If you enjoy reading books by Laura Hillenbrand then you might also like the following authors:
Erik Larson writes gripping and well-researched stories about real events, bringing history to life with vivid detail.
One of his standout books, “The Devil in the White City,” tells the story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair while following two men: Daniel Burnham, the architect who fought against overwhelming odds to make the fair happen, and H.H. Holmes, a cunning serial killer who used the event to lure his victims.
The mix of ambition, innovation, and menace creates a narrative that feels stranger than fiction but is entirely true.
Nathaniel Philbrick is a historian who brings past events to life with vivid storytelling. His book, “In the Heart of the Sea,” recounts the tragic true story of the whaleship Essex, which was attacked by a massive whale in 1820.
Stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the crew faces the unforgiving sea, starvation, and tough decisions as they fight to survive. The book captures the human spirit under extreme pressure, with moments that stick in your mind.
It also served as inspiration for Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” If you enjoy history with powerful human stories, Philbrick’s work is worth exploring.
David McCullough was a historian and author known for bringing historical events and figures to life in a way that feels personal and engaging. One of his books, “The Wright Brothers,” tells the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright as they figure out how to achieve powered flight.
McCullough highlights their determination, the setbacks they faced, and the innovative spirit that led them to change the world. It’s the kind of story that makes you appreciate how much grit and vision can reshape history.
Daniel James Brown is an author who loves exploring true stories about ordinary people achieving incredible things. His book, “The Boys in the Boat,” focuses on the 1936 University of Washington rowing team.
This group of young men, most from working-class families, trained hard to earn a spot in the Berlin Olympics. The book captures their struggles during the Great Depression and how they came together with teamwork and grit to face opponents from around the world.
It’s a story about perseverance and the power of unity, set against a backdrop of history that feels alive.
Jon Krakauer is a nonfiction writer who explores extraordinary real-life stories with a sharp focus and a clear narrative. In his book “Into Thin Air,” he recounts his firsthand experience during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
The story follows the climbers, the dangerous conditions they faced, and how a sudden storm turned an already perilous expedition into a tragedy. The detailed account of the mountain’s harsh environment and the personal struggles of those involved makes it hard to look away.
Readers who enjoy intense human stories might find his work worth exploring.
Candice Millard is a historian who writes non-fiction that reads almost like a novel. One of her books, “Destiny of the Republic,” focuses on President James Garfield.
It tells the story of his rise from poverty, his unexpected election, and his short time in office before he was shot.
The book also follows the people around him, including his assassin, the doctors who tried to save him, and Alexander Graham Bell, who worked on a device to find the bullet lodged in Garfield’s body.
Millard crafts a vivid picture of the time, showing how political ambition, medical mistakes, and innovation collided during this pivotal moment in American history.
Ben Macintyre writes nonfiction that feels as vivid as a novel. He focuses on real-life spies, soldiers, and undercover missions. His book, “Agent Zigzag,” tells the story of Eddie Chapman, a criminal who became a double agent during World War II.
Chapman’s life shifts between working for the Nazis and betraying them for the British. The book is filled with twists, especially when Chapman has to prove his loyalty while constantly living on the edge.
Macintyre captures historical moments through the lens of fascinating people.
Hampton Sides is a historian and author who writes gripping narratives about true events. One of his standout books is “Ghost Soldiers,” which tells the story of a daring World War II rescue mission in the Philippines.
The book focuses on a group of American soldiers sent to liberate prisoners held by the Japanese in a brutal POW camp.
Sides paints a vivid picture of the soldiers’ bravery and the hardships they endured, balancing the tension of the mission with stories of survival from the prisoners.
Fans of Laura Hillenbrand’s ability to bring history to life might enjoy the way Sides captures real-life heroes and unforgettable events.
Anthony Doerr is an author known for writing stories that explore resilience and human connection.
His novel “All the Light We Cannot See” takes place during World War II and follows two main characters—a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a young German soldier named Werner.
The story shifts between their perspectives, showing how their lives eventually cross in extraordinary ways. It’s filled with vivid descriptions of war-torn cities and the small acts of hope that can shine even in the darkest times.
John Hersey was a writer known for his narrative journalism and ability to tell human stories with depth. One of his most notable books is “Hiroshima,” which focuses on the lives of six survivors of the atomic bomb dropped on the city.
The book captures the moments before and after the explosion, following how these individuals faced destruction and chaos. Through their experiences, it paints a vivid picture of suffering and resilience.
It’s a book that lingers because it brings historical events closer by showing them through real people’s perspectives.
Simon Winchester is a writer who often explores historical events and fascinating true stories. One of his books, “The Professor and the Madman,” is about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
It focuses on two men: a scholar who worked tirelessly on the project and a man who submitted thousands of word entries from an asylum.
Their connection and the story behind the dictionary’s creation make this book stand out for anyone who enjoys deeply researched history told with humanity.
Rick Atkinson is a historian and author who writes about military history with a strong sense of narrative. His book, “An Army at Dawn,” covers the North African campaign during World War II. It follows the early days of the American forces in the fight against Axis powers.
Readers get a close look at soldiers, commanders, and the battles that shaped the war’s outcome. The book paints vivid, human-centered scenes, from the chaos of combat to the weight of leadership decisions.
Douglas Brinkley is a historian and writer known for his engaging narratives that make history feel alive. In his book “The Great Deluge,” he focuses on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Brinkley tells the real stories of people and communities during the chaos, such as the struggles of first responders and residents left behind when the levees broke. The book paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in a modern American catastrophe.
If you enjoy Laura Hillenbrand’s ability to bring historical events to life, Brinkley’s storytelling might resonate with you.
Alex Kershaw writes historical nonfiction, focusing on true stories from World War II. His book, “The Longest Winter,” tells the story of a group of American soldiers from the Battle of the Bulge.
These men fought against overwhelming odds and endured captivity after being captured by German forces. The book follows their journey, revealing their courage and sacrifices during one of the biggest battles of the war.
Readers who enjoy Laura Hillenbrand’s ability to bring real people from history to life would find Kershaw’s stories equally fascinating.
David Grann is a journalist and author known for uncovering fascinating true stories with vivid detail.
In his book “The Lost City of Z,” he tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon jungle while searching for a mythical ancient civilization.
Grann pieces together Fawcett’s daring expeditions and explores the obsession that led him into the unknown. It’s a mix of history, adventure, and a real-life mystery that feels larger than life.
If you enjoy Laura Hillenbrand’s ability to bring historical figures to life, you might find yourself captivated by Grann’s storytelling.