There’s only so much you can learn from a guidebook.
In an attempt to pull travelers away from their Lonely Planets, to help focus one’s reading of particular cities and countries, I have created a new page on this blog, “Location Reading.”
My list of fiction and non-fiction books is far from complete. That’s where you come in. Please comment below, or better yet, on the Location Reading page, with your favorite travel books and authors.
Eventually I will create a review/ranking system, and I hope to format the list in a more user-friendly way.
Let me know what you think!
[photo credit to Lochaven]
Stephanie on March 3rd, 2010
1
Wouldn’t let me comment below the list but let me add:
Travels with Charlie- John Steinbeck (USA)
Under the Tuscan Sun and a Year in the World- Frances Mayes(Italy)
Down and Out in Paris and London- George Orwell (Paris and well, London)
The Sun Also Rises -Hemingway (Spain)
I’m blanking on a million others right now…
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Leigh McAdam on March 3rd, 2010
2
Here are a few more books to add to your list
- Berserk by David Mercy (about sailing to Antarctica)
- Sand Dance by Camel across Arabia’s great Southern Desert by Bruce Kirkby
- The Masked Rider by Neil Peart (about cycling in West Africa)
- No Picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi
- Catfish and Mandela by Andrew Pham (biking through Vietnam)
- The Shadow of the Sun, My African Life by Ryszard Kapuscinski – particularly well written book that captures the conundrum of Africa
-Baghdad without a Map and other misadventures in Arabia by Tony Horowitz (first published in 1992 but still a good read)
-Malaria Dreams, An African Adventure by Stuart Stevens
- The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann
I would be happy to provide some great reads on exploring Canada’s North if you’re interested too.
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Jiaxuan on March 3rd, 2010
3
Hi, I don’t seem to be able to comment on the other page, but would like to suggest Tash Aw’s fiction “The Harmony Silk Factory” about Malaysia. Will come back when I think of something else.. Thanks for this great post!
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JoAnna on March 3rd, 2010
4
There is a very comprehensive list at the National Geographic Traveler site that you might want to check out for more titles and authors to add to your list.
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Richard Riley on March 3rd, 2010
5
Perhaps Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (great novel – takes place in India).
Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus (not quite a travel book per se, but about the poor in Bangladesh).
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paul on March 3rd, 2010
6
Born to Run about the Tarahumara runners and terrain of Mexico
Anything by Paulo Coelho
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Alan on March 3rd, 2010
7
You all are quick! Thanks for the suggestions everyone–will get up your additions soon.
@Stephanie and Jiaxuan: Fixed the Location Reading page…so people can now post their suggestions! Thanks for pointing that out.
.-= Alan´s last blog ..PMBA Assignment 6: Deep Survival =-.
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Corbin on March 3rd, 2010
8
Check out Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw by Will Ferguson – A Must read for anyone traveling the TransCanada highway through the prairies.
.-= Corbin´s last blog ..Interviewing Canadas Hostels: HI Penticton =-.
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hyphy records on March 4th, 2010
9
“a fine balance” – rohinton mistry…indiaaaa
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Jake Green on September 22nd, 2011
10
What a huge collection of books :/ I wish I had time to read as much as some of you good people.
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