August Genre Challenge: Armchair Travel
I enjoy reading about other people's travels, so I was excited about this month's theme for the 12 genres in 12 months reading challenge. It does seem a little odd to read this kind of book during the summer; I read more in this category in the winter when I'm snowed in and cannot easily travel in real life.
Recommended Reads
Here are a few travel books I've read in the last few years:
- The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain by Bill Bryson
I found the author's curmudgeonly views quite entertaining. Here's one (when trying to find a hotel online): "As usual I am left staggered by the Internet. How can anything be so useful and stupid at the same time?" - Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
I'm not sure if "enjoyed" is the right word for this book. I'm glad I read it, but I was nervous the whole time that something horrible would happen to the author while she was hiking. - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
A classic in the travel/memoir genre.
I'm also a fan of the Best American Travel Writing series that comes out each year. I haven't read them all, but I read them occasionally when I'm looking for shorter pieces to read. They're all well-written, but some of the individual articles can be quite dark in tone and theme.
What I Might Read
Possibility #1: Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw: Travels in Search of Canada by Will Ferguson
Why this interests me: I know very little about Canada despite its closeness to the U.S., so this book looks like a fun way to learn a little more. Plus, the fact that Nancy Pearl (probably the most famous librarian in the U.S. and a huge reader) recommended it makes me feel confident in this selection.
Recommended by: Books for Armchair Travel and Adventure - Nancy Pearl
Possibility #2: The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
Why it interests me: This struck me as a potentially funny read (it's described in part as a "twisted self-help guide."). Plus, I'm always interested in reading books on happiness.
Recommended by: 50 Best Travel Books of All Time
Possibility #3: A Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman
Why it interests me: I wanted to add at least one book authored by a female to my list. This one jumped out at me because on the recommended list (link below), the blogger commented that he liked this book better than Eat Pray Love.
Recommended by: The 11 Best Travel Books I Read in 2015 - Nomadic Matt
I'll be reading one (or possibly more) of these books this month.
For other book ideas, check out my Book Recommendations board on Pinterest. I'll be adding book lists throughout the year as I come across intriguing ones.
Next Month (September): Graphic Novels or Picture Books