If you enjoy reading books by David Grann then you might also like the following authors:
Erik Larson is a writer known for crafting nonfiction books that read like page-turners. One of his most notable works, “The Devil in the White City,” intertwines two riveting stories set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
On one side, we follow Daniel Burnham, the visionary architect tasked with building the dazzling fairgrounds. On the other, we meet H.H. Holmes, a cunning and chilling serial killer who lured victims to a hotel he designed for murder.
Larson’s attention to detail brings the era to life, from the glittering Fair to the sinister corners of Holmes’s deadly creation. If you’re intrigued by true stories with fascinating historical settings, this might be a book to check out.
Jon Krakauer is a nonfiction writer who focuses on real-life adventures and human challenges. In his book “Into Thin Air,” he recounts his harrowing experience during a deadly Mount Everest expedition in 1996.
Krakauer was part of a climbing team that faced extreme weather, oxygen shortages, and devastating choices. He gives a firsthand account of the chaos and tragedy that unfolded on the mountain while exploring what drives people to take such dangerous risks.
The book not only tells a gripping survival story but also looks deeply at ambition and the bonds between those who trust each other with their lives.
Laura Hillenbrand is a talented author known for her deep research and vivid storytelling. One of her books, “Unbroken,” follows the life of Louis Zamperini, a young Olympic runner who becomes an airman during World War II.
After his bomber crashes into the Pacific, Louis faces a series of harrowing events, from surviving on a raft to enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. Hillenbrand brings his story to life with sharp detail, making each chapter feel immediate and real.
Sebastian Junger is a journalist and author known for storytelling that explores people in extreme situations. His book “The Perfect Storm” recounts the true story of a fishing crew caught in a massive storm off the New England coast in 1991.
It describes the dangers faced by the men aboard the Andrea Gail, as well as the efforts of rescuers battling impossible conditions at sea. The book reveals the brutal reality of nature’s power and the courage of those who confront it.
Candice Millard writes narrative nonfiction that brings historical moments to life through vivid storytelling. Her book, “Destiny of the Republic,” focuses on President James Garfield, who was shot by an assassin a few months into his presidency.
The story stretches beyond the shooting and dives into Garfield’s remarkable rise from poverty to the White House.
It also explores the bizarre and ultimately fatal attempts to save his life, which involved inventions by Alexander Graham Bell and clashes of egos among his doctors.
Hampton Sides is a nonfiction author known for his narrative storytelling, bringing historical events to life with rich detail.
His book “Ghost Soldiers” tells the story of the daring mission to rescue American prisoners from a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines during World War II.
The book paints vivid scenes of the brutal conditions the prisoners endured and follows the soldiers on their high-stakes journey through enemy territory. The tension and the resilience of the characters make it an unforgettable account of courage and survival.
If you enjoy gripping true stories like those written by David Grann, this might be a great next read.
Nathaniel Philbrick is a historian and author who writes true stories about remarkable events from the past. One of his books, “In the Heart of the Sea,” tells the story of the whaleship Essex.
This ship was attacked by a huge whale, leaving the crew stranded in the middle of the ocean. The sailors faced starvation and made decisions that would haunt them forever. The book uncovers the real-life disaster that inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.”
It’s fascinating to see how survival instincts pushed people to their limits in such a harsh environment.
Simon Winchester is a storyteller who brings history and science to life through fascinating narratives. In his book “The Professor and the Madman,” he explores the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
The story revolves around two unusual figures—one being the dictionary’s editor, James Murray, and the other a murderer confined to an asylum who secretly contributed thousands of entries.
Winchester uncovers how these two men, separated by vastly different circumstances, ended up shaping one of the greatest literary projects in history. It’s the kind of story that digs into true events while showing how unexpected connections can have a huge impact.
Ben Macintyre is a writer who uncovers incredible true stories about spies, war, and deception. One of his books, “The Spy and the Traitor,” tells the story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB officer who secretly worked for British Intelligence.
It dives into the Cold War, showing how Gordievsky risked his life to pass secrets that shook the Soviet Union. There’s a scene where Gordievsky is smuggled out of Moscow using a cleverly disguised escape plan that feels like something out of a thriller, but it really happened.
Macintyre’s way of telling real events makes them feel alive.
Douglas Preston writes stories packed with mystery, history, and danger. One of his books, “The Lost City of the Monkey God,” is a true account of an expedition into the Honduran rainforest to find a legendary ancient city.
The team ventures into one of the most untouched jungles left on Earth. They face treacherous terrain, venomous snakes, and hostile conditions. Along the way, they uncover artifacts that suggest the existence of a forgotten civilization.
The book explores the risks, the discoveries, and even the aftermath, as the team deals with a deadly disease they contract during their journey. It’s an adventure that feels both dangerous and fascinating.
Michael Lewis is an author who crafts stories around fascinating real events, often focusing on unique individuals and unexpected insights. In his book “The Big Short,” he tells the story of a group of outsiders who saw the 2008 financial crisis coming before anyone else did.
These characters, including a doctor-turned-investor, bet against the massive, unstable housing market while most of Wall Street ignored the warning signs.
Lewis unpacks how greed, misjudgment, and blind trust in a flawed system led to one of the biggest financial collapses in history. It’s a look into complex worlds made exciting through Lewis’s talent for storytelling.
Rick Atkinson is a historian and author who writes about war and history in a way that feels vivid and immediate. One of his books, “An Army at Dawn,” focuses on the Allied invasion of North Africa during World War II.
It covers the challenges faced by soldiers and commanders as they battled through harsh terrain and internal conflicts. There’s a real sense of the stakes involved, from the chaotic landings to the tough decisions that shaped the future of the war.
If you enjoy history brought to life through real stories and strong attention to detail, his work is worth exploring.
Robert Kurson is an author known for bringing real-life adventures to his readers in a way that feels vivid and immediate. One of his most fascinating books is “Shadow Divers.”
It tells the story of two deep-sea divers, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, discovering a mysterious German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey.
With little to go on and no answers in any records, they risk their lives navigating treacherous waters to uncover its identity and the truth behind its presence.
The story captures the thrill and danger of pushing human limits while piecing together an unsolved mystery from the past.
Steve Sheinkin writes engaging nonfiction that brings history to life. One of his standout books, “Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon,” tells the story of the Manhattan Project.
It weaves together scientists working in secret, spies smuggling information, and nations racing to gain the upper hand during World War II. The book gives readers a close-up view of big decisions and dangerous missions that changed history.
Fans of David Grann will appreciate how Sheinkin focuses on character-driven narratives set against real-world events.
S. C. Gwynne is dedicated to exploring historical events with vibrant storytelling.
In “Empire of the Summer Moon,” he captures the spirit of an era with meticulous detail and engaging narrative. Readers who enjoy Grann’s thorough and compelling approach will likely appreciate Gwynne’s work.