The Best Survival Stories and Books

Over the years I have read a great number of books about survival against the odds. Many of these feature a soft person who experiences a plane crash, shipwreck or some other accident that forces them to live off the land or support themselves. The exciting plot and introspective character analysis featured in this genre of literature makes it a favorite among many readers. Today I have picked out three of the very best survival stories that I have reviewed on Inkweaver Review.

"Island of the Blue Dolphins," by Scott O'Dell

Karana is a member of an Indian tribe living on an island. When they are attacked by Russian fur gatherers the tribe is left greatly reduced in number, and it is not long before they leave for the mainland on an American ship.

Karana ends up left on the island to support herself. She has to deal with wild dogs and the Russian fur gatherers who return to the island to kill wild otters.

"Hatchet," by Gary Paulson

This Newberry Honor Award novel pits a young boy named Brian against the North Woods of Canada. Brian is traveling in a small plane when the pilot has a heart attack and dies. Brian is forced to crash land the plane in a small lake.

Brian survives the crash but it soon becomes clear that rescuers are not coming for him. Brian has to survive the dangers of the wild wilderness and his own depression and anger.

"Shackleton's Stowaway," by Victoria McKernan

This historical fiction novel is based on the real life experiences of the Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated polar expedition. Young crew member Perce Blackborow stows away on the expedition, not knowing the danger and awaits him on this voyage.

When the ship is crushed by moving ice, Shackleton and his men must venture out across the ice with sleds, trying to reach safety before the ice thaws and breaks up.

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