The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne
In this, one of Verne’s lesser known works, Captain Hatteras enlists a team with the goal of reaching the North Pole. Along the way wills are tested as they face sub-zero temperatures and possible starvation, and eventually the men begin to whisper of mutiny. Typical of Verne’s works, the book is packed with classic adventure start to finish.
The Tigers of Mompracem by Emilio Salgari
Full of high seas adventure, this is the first in Italian author Emilio Salgari’s celebrated Sandokan series, which follows the pirate Sandokan, known as the Tiger of Malaysia, on his swashbuckling escapades.
The Pirates of Malaysia by Emilio Salgari
Sequel to The Tigers of Mompracem, this one is every bit as action packed as the first. Follow the notorious pirate Sandokan as he faces his greatest challenge yet.
The Two Tigers by Emilio Salgari
In this, the last of the Sandokan series to be translated to English, watch as Sandokan faces off against none other than the Thuggee cult, an actual sect later made famous in the film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Congo by Michael Crichton
Follow an expedition into the Congo that is part rescue operation, part treasure hunt as the team searches for lost comrades and seek out a diamond mine that may hold the diamond needed to complete their ambitious research. The fate of the previous team is discovered when the group is attacked by man eating gorillas that inhabit the region. The book is much better than the movie which was later based on it.
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Join a team of scientists at the ultimate island amusement park, John Hammond’s “biological preserve” known as Jurassic Park, where dinosaurs, genetically engineered by Hammond’s scientists, roam the earth once again. Disaster strikes when corporate sabotage leads to a power outage, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the electrical fences keeping the dinosaurs separated from the park visitors.
The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Join Ian Malcolm, believed dead after the event of Jurassic Park, as he is forced once again into the company of monsters, this time on a rescue mission of his own. Instead of Isla Nublar, Malcolm must travel to Isla Sorna, aka Site B, where dinosaurs run wild throughout the island.
The Odyssey by Homer
Homer’s epic poem, which serves as a continuation of the events of The Iliad, is one of the first great adventure stories. Following the fall of Troy, Odysseus begins his journey home to Ithaca but is thwarted in his efforts when an angry Poseidon throws him off course, beginning a timeless adventure that is as good now as it was when written nearly 3000 years ago.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Venture out of the shire with a young Bilbo Baggins as he discovers a world that few hobbits will ever see, pursued at length by the mysterious Gollum, from whom Bilbo had taken the enigmatic Ring of Power. Bilbo’s courage and cunning are put to the test as he attempts to relieve a very powerful dragon of his treasure horde.
I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air. I am he that walks unseen. I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number. I am he that buries his friends alive and drowns them and draws them alive again from the water. I came from the end of bag, but no bag went over me. I am the friend of bears and the guest of eagles. I am Ring-winner and Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider.
The Lord of the Rings Series by J. R. R. Tolkien
Little introduction is needed for this, J. R. R. Tolkien’s tour de force. Tolkien’s masterful attention to detail comes to light with the peoples, places, and languages of Middle Earth, which are painted with such fine strokes that they could easily be taken to have really existed. Journey with Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring as they endeavor to stamp out the darkness brought to Middle Earth with the return of Sauron and his minions.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
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I have to echo all the above posters who mentioned Dune. Frank Herbert is, IMO, one of the best writers of this century.
If you liked Dune, do yourself a favor and read the following five books: Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse Dune.
Frank Herbert non-Dune books that are excellent: Soulcatcher, and The White Plague. I like most everything he’s written, but those two definately stand above, especially Soulcatcher.
You would have to include any or all of the Horatio Hornblower books. Great for teaching leadership!
Deliverance by Dickey.
The Doc Savage books, especially the ones that took place in jungles.
How about Mr. America or some of the other books written by George M. Fraser?
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