pauly, Exploring the Boundary Waters. A Trip Planner and Guide to the BWCAW. The book is divided by areas within the Boundary Waters. For each area the book provides multiple detailed routes with difficulty ratings, expected number of days, entry points portages required, distances and other valuable information.

Disclaimer

I did not receive compensation for books mentioned or reviewed on this page. I have read each book listed here. Comments made are based on personal opinions and experience. I discuss only books I like.