Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Into Thin Air

   A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster

   

   This gripping non-fiction book recounts the tragic events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The author, a journalist and experienced climber, was part of a commercial expedition to summit Everest. The expedition soon turned disastrous due to a severe storm, leading to the death of several climbers from various teams. The book provides a vivid, personal account of the harrowing ordeal, detailing the physical and psychological challenges faced by climbers at high altitudes, as well as the ethical and commercial aspects of mountaineering expeditions.

   The 2136th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Into the Wild

   The True Story of a Young Man Who Gave Up Everything to Wander the Wilderness

   

   This striking narrative non-fiction tells the real-life story of a young man who turns his back on society to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Despite a privileged background and a promising future, he donates his savings to charity, abandons his car and most of his possessions, and embarks on a journey into the wild. His solitary existence in the wild, his struggles for survival, and his untimely death provide a profound exploration of the allure of wilderness and the human yearning for solitude and self-discovery.

   The 2913th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Under The Banner Of Heaven

   A Story of Violent Faith

   

   The book delves into the disturbing world of religious extremism within certain sects of the Mormon faith, particularly focusing on a brutal double murder committed by two brothers who believed they were commanded by God to kill. Through meticulous research and interviews, the narrative explores the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and examines how its teachings have been interpreted and misused by fundamentalist offshoots. The author intertwines the true crime investigation with a broader discussion on the nature of faith and the potent influence of religious belief on human behavior.

   The 6268th Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Where Men Win Glory

   The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

   

   The book delves into the life and tragic death of Pat Tillman, a professional football player who left his NFL career to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11 attacks. It explores Tillman's motivations, his experiences in the military, and the circumstances surrounding his death by friendly fire in Afghanistan. The narrative also critiques the U.S. government's handling of Tillman's death, highlighting the manipulation and misinformation that followed. Through a detailed examination of Tillman's character and the broader political and military context, the book offers a poignant reflection on heroism, sacrifice, and the complexities of war.