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SALT LAKE CITY — If you are looking for a last-minute Father’s Day gift, grab one of these stellar nonfiction reads. Dad will love getting lost in the true stories of adventure, heroism and discovery.
1. “Impossible Journeys” by Mathew Lyons, The Folio SocietyThis exquisitely made and beautifully written compilation of 24 stories, spanning 600 years from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era, exposes the magic of when the world was new and undiscovered. Hailed as a cross between “The Canterbury Tales” and “Touching the Void,” “Impossible Journeys” is a book Dad will love to read and own.
2. “Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II” by Mitchell Zuckoff
New York Times best-selling nonfiction author Mitchell Zuckoff’s newest book brings to life a tale of heroism, mystery, adventure and survival. Bringing to light the often-looked-over work of the Coast Guard, this book explores the 70-year-old mystery of two plane crashes, a vanished rescue plane and an epic fight to stay alive in a hostile, frozen environment.
3. “The Man Who Listens to Horses: The Story of the Real-Life Horse Whisperer” by Monty Roberts
Surprising in its depth and beauty, this book is as fascinating as it is touching. Monty Roberts is the real-life horse whisperer — a man with a rare and miraculous ability to relate to horses. Roberts' gift, afforded by a rare kind of color blindness and hours of careful observation, allows him to communicate with horses and other animals with body language and unique techniques. His journey from rodeo rider to revolutionizing the horse-training world is a gentle, inspirational and unforgettable story.
4. “Shadow Divers” by Robert Kurson
Imagine strapping on an oxygen tank — life in a bottle — and diving to the undiscovered depths of the ocean. Imagine swimming through the ghostly skeletal ruins of a sunken submarine, moving an inch a minute to avoid stirring up too much silt, and praying that the deteriorating structure around you does not collapse. Imagine risking your own life and watching fellow divers die, all in the name of discovery.
For John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, that was life. That was how they uncovered the answer to one of the last mysteries of World War II. This book is their story. It's riveting, beautifully written and quite simply one of the best nonfiction adventure stories out there.
5. “The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery” by Steve Sheinkin
This award-winning book is a birth-to-death biography of one of the most well-known characters from American history. Although written for young adults, adults will also love this fascinating page-turner. From astonishing battles to shocking betrayals, this true story is everything Dad loves to read about.
6. “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand
Few stories are as shocking and amazing as the tale of Louis Zamperini who went from rebellious kid to Olympic athlete to a bombardier in World War II to sole survivor of a terrible plane crash. Drifting in the vast ocean, alone on a small raft, Zamperini is pushed to the limits of endurance to beat the immeasurable odds against him. It's unforgettable and inspirational.
Share other great nonfiction reads on my Facebook page.
Happy Father’s Day!
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About the Author: Teri Harman
Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a biweekly column for ksl.com and also contributes book-related segments to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," comes out June 22, 2013. Find her online at teriharman.com.*
