Endurance by Alred Lansing

Undoubtedly the most harrowing tale of survival from the 20th century. Ernest Shackleton seeks to cross the continent of Antarctica in this true story of adventure. Though Shackleton is an experienced explorer things in the Weddell Sea go from bad to worse almost immediately and Shackleton must abandon his quest and completely focus on survival if he and his crew are going to get home alive. This is a gripping tale of leadership that I read over the Spring semester of 2021 and finished on a plane coming home from Phoenix (talk about the opposite of the Antarctic!). I read this off a recommendation from Saggar Enjeti after his interview with Lex Freedman. Though the book is slow to get into once it grips you it’s a blistering ride on the back of dog sleds, oar boats, and mountainous treks through the toughest environment on Earth that no one has done since. And the real miracle is everyone made it home alive.