Must-Read: 10 Captivating Books Depicting the Struggles of Surviving Alone
One of the book types that I like to read is about being stranded or about trying to survive alone. So if these type of books also interests you please check out my list. And if you know of any similar books let me know in the comments.
Surviving Alone: 10 Captivating Books of Resilience and Solitary Struggle
Because I enjoyed Robinson Crusoe, books about being stranded and trying to survive alone always get my attention. So recently I read a few more books where the protagonist tries to survive alone. If you also know books with similar plots please let me know in the comments.
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So here is my list of books about being stranded and trying to survive alone:
1. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Robinson Crusoe is the most popular book by Daniel Defoe. Where the protagonist has lots of adventures. One of which is being stranded on an uninhabited island. Aside from exotic adventure, this book tells the phycology of a lonely person. In addition to this, he has to manage to survive on an island by himself for years.
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2. The Martian by Andy Weir
I think of The Martian by Andy Weir as a “Robinson Crusoe” type of book. Except for this time protagonist Mark Watney has to survive on Mars and is alone. One difference is that on Crusoe’s island he has what he needs to survive for years. But Watney’s days counted.
More: Summary and book review - The Martian by Andy Weir
3. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Again in Life of Pi by Yann Martel, protagonist Pi Patel is the lonely survivor of a ship crash. But he is not that lucky to be on an island. He is on a lifeboat with a tiger. He has to manage to survive in an open sea and must make sure that that tiger won't eat him.
More: Summary and book review - Life of Pi by Yann Martel
4. Love of Life by Jack London
This is not a novel, but a story by Jack London. Still, I enjoy this story very much and think one of the best ones. We don't know the name of the protagonist in this story. This unnamed man and his friend Bill return from Alaska during the gold rush era. The protagonist gets a foot injury and Bill abandons him. He is left alone in the wilderness. He is injured and starving. He will have a hard time surviving.
5. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
In I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, the protagonist Robert Neville is not actually stranded anywhere. But he is alone in a world where he is the only human who survived a pandemic. In the book, Neville is trying to live in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are turned into vampires. This book actually influenced the development of modern zombie and vampire literature.
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6. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
This gripping young adult novel delves into the survival journey of thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, who finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with nothing but a hatchet, Brian must navigate the challenges of nature, battling hunger, harsh weather, and dangerous wildlife. As he adapts to his solitary existence, he also discovers newfound inner strength and resilience.
7. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world, this haunting novel follows a father and his young son as they traverse a desolate and dangerous landscape. Facing constant threats from marauders and struggling to find sustenance, they rely on their unbreakable bond and determination to survive. McCarthy's stark prose delves into the depths of human endurance, exploring themes of hope, despair, and the lengths a person will go to protect their loved ones.
8. Cast Away by James Gould Cozzens
Immerse yourself in this classic tale of survival and solitude. When a plane crash leaves him stranded on a remote and uninhabited island, the protagonist must confront the harsh realities of his new existence. As he battles loneliness, learns to build shelter, and forages for food, he also grapples with his own sanity and the fragility of human existence.
9. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
Experience the gripping true story behind the legend of Moby Dick. This meticulously researched narrative recounts the ill-fated voyage of the whaleship Essex and its crew, who find themselves adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean after a catastrophic encounter with a massive sperm whale. Facing starvation, dehydration, and the looming specter of cannibalism, the survivors must confront their darkest fears to stay alive.
10. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Embark on an extraordinary memoir of self-discovery and resilience. Cheryl Strayed, reeling from personal loss and desperate for change, embarks on a solo hike along the arduous Pacific Crest Trail. As she traverses challenging terrain, battles physical and emotional hardships, and encounters unexpected encounters with nature and fellow travelers, Strayed's transformative journey becomes a testament to the power of wilderness to heal and restore the human spirit.
If you know and read any similar books where a protagonist is starting or trying to survive alone please let me know and suggest a book in the comments.
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