A handpicked list of novels for outdoor lovers, blending adventure, historical settings, survival, and unforgettable journeys into wild places. Most of these have a strong female lead and the outdoor environment becomes one of the characters of the book.
A gripping journey through the harsh Alaskan wilderness.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The beginning of the library.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Set on the wild North Shore of Oahu, this novel weaves together family, resilience, and the powerful pull of the ocean.
The Shark House by Sara Ackerman
Set on a remote island off Australia’s coast, this story explores isolation, survival, and the relentless power of the natural world.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Set in rural Appalachia, this story explores how an unexpected natural event changes one woman’s life.
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
Heroic midwife who solves murders.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Explore the dust bowl on a ride with giraffes. A mindless easy read.
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutled
Love, loss, and survival in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
When there's a murder at summer camp.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Hardship, resilience, & faith in Gold Rush America.
The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers
Alaska’s untamed wilderness, where survival, mystery, and human connection collide.
To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
High-stakes survival after a plane crash in brutal mountain terrain.
The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
A coming-of-age murder mystery set in the marshlands.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Easy read about a friendship with an octopus + a happy ending!
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Classic wilderness survival in raw nature.
The River by Gary Paulsen
Faith & fear in an isolated mountain community.
The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
Finding solace and connection in the woods.
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
High-tension survival after a rafting trip goes wrong.
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
A psychological survival tale of a child alone in the wilderness.
