The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published posthumously, this collection of tales by Tolkien works as a literary precursor to the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, chronicling the formation of Middle Earth and the history of its early peoples, and concluding as the events in the more famous trilogy begin to unfold.
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic coming of age tale of the young Scotsman David, who, upon the death of his parents, seeks out his uncle to claim his inheritance. His uncle, wishing to claim the inheritance as his own, sells David into slavery in the American colonies. Adventure is found as David fights his way back to Scotland to confront his uncle and claim his birthright.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
This literary classic follows the exploits of the strange and mysterious Captain Nemo and his ship the Nautilus.
The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides. The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion.
The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
This lesser know book by Jules Verne is actually a sequel to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, although the storylines have little in common. A group of American Civil War prisoners of war escape via a hijacked hot air balloon, which eventually crashes on a mystical island where they have to fight for their survival.
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
Sure, eighty days may seem like plenty of time to go around the world these days, but when Phileas Fogg wagered 20,000 British pounds he could do it back in 1872, he was certainly being optimistic. Trains, steam ships, and even the occasional elephant ride are employed in the circumnavigation as he attempts to make good on his claim.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
This legendary account of the adventures of d’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers follows these proud swashbucklers as they defend the honor of queen and country.
All for one, one for all, that is our motto.
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
The timeless character of the boy who refused to grow up needs little introduction. Fly along with Pan as he and the Lost Boys face off against the notorious Captain Hook and his band of pirates. This masterpiece of literature by J. M. Barrie has been the bedtime story of choice for growing boys for nearly one hundred years.
True at First Light by Ernest Hemingway
In this, his fictional memoir, Ernest Hemingway details lion hunting with his wife in East Africa at the time of the 1953 Mau Mau uprising. Fact meets fiction as he balances a robust hunting schedule, duties as a game warden and local protector of the people, and a secret tribal marriage to a local tribeswoman.
The Thirty Nine Steps by John Buchan
Follow Richard Hannay as he runs from the law in the Scottish countryside, seeking both to prove his innocence and to decipher the clues that could change the fate of Britain in World War I. Part Sherlock Holmes, part Da Vinci Code.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
This story, the best known by author Jack London, tracks the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is thrust into the sledding world in the Yukon at the height of the 19th century gold rush.
Here was neither peace, nor rest, nor a moment’s safety. All was confusion and action, and every moment life and limb were in peril. There was imperative need to be constantly alert, for these dogs and men were not town dogs and men. They were savages, all of them, who knew no law but the law of club and fang.
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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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