65 books like Summit Routes

By Scott Stephenson, Brian Bongiovanni,

Here are 65 books that Summit Routes fans have personally recommended if you like Summit Routes. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Not Won In A Day: Climbing Canada's Highpoints

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Author Of Twins to the Tops: The Quest for the North American Country High Points

From my list on peakbagging and highpointing.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are twin brothers that like climbing mountains and peakbagging around the world. Our goal is to climb the highest mountain in every country on earth, and we’ve so far gotten up the highpoints of 139 countries out of 196 total. We got started doing long bicycle tours in Europe climbing country highpoints on the cheap after graduate school at MIT. Recently we've climbed some of the most difficult country highpoints in the world like Pik Pobeda (24,406ft), the Kyrgyzstan highpoint, Noshaq (24,580ft), the Afghanistan highpoint, and K2 (28,261ft), the Pakistan highpoint.

Eric's book list on peakbagging and highpointing

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Why did Eric love this book?

This is the story of the first person – Jack Bennett – to climb the highest point in each of the Canadian provinces and territories. This story will take you from a remote bushwhack in Nova Scotia to a multi-pitch rock climb up a new route on Mt Nirvana in the northwest territories to a glaciated peak on Ellesmere Island only a few hundred miles from the north pole. We climbed many of the Canada highpoints together and used this book extensively for planning. At the time this book had some of the only published information on some of these peaks. 

By Jack Bennett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Not Won In A Day as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of High Points: A Climber's Guide to South America

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Author Of Twins to the Tops: The Quest for the North American Country High Points

From my list on peakbagging and highpointing.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are twin brothers that like climbing mountains and peakbagging around the world. Our goal is to climb the highest mountain in every country on earth, and we’ve so far gotten up the highpoints of 139 countries out of 196 total. We got started doing long bicycle tours in Europe climbing country highpoints on the cheap after graduate school at MIT. Recently we've climbed some of the most difficult country highpoints in the world like Pik Pobeda (24,406ft), the Kyrgyzstan highpoint, Noshaq (24,580ft), the Afghanistan highpoint, and K2 (28,261ft), the Pakistan highpoint.

Eric's book list on peakbagging and highpointing

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Why did Eric love this book?

Jonathan Wunrow is working on climbing the highest peaks in each country in the Americas, and this book documents his climbs in eight of the countries in South America. He writes very entertaining trip reports, and his information is the only beta available for some peaks. He made the first documented ascent of Julianatop, the Suriname highpoint, and so his report of this climb is very valuable. Jonathan has a few peaks remaining in South America, and plans to publish a companion book once he finishes those. We are currently making plans to climb the highpoints in Suriname and a few other South American countries, and we are using this book to plan these trips.

By Jonathan Wunrow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked High Points as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An emergency bivouac at 20,000’ on Bolivia’s highest mountain that left the author near death. Bushwhacking through a remote Surinamese jungle for eleven days to make the first recorded ascent of Juliantop. Venturing alone to Argentina to attempt a solo climb of the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. These and other adventures make High Points: A Climber’s Guide to South American, Part 1 more than a climbing guide. They offer a unique insight into the emotional and physical thrills and challenges that come with climbing in the jungles and on the high icy peaks of South America.

High Points:…


Book cover of Europe's High Points: Reaching the Summit of Every Country in Europe

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Author Of Twins to the Tops: The Quest for the North American Country High Points

From my list on peakbagging and highpointing.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are twin brothers that like climbing mountains and peakbagging around the world. Our goal is to climb the highest mountain in every country on earth, and we’ve so far gotten up the highpoints of 139 countries out of 196 total. We got started doing long bicycle tours in Europe climbing country highpoints on the cheap after graduate school at MIT. Recently we've climbed some of the most difficult country highpoints in the world like Pik Pobeda (24,406ft), the Kyrgyzstan highpoint, Noshaq (24,580ft), the Afghanistan highpoint, and K2 (28,261ft), the Pakistan highpoint.

Eric's book list on peakbagging and highpointing

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Why did Eric love this book?

This is a detailed guidebook for climbing the highpoints of all of the countries in Europe. The authors conducted extensive background research, and made great maps and route descriptions for each peak. We used this book as our primary resource for climbing the European highpoints, and brought it along during several long-distance bicycle tours in Europe. The book covers peaks ranging from glaciated climbs like Monte Rose in Switzerland and Mt Blanc in France/Italy to casual hikes like Halti in Finland and Moldoveanu in Romania.  

By Carl McKeating, Rachel Crolla,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Europe's High Points as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A guide to reaching the summit of every country in Europe - driving, walking and climbing routes to the tops of 50 countries in Europe. Detailed route descriptions, sketch maps - advice on transport, seasons, grading and gear. Heading to the highest point of any European country is an experience not to be missed. The continent has a wealth of adventure and a huge variety of dazzling scenery awaiting the walker and climber. And each of Europe's 50 countries celebrates its national high point in a different way. This guide brings together detailed route descriptions for those seeking to get…


Book cover of Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Author Of Twins to the Tops: The Quest for the North American Country High Points

From my list on peakbagging and highpointing.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are twin brothers that like climbing mountains and peakbagging around the world. Our goal is to climb the highest mountain in every country on earth, and we’ve so far gotten up the highpoints of 139 countries out of 196 total. We got started doing long bicycle tours in Europe climbing country highpoints on the cheap after graduate school at MIT. Recently we've climbed some of the most difficult country highpoints in the world like Pik Pobeda (24,406ft), the Kyrgyzstan highpoint, Noshaq (24,580ft), the Afghanistan highpoint, and K2 (28,261ft), the Pakistan highpoint.

Eric's book list on peakbagging and highpointing

Eric and Matthew Gilbertson Why did Eric love this book?

Gerry Roach has climbed extensively in Colorado and has done a great job compiling his wealth of first-hand knowledge into this guidebook. This is the best resource we know of for climbing all the 14,000ft peaks in Colorado, and it was our main resource when climbing these peaks. He gives very detailed color-coded route maps, and describes a half dozen different route options for each peak. This is a must-have book if you are hiking and peak-bagging in Colorado.

By Gerry Roach,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Colorado's Fourteeners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Standard, alternate, and technical routes for all 58 Colorado Fourteener peaks

A classic guidebook known for its accuracy and comprehensiveness, Colorado's Fourteeners has been updated for this thirtieth anniversary edition to include GPS coordinates, revised topographic maps, expanded route details, and new descriptions reflecting alterations to trail access. Besides the often-climbed standard routes, the guide describes many alternative and technical routes.

The trusted source for over 30 years, this is the guide to bring with you to peaks websites can't reach.


Book cover of The Challenge of Rainier, 40th Anniversary: A Record of the Explorations and Ascents, Triumphs and Tragedies on the Northwest's Greatest Mountain (-40th A

Karen Barnett Author Of Ever Faithful

From my list on national park adventures and misadventures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am endlessly inspired by the beauty and majesty of our national parks. As a former seasonal ranger at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park, I was frequently surprised by the incredible scrapes that visitors could get themselves into. Of course, I wasn’t immune, and I experienced a few misadventures of my own. These books are great reminders to always respect your limits and be aware of your surroundings. Since I now write novels set in our national parks, I enjoy reading some of these real adventures—it provides great fodder for the imagination. 

Karen's book list on national park adventures and misadventures

Karen Barnett Why did Karen love this book?

I’m not a climber, but I thoroughly enjoyed this classic book about mountaineering at Mount Rainier National Park. The author covers it all—geology, weather, routes, equipment, accidents, rescues, and guides. As a history geek, I appreciated the detailed descriptions of some of the earliest climbs, including ones before 1900. The book was originally released in 1971, but the newest edition includes updated information. 

By Dee Molenaar,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Challenge of Rainier, 40th Anniversary as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* Featuring 125 photos, 90 illustrations, and 15 maps
* Original cover art by Dee Molenaar

Originally published in 1971, The Challenge of Rainier is a classic in mountaineering reference and literature, long considered the definitive work on the climbing history of Mount Rainier.

Author Dee Molenaar covers geology, glaciology, and climate; early climbs dating before 1900; the pioneering efforts on over 35 routes in winter and summer; notable summit climbs; mountain tragedies on the steep slopes; and the guides who have led summit seekers over the years. For the 40th anniversary edition new information includes more recent ascents, rescues,…


Book cover of A View Most Glorious

Amanda Cabot Author Of The Spark of Love

From my list on to forget you’re living in the 21st century.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like Thomas Jefferson, I cannot live without books. And, while I read in a variety of genres, from early childhood on, my favorite stories were the ones that began with “once upon a time.” My fascination with historicals started with one of my father’s few books from his childhood, The Cave Twins, which introduced me to a world far different from suburban America. For me, the appeal of historicals is the opportunity to learn about another era and to escape from the modern world. And so, if you want to escape from what seems like an endless pandemic, I invite you to explore the worlds six talented authors have created.

Amanda's book list on to forget you’re living in the 21st century

Amanda Cabot Why did Amanda love this book?

The first time I saw Mount Rainier, I joked with my husband that we ought to find a way to live within sight of it. That didn’t happen, but the memory of its beauty didn’t fade, and so when I was given an opportunity to read an advance copy of Regina Scott’s latest American Wonders book featuring a heroine who attempts to climb Mount Rainier, I said, “yes, please!” What a great book! The combination of multi-faceted characters, a careful blending of fact and fiction, and fascinating descriptions of mountain climbing in the early twentieth century kept me turning pages instead of sleeping or working on my own manuscript. This is a truly unputdownable book. 

By Regina Scott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A View Most Glorious as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Scott's historical inspirational romance captures the magnificence of the mountain and the thrilling triumph of climbers in the 1890s . . . This is a truly remarkable conclusion to Scott's exceptional American Wonders trilogy."--Booklist starred review

***

Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues…


Book cover of Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre

Amanda Desiree Author Of Smithy

From my list on creepy epistolary horror novels.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always admired epistolary novels—stories told in the form of diaries, letters, or other mass media. They seem so real and so much more believable than plain narratives. When dealing with fantastic subjects, like paranormal phenomena, any technique that can draw the weird back into the real world helps me become more invested as a reader. It’s a quality I’ve also tried to capture as a horror writer. Moreover, the epistolary format pairs well with unreliable narrators, often filtering stories so as to make them more ambiguous and disturbing. From the many epistolary works I’ve read over the years, here are my picks for the most compelling—and creepy.

Amanda's book list on creepy epistolary horror novels

Amanda Desiree Why did Amanda love this book?

I know the concept of a sasquatch attack on a remote commune sounds silly on the surface, but Brooks crafts it into a realistic, serious story. As a believer in the possibility of Bigfoot, I was fascinated to see how disastrously an encounter between humans and cryptids could conceivably go.

The naivete of the settlers in the wilderness is even more distressing than the hostility of the animals. Unsettling news reports (of which the characters remain unaware) interspersed with diary entries underscore their desperation and peril. I thought the situation was completely credible. Really, we ought to have more sasquatch horror books.

By Max Brooks,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Devolution as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WORLD WAR Z

'TRUE TERROR' Guardian 'NAIL CHOMPING SUSPENSE' Total Film
______________________________________
As the ash and chaos from Mount Rainier's eruption swirled and finally settled, the story of the Greenloop massacre has passed unnoticed, unexamined . . . until now.

But the journals of resident Kate Holland, recovered from the town's bloody wreckage, capture a tale too harrowing - and too earth-shattering in its implications - to be forgotten.

In these pages, Max Brooks brings Kate's extraordinary account to light for the first time, faithfully reproducing her words alongside his own extensive investigations into…


Book cover of Plutopia: Nuclear Families, Atomic Cities, and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters

Choi Chatterjee Author Of Russia in World History: A Transnational Approach

From my list on understanding Russia's role in world history.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started a serious study of world history in the early 2000s when the United States-led wave of globalization reshaped the world order. The topic of Russia in world history became especially important under the Vladimir Putin Presidency. Since the 2010s, Russia has made a concerted attempt to revitalize Soviet-era links with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, many of which are former colonies of Europe. Putin's administration is promoting the geopolitics of a "New World Order," a paradigm they believe will challenge global Western dominance. If we are to craft a coherent Western response and a strong foreign policy, we must understand Russian outreach and relationships in the world.

Choi's book list on understanding Russia's role in world history

Choi Chatterjee Why did Choi love this book?

Reading Kate Brown’s book scared me silly, but it was so gripping and so well-written that I couldn’t put it down no matter how hard I tried.

Who knew that the executives and the scientists in the nuclear power industry in the United States and the Soviet Union were so similarly ruthless in their approach to the environment and so careless about the lives of workers? And, who knew that in our quest for the good life or plutopia, we could be so indifferent to the looming ecological dangers that surround us?

Kate Brown’s’ vivid descriptions, details of travels to inaccessible and exotic locales, first-person interviews, and emotional analysis of survivor stories make an enormously complicated subject come alive.

By Kate Brown,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Plutopia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

While many transnational histories of the nuclear arms race have been written, Kate Brown provides the first definitive account of the great plutonium disasters of the United States and the Soviet Union.

In Plutopia, Brown draws on official records and dozens of interviews to tell the extraordinary stories of Richland, Washington and Ozersk, Russia-the first two cities in the world to produce plutonium. To contain secrets, American and Soviet leaders created plutopias--communities of nuclear families living in highly-subsidized, limited-access atomic cities. Fully employed and medically monitored, the residents of Richland and Ozersk enjoyed all the pleasures of consumer society, while…


Book cover of The Cold Millions

Mark Beauregard Author Of The Whale: A Love Story

From my list on witty historical novels.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved satire. In college, I wrote and performed comedy sketches as part of a two-man team, and most of my work features at least some comic elements. For example, my novel The Whale: A Love Story is a serious historical novel about the relationship between Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne that also offers moments of comedy to honor Melville's comic spirit (Moby-Dick, while ultimately tragic, is a very funny book). The most serious subjects usually contain elements of the absurd, and the books I love find humor in even the gravest situations. 

Mark's book list on witty historical novels

Mark Beauregard Why did Mark love this book?

A tale of labor unrest in the hardscrabble frontier of northwestern America sounds anything but fun or funny, but Walter explores the lives of miners, railroad workers, and Vaudeville performers with surprising verve and a glint of humor on nearly every page.

Set mostly in and around Spokane in the years between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, this sweeping, satisfying story follows a pair of working-class brothers as they confront corrupt lawmen, scheming actresses, and violent union-busters.

By Jess Walter,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Cold Millions as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A beautiful, lyric hymn to the power of social unrest in American history...funny and harrowing, sweet and violent, innocent and experienced; it walks a dozen tightropes' Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See
_____________________________________________

1909. Spokane, Washington.

The Dolan brothers are living by their wits, jumping freight trains and lining up for work at crooked job agencies. While sixteen-year-old Rye yearns for a steady job and a home, his dashing older brother Gig dreams of a better world, fighting alongside other union men for fair pay and decent treatment.

But then Rye finds himself drawn to suffragette…


Book cover of Yakama Rising: Indigenous Cultural Revitalization, Activism, and Healing

Mneesha Gellman Author Of Indigenous Language Politics in the Schoolroom: Cultural Survival in Mexico and the United States

From my list on US Indigenous politics and cultural survival.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Jew growing up in the United States, I’ve spent a long time reflecting on how genocide, culturecide, and assimilation operate across majority-minority relations. My focus on Indigenous politics in my career as a political scientist stems from a devotion to pluricultural democracy as a way that people can live together well. I want to be part of a world where we can bring our whole selves to our societies and don’t have to cut out certain parts of our identities to be accepted. And I like to read well-researched, compellingly written books that offer insight into how communities do that.

Mneesha's book list on US Indigenous politics and cultural survival

Mneesha Gellman Why did Mneesha love this book?

Michelle Jacob’s book taught me about how we can blend scholarship with practice on a personal level. Her book gives me hope that humans are creative, resilient, fierce creatures who can find their way through oppression. Through personal stories, I learned both about Yakama cultural survival, and see many general lessons for other minority communities around the world. 

By Michelle M. Jacob,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Yakama Rising as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Yakama Nation of present-day Washington State has responded to more than a century of historical trauma with a resurgence of grassroots activism and cultural revitalization. This pathbreaking ethnography shifts the conversation from one of victimhood to one of ongoing resistance and resilience as a means of healing the soul wounds of settler colonialism. Yakama Rising: Indigenous Cultural Revitalization, Activism, and Healing argues that Indigenous communities themselves have the answers to the persistent social problems they face. This book contributes to discourses of Indigenous social change by articulating a Yakama decolonizing praxis that advances the premise that grassroots activism and…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Washington state, mountaineering, and presidential biography?

Washington State 80 books
Mountaineering 44 books