Krakauer climbed Mt. Everest while on assignment for Outside Magazine in 1996, which would become the deadliest year in the history of the mountain. 8 people died on the mountain the day Krakauer himself summited; 15 died that season. Krakauer made it back down to tell the tale of what it was like on the mountain that May. A first-class adventure story.

Holly says: This investigation of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) communities in North America features the meticulous research and storytelling aplomb of Krakauer’s outdoor adventure works. Framing his story around a double murder committed by two FLDS brothers, Krakauer highlights the isolated communities across the west who have rejected the mainstream LDS Church, choosing to practice polygamy, child marriage, and other abusive actions. I read this nearly twenty years ago when it was first published, and it still sticks in my mind as one of the most fascinating and insightful books in this category that I’ve read. I also find it works well in conversation with the personal memoirs from women who have escaped these communities. Content warnings apply.

Investigative reporter Krakauer turns his eye towards the true story of Chris McCandless, a good kid from a well-off family who turns his back on the materialist world, cuts off contact with his family, dubs himself Alexander Supertramp, and walks alone into the Alaskan wilderness to begin a new stripped-down life for himself. Four months later, his body was found. This is Krakauer's attempt to make sense of McCandless's life and death.

From the publisher: "From best-selling author Jon Krakauer, a stark, powerful, meticulously reported narrative. Missoula, Montana, is a typical college town, with a highly regarded state university, bucolic surroundings, a lively social scene, and an excellent football team - the Grizzlies - with a rabid fan base. The Department of Justice investigated 350 sexual assaults reported to the Missoula police between January 2008 and May 2012. In this Missoula is also typical. Krakauer's devastating narrative of what happened in Missoula makes clear why rape is so prevalent on American campuses and why victims are so reluctant to report assault."