Travel, Adventure, & Sports from our 2018 Winter Newsletter

Killers of the Flower Moon author David Grann’s latest book chronicles the journey of modern polar explorer Henry Worsley, who attempted a solo traverse of Antarctica in 2015. Grann’s account of Worsley’s arduous expedition—and the expeditions of the explorers who came before him—offers chilling insights into the ruthless reality of polar exploration. I was both fascinated by the extreme lengths that people will go to realize their dream and reminded of the remarkable endurance that humans are capable of. - Jade

This is a gorgeous book, perfect for armchair travelers or those wanting to fling themselves into something great and wild. Organized by location, The Bucket List: Wild shares tips and enticing photographs to whet your wanderlust. Stathers includes a huge range of encounters, from observing plant hoppers (insects) in the United States to watching the world’s largest migration in the Serengeti. - Rachel

Whether you’re planning a trip or are just on an armchair adventure, this book will keep you dreaming for hours. The description of each hike is accompanied by a stylized map, inspiring photos (as one would expect from Lonely Planet), a short essay on why the hike is amazing or special or tricky or relaxing, and a detailed list that includes the trip distance, suggested supplies, when to go, route planning to get to the location, and a list of three similar trips. - Megan

Inspired by the new ESPN series, this oral history of basketball is a terrific book. “What MacMullan and Bartholomew have done here is nothing short of crafting the definitive history of the sport—told through the people who lived it. There has never been a deeper and more star-studded cast of interviewees about basketball, and the authors pull unique insights out of them. A wonderful read.” —Zach Lowe

At the age of 30, Jedidiah Jenkins decided to “happen to life” instead of letting life happen to him and embarked on an 18-month bike trip from Oregon to Patagonia. The resulting book is both a delightful adventure and a thoughtfuljourney into his own soul. Travel frees him to make unencumbered relationships with his past, his spirituality, his identity, his family, and his sense of self in ways that leave me feeling alive, inspired, and ready to pack my own bags. - Melinda

Wyomia Tyus, a record-setting track and field Olympian (1964 and 1968), should be as well-known as Tommie Smith and John Carlos for her political activism or as Wilma Rudolph for her athletic prowess, but we are still challenged with broadening representation beyond iconic representatives. Now is the time to add Tyus to the pantheon of great Black women athletes and citizens, and this is the book, her enjoyable accounting of a remarkable life. - Melinda

A fascinating look into the history and medical science behind why and how humans run, and also has exercises and summaries at the end of each chapter that add a practical element to each topic. I’ve been a runner for a few years now, and this is just the book I needed. A new runner might find it a bit overwhelming, but those looking to move to the next level in their running will appreciate the thoroughness and breadth of the book. - Jax

“I have been waiting thirty years for this book. When I first heard of Ed Gillet’s heroic paddle [from California] to Hawaii, I was thrilled and inspired in my own traveling. But this is much more than a book about a kayak journey. It is that great thing in travel—a brave quest, the solitary traveler turning his back on the cynics, and heading into a turbulent sea in a small boat, and finding landfall. It is a great metaphor for human endeavor. ‘Never before, never since’ indeed. But Ed Gillet is that rare creature—a modest man and also a hero.”—Paul Theroux