Books for the Journey: 2000
As anyone can attest from reading The Agony & the Ecstasy before a trip to Michelangelo-land or Trinity before visiting the Emerald Isle, recreational reading can make your sightseeing a lot more fun and meaningful. Which books carbonated your travel experience best?
Round the World
I think a great book for the journey is Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.
Can't say enough about this new book and author. I was planning on a round-the-world
trip already, and after this enjoyable read, I am as determined as ever
to make it happen again. Enjoy!
Howard Scott <email>
Aledo, TX USA 12/03/03
Irish culture
While shopping at Eaton's in Galway I picked up a book entitled The Truth
About The Irish by Terry Eagleton. It's a humorous A to Z of Irish culture
that dispels some stereotypes, and perpetuates others. It's worth a read
if you plan on visiting Ireland, or are just interested in the Emerald Isle.
I studied as much about the culture before I visited Ireland, but I wish
I'd found this book before I went. It covers many aspects of Irish life
not commonly examined elsewhere.
Jason <email>
Reno, NV USA 11/13/03
Italy & Provence
For a look at life in a Tuscan hilltown Vanilla Beans and Brodo
by Isabella Dusi is wonderful. I can't wait to visit Montalcino after reading
it. Also The Hills of Tuscany for Montepulciano and North of
Naples, South of Rome for more about life in small town Italy. For
Provence, I enjoyed The Magic of Provence by Yvonne Lenard.
val <email>
Dallas, Tx USA 09/29/03
Going to Rome?
No one has mentioned perhaps the best travel book for Rome: As the Romans
Do by Alan Epstein. It is perfect if you have never been to Rome before.
Brad
San Antonio, TX USA 09/24/03
Netherlands & Britain
You have to read Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier if
you are going to The Netherlands — particularly if you plan to go to The
Hague, where the picture hangs in the Mauritshuis museum.
And I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (also a film) is a delightful
look at pre-WWII England!
Dee Poujade <email>
Portland, OR USA 09/14/03
I clip out articles in National Geographic covering my area of travel,
and carry them with me. I take one slim paperback novel from home and try
to find a creative way to trade it for another when I am finished. Hotels
and hostels often have a collection of discarded books. I make my swap for
something I haven't read. I read several Jane Austen novels while visiting
Bath.
shana <email>
Calistoga, CA USA 08/29/03
Italy reading
I strongly recommend Enchanted April, book and video, for a feel
of Tuscany, if you're going there. Also, the various tours offered by Tom
Rankin in Rome (once you get there) are worth every penny — they're small,
full of historical interest, and given from an architect's perspective.
Evelyn <email>
portland, OR USA 08/28/03
European Books
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (about building an English
cathedral); The Haj by Leon Uris; and, for Florence & Rome, The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
by Irving Stone. Also check out the video of the latter starring Rex Harrison
as the pope
Peg stella <email>
Marshall, MN USA 08/26/03
Spain & Biking Around the World
When traveling to Granada, Spain I picked up a copy of Tales of the
Alhambra by Washington Irving. A wonderfully, delightful book with
lighthearted stories that take place within the walls of The Alhambra, as
well as the surrounding town of Granada and its environs. It's not difficult
to read this book and develop a perfect picture of princesses, paupers and
gold digging priests. Fabulous book!!
Also, a must read for the lover of travel literature: Miles from
Nowhere by Barbara Savage. She and her husband set out on bicycles
for a two year epic around the world journey. Her style of writing is
easy, flowing and often times hilarious. Dont expect any boring facts
and figures in this book, it's all about sights, sounds, people and the
absolute horror of "She shat in showar" as told by a man in India. Funny
funny book!!
Audrey <email>
Helena, MT USA 08/22/03
Intrepid Norwegians
We saw the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo. I wished I had read Kon-Tiki
by Thor Heyerdahl before leaving for my trip but I am enjoying it now. Those
intrepid Norwegians are something else.
Shonn
HdG, MD USA 07/30/03
Great Britain From a Yank's Perspective
If you want to laugh all the way to Great Britain read (or re-read) Bill
Bryson's Notes from a Small Island. This very funny book describes
the Brits from a decidedly American perspective. It captures the very essence
of being a Brit. The fact that this book was a bestseller in Great Britain
shows how very British it is to laugh at oneself — a trait many Brits feel
Americans lack to a degree. Just one example of its brand of humor: the
author has slept rough (outside) in Dover on a very cold night. To keep
warm he puts a pair of flannel undershorts on his head. After arising, he
asks a local about where to get a good breakfast. The local tells him about
a good cafe then says, "You might want to take them pants off your head
before going in." One newspaper reviewer describes the book as "hilarious
and observant." It's all that and more.
Donna <email>
CA USA 07/26/03
London Classic
I recommend Nairn's London written by Ian Nairn. I took it along
to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, other London sights. It's originally from
1966 (reprinted in 2002) and a lot of it is outdated, but much is still
pertinent. This man loves architecture and loves London, and offered insights
I would otherwise have missed.
Michelle
Rochester, NY USA 07/24/03
Student Adventures
Rite of Passage by Lonely Planet and edited by Lisa Johnson is
a great book for students who will be backpacking through Europe. The whole
book is made up of short tales from students about some of their encounters
while backpacking round Europe. It describes surviving London hostel life
to overindulging in Greece. Definitely worth reading for any student who
plans to backpack!
Rich Verde <email>
North Caldwell, NJ USA 07/19/03
Italian Memoir
I would like to thank Rick Steves for including a note about my book, Deeply
Rooted, in your Travel Newsletter issue March-May 2003. I have received
some very nice responses from readers who have ordered my book — which pleases
me immensely. I truly appreciate your mention of my memoir about Italy.
Ginda <email>
Baltimore, MD USA 07/16/03
Believe it or not, Heidi
Yes it is a children's book, that's become *the* cliched view of this country...but
if you plan to visit Switzerland, you may want to read (or re-read) Heidi,
by Johanna Spyri, especially if you plan to travel in the mountains. Having
lived here for some time, I've come to realize that many Swiss think rather
along Heidi-lines...they think their country is the most beautiful in the
world, that the mountain air gives health, the cheese is the best, etc etc.
Even the citydwellers who live in cramped Zürich apartments have a close
affinity with the Alps which can be seen on a clear day from the lake. (Of
course contemporary Zürich is also one the top party-clubbing spots in Europe...)
M. Wyss <email>
Zürich, ZH Switzerland 07/09/03
Books for the Journey
Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King was great, but even better is
his Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling. It is a must for anyone
headed for the Sistine Chapel.
Susan Simmons <email>
redmond, wa USA 07/05/03
Reading about Italy
A short memoir of Rome by a wonderful writer is A Time in Rome by
Elizabeth Bowen.
Joan Shaughnessy <email>
Lexington, VA USA 07/01/03
Books for before and after travel
Before leaving home, or perhaps on the airplane, read The Art of Travel
by Alain de Botton. It is wittily entertaining but thought-provoking. You
will be open to a broader range of travel experiences for having read it.
A number of travel books by H. V. Morton have just come back into print.
Although they describe travels in the 1930's-1950's, they are timeless.
The author emphasizes the history and atmosphere of the places he visits,
and avoids imposing himself between them and the reader, acting more in
the role of a genial, erudite, slightly eccentric, definitely Anglophile,
traveling companion rather than as a guide. I read A Traveler In Italy
after returning from Venice and Florence. Morton's superb prose carried
me right back to Italy. I didn't want the book's journey to ever end.
Paul Marsh <email>
University City, MO USA 06/25/03
Book recommendations
I believe I am the umpteenth person to recommend Dan Brown's The DaVinci
Code. It's well worth its hardback bulk. To continue in that vein,
I also recommend Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Henry
Lincoln and Richard Leigh; Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the
True Identity of Christ by Lynn Pickett; and The Woman with the
Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalen and the Holy Grail by Margaret Starbird.
For lighter reading, I love Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy
Chevalier (a must-read for Vermeer fans); and Timeline by Michael
Crichton.
Trista <email>
Edmonds, WA USA 06/13/03
Savoir Flair & The Da Vinci Code
I would like to add my name to the growing list of people to recommend
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, and its prequel, Angels and
Demons. Mr. Brown has the wonderful ability to both teach us about
DaVinci and his beliefs, as well as write an engaging mystery. It is one
of those books that would certainly keep you busy during that long transatlantic
flight. Unfortunately, it is still only in hardcover, and thus heavier and
more bulky in your backpack.
The other book I wanted to recommend is by Polly Platt, called Savoir
Flair. It is not fiction, but a guide to many of the differences
between the French and American way of living and doing business. I know
that for me, reading it has definitely shed some light on situations that,
had I experienced them, would have made me think I was being treated unfairly.
Now, I can see them as what they are-cultural misunderstandings. Ms. Platt
is an American who has lived in Paris for many years and gives a great
insight into both our cultures. I can't recommend it enough.
Miss Jo <email>
NY USA 06/12/03
Book suggestions from a children's librarian
I loved reading everyone's suggestions! Can't wait to get some of these,
like Round Ireland with a Fridge, and the Bill Bryson books I haven't
already read.
Since I am a children's librarian, let me begin by suggesting some books for children to read. If you're going to Norway, Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan is about children who outwit the Nazis by hiding gold bars under the snowmen they build. I don't know how much truth there is to this story — it's supposed to be based on a true incident — but it's a good read anyway.
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke is a great Young Adult book with a Venetian setting.
One of my favorite children's books ever is Molly Hunter's A Stranger Came Ashore with the setting in Ireland. It is about that great legend of the selkies. Another Young Adult book that adults would also enjoy is the very humourous The Smartest Man in Ireland, also by Molly Hunter.
If you're going to Germany, read The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, a time travel book about the Holocaust. And, to segue into the adult books, Young Adults, as well as adults, should definitely read the classic Night by Elie Wiesel about the concentration camps.
Now for adult suggestions. One of my all-time favorite books is The Cat Who Went to Paris by Peter Gethers. I think you have to be bonkers over cats to really enjoy it.
I was incredibly surprised that Morgan Llywelyn was not mentioned at all. She writes wonderful novels about Ireland. Lion of Ireland and Red Branch are my favorites of her ancient historical fiction. For a more recent time period try 1916 (about the Easter Rising) and 1921 (about the civil war.)
Another one of my favorite novels about Ireland is by Gretta Curran Browne entitled Tread Softly On My Dreams about Robert Emmet and the 1803 Revolution.
For non-fiction, try Niall Williams' books such as O Come Ye Back to Ireland. I was also surprised no one mentioned Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. It is beyond me how a book can be so humourous and so depressing at the same time. It is a masterpiece of non-fiction.
Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd was mentioned and it is also one of my very favorite books. For other books on building cathedrals try Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth and Margaret Ball's A Bridge to the Sky.
For a trip to Japan you must read Memoirs of
a Geisha by Arthur Golden. And my traveling companion to Scandinavia
last month was boo-hooing in the airport over one of Bodie Thoene's books.
These are great books for traveling — just bring tissues!
Kat <email>
Sandston, VA USA 06/12/03
Travel Books
Elsewhere mentioned in this thread is the book Brunelleschi's Dome
by Ross King. This is a fascinatinfg book about the architect of this most
magnificent church (Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence). For visitors to
Florence and Venice, I highly recommend the beautifully illustrated and
informative Arts and Architecture series of books on Florence and
Venice published by Konemann Verlag gmbH. To feel the "pulse" of Italy,
especially Tuscan life, read any of Frances Mayes' books, e.g. Under
the Tuscan Sun
USA 05/29/03
France, Italy, Spain
Paris — A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway. Florence — A
Room with A View, by E.M. Forster. Spain — Travelers' Tales
(much better than the French version) Also, Me Talk Pretty One Day
by David Sedaris has a classic chapter about learning French.
E. Harrison <email>
Newton, MA USA 05/20/03
Roman Gladiators
I am currently planning a trip to Italy and discovered The Way of the
Gladiator by Daniel P. Mannix (ISBN 0-7434-1303-2) at B&N. This book
was originally published as Those About to Die in 1954. This is
an incredible book that describes the Roman spectacles that occurred in
the Coloseum in graphic detail. The author provides historical facts, but
the fun begins when he weaves these facts into historical fiction. I visited
the Coloseum in Rome in 2000, but I am sure that my perspective will be
much different when I visit it in a few weeks due to this book. I also recommend
watching the historically inaccurate film Gladiator for a visual perspective
of the spectacles. The DVD version has some very interesting special features
including a documentory about ancient Rome.
Tim <email>
Baton Rouge, LA USA 05/10/03
Historic, Biblical Rome
I've read Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Trilogy twice. It is
an excellent, historic fiction series on life in first century Rome and
the surrounding area. Everyone I recommend her books to wants more information
about her books. She's my favorite fiction author.
Nat <email>
Manhattan, KS USA 05/09/03
Best places to kiss in Paris!
I just purchased the cutest book from the Musee D'Orsay in Paris! It is
called, The Best Places to Kiss in Paris (ISBN 2-84096-257-8, Parigramme.)
Some of it is ridiculous but other parts are quite charming!
Gail <email>
Just outside of Amsterdam, NL 05/02/03
Great books for cathedrals, Scots, and teen girls...
Someone mentioned below (probably not the first) that Ken Follett's The
Pillars of the Earth is a great read. I concur, especially if you are
going to be touring any of Europe's cathedrals. It is absolutely fascinating.
Takes place in twelfth century England with bits of France and Spain (Santiago
de Compostela). One of my favorites.
Also, for anyone going to Scotland, I would highly recommend Farley Mowat's The Farfarers. It is actually an archaeological account of how the author believes the Scots were several hundred years before the Norse in arriving in North America (walrus hunters via Iceland and Greenland), and he was actually one of the scholars who led the debate for the Norse. Great for a lesson in early Scottish history. For the ultimate trip, read this book, and then go to Scotland/UK via Icelandair with a stopover in Iceland. I am doing this at the end of May — can't wait!
For younger female travelers, I really recommend
any of Bodie Thoene's series of fiction surrounding WWII, beginning with
Vienna Prelude. Her books give a great insight into the war and
into many different places in Europe. Fun to read, as well. Some of my
favorites when I was a teen.
Amanda Finley <email>
Clayton, MO USA 04/25/03
UK/Ireland suggestions
I have worked in bookshops for years and many of my customers are about
to travel and many are looking for light books. (not just weight, but often
in content) For someone traveling to England, and with a deep fondness for
love stories, I recommend my personal favorite, I Capture the Castle
by Dodie Smith (soon to be a movie). It is fast-paced, with beautiful descriptions
of the countryside, and is something fun to trade with other travelers.
Another favorite read is Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks.
It's a hilarious account of a comedian who hitchhiked around Ireland with
a small fridge, in order to win a bet. It gives a great view of the people
and the land.
genevieve gibson <email>
seattle, wa USA 04/17/03
Dublin!
If you are travelling to Dublin and want a great mystery to keep you occupied
during the 7+ hour flight, pick up a novel by the late Bartholomew Gill.
His mysteries are steeped in Dublin culture without ever crossing over into
the realm of the "oirish." In particular, "Death of a Joyce Scholar" and
"Death in Dublin" combine the reality of today's Dublin with Ireland's rich
literary history.
Bentley Clark <email>
Las Cruces, NM USA 03/29/03
a memoir set in Italy
I just finished reading a delightful book, set in Italy, entitled "Deeply
Rooted". The author, Ginda Simpson, is not just a writer but also a painter.
She portrays in poetic description the rich panorama of the Italian countryside,
its land, people, and natural bounty. At the same time, a complex chronicle
of faith and family unfolds. This is a deeply moving memoir of a newly retired
American couple as they seek to take hold, and root in a new life. I highly
recommend this book to anyone who is in love with Italy. Price: $20, plus
$3 shipping within the U.S. & Canada For more information and to read an
excerpt visit: www.gindasimpson.com To order, contact author at deeplyrooted@excite.com
mary elizabeth <email>
USA 03/27/03
Books for the Journey
For those who can't get enough of reading about historical Europe, I warmly
recommend the novels of Dorothy Dunnett. The eight volume series called
The House of Niccolo is set in 15th century Europe(with side trips to Africa
and Asia) and The Lymond Chronicles in the 16th century. Another recommendation
for Florence is a novel by Robert Hellinga set in the 1960's entitled "The
Sixteen Pleasures".
Joan Shaughnessy <email>
Lexington, VA USA 03/27/03
Dan Brown books
If you're going to Paris and plan on visiting the Louvre, check out Dan
Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." It's a fun but intelligent mystery that will
make you see the Louvre in a different light. Also check out "Angels and
Demons" by the same author if you will be going to Rome. These aren't historical
fact books, but exciting mysteries that help to bring those places alive
and help you to learn certain things that you wouldn't otherwise know about
them. Enjoy!
D. Scholz <email>
Vienna, VA USA 03/27/03
Travel books
The author of "Brunelleschi's Dome" (Ross King) has a new book about the
painting of the Sistine Chapel. "Michelangelo & the Pope's Ceiling" is a
great book about what went into the making of this masterpiece. It has biographical
information about Michelangelo and his family, history of Rome and Pope
Julius, other artists of the era including Raphael who was painting the
Pope's apartments at the same time.
Also enjoying Rick's "Postcards from Europe", would love to read a sequel.
pam abbe <email>
rockwall, tx USA 03/26/03
Britain, Ireland, and Italy books
Britain: Edward Rutherford's historical fiction "The Forest," "London" and
"Sarum" (nice long ones to minimize the number of books to pack). Also Susan
Allen Toth's travel memoirs "My Love Affair With England," "England As you
Like It" and "England for All Seasons." Rosamunde Pilcher (light and romantic):
"Shell Seekers," "September," "Winter Solstice" and (my personal favorite)
"Coming Home."
Ireland: Anything by Maeve Binchy (like Pilcher,some are pretty light, but the characters are absorbing and true-to-life).
Italy: "Extra Virgin" by Annie Hawes (a less-upscale British version of Frances Mayes and in the Cinque Terre), "Galileo's Daughter" by Dava Sobel, and "Miss Garnet's Angel" by Salley Vickers.
Also look for: James Micheners' books for whatever
country you can find ("Iberia" for Spain, "The Covenant" for South Africa,
for example). I also visit my local mystery book store and ask for recomendations
of books set in a particular place — they haven't let me down yet!
Dee Poujade <email>
Portland, OR USA 03/18/03
Novel set in Pompeii
A. D. 62: Pompeii (by Rebecca East) is an entertaining, fictional look at
household intrigue in the home of a wealthy Pompeiian businessman. It's
an engaging story, and it provides a lot of vivid historical detail. Highly
recommended for visitors to Pompeii!
Melanie Allen <email>
Cambridge, MA USA 03/18/03
Books for Italy or England
If you're going to Florence or Rome, read "The Agony & The Ecstasy" about
Michelanglo's life. It really brings his works to life! If you're visiting
England (or France), try "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It chronicles
the building of a Gothic cathedral and is a wonderful read!
Marcia <email>
Spokane, WA USA 03/17/03
Books — Italian
My Italian instructor (from Torino) recommended a book "The Last Promise"
by Richard Paul Evans. When she recommended it she said, "this will show
the women in the class why I did not marry an Italian man!" It is a quick
read, and a little too "Bridges of Madison County", but it was a good peek
at Italian/American interaction (and my instructor swears a lot of Italian
men are like the men depicted). The best part for me was the Italian proverbs,
for example: "Piccola scintilla puo' bruciare una villa" — -A little spark
kindles a great fire.
Shauna <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA 03/12/03
Venetian mystery series
Anyone who is going to Venice or has been there will love the Commissario
Guido Brunetti series by Donna Leon (Death at La Fenice; Death in a Strange
Country; Acqua Alta, etc). The descriptions of Venice are marvelous and
Brunetti's family and professional life is absolutely intriguing.
SZ
Covington, KY USA 03/11/03
Heading to Munich or Bavaria?
If you're even slightly interested in the history of where you travel then
the following book is a must: Where Ghosts Walked — Munich's Road to the
Third Reich by David Clay Large. Details the formation of the SA, Nazis,
etc. Having lived in Munich for two years it was an eye opener — "it all
began here..."
Richard <email>
SC USA 03/10/03
Tartan Noir
If you're going to Edinburgh, read any of Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus mysteries:
Knots and Crosses; Hide and Seek, Tooth and Nail, etc.
Jay Smith <email>
Santa Barbara, CA USA 03/06/03
Cotswolds Beauty
Cider With Rosie is a classic by Laurie Lee. He lived in the little village
of Slad up in the lower Cotswold area. It is a wonderful tribute to an older
era of life in the heart of England. Short, quick read. Also used by many
schools in the US as required reading.
Judy Barrett <email>
New Port Richey, FL USA 03/05/03
Taveling Light with Non-Lite Lit
As a literature-addict, I've had the problem during earlier trips to Europe
of running through all my books and needing to purchase more. This poses
two problems: a) finding English language books, and b) fitting yet more
paperbacks into the backpack. I can't bear to get rid of a book I like and
might want to read again. Last trip I solved the problem by bringing with
me only one extremely long paperback novel, in German (I was traveling in
Germany.) Since I was reading much more slowly than I do in English, I didn't
finish the book and therefore didn't need to buy another. The greatest benefit,
however, was that I was thinking in German as I read, and that was very
helpful. As I had already read through the book once, I knew I would greatly
enjoy reading it again, and I'd already looked up all the arcane words.
There must be many long novels of equivalent quality and power in other
foreign languages, which the traveling book-junkie could happily carry along,
sending several birds to their heavenly reward with one well-tossed stone.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA 03/03/03
Essential for musicians going to Europe, esp. Vienna/Venice
If you're a musician (especially strings/piano) you will benefit from reading "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth. It is a magnificent, beautifully written
story about a string quartet. While the story revolves centrally around
England, Vienna and Venice, you'll love it no matter where you plan to travel.
Rachel George <email>
Duluth, MN USA 03/03/03
London
"Mrs P's Journey-The remarkable story of the woman who created the A-Z map" by Sarah Hartley. Phyllis Pearsall covered London's 23,000 streets on foot
in one year to make a map that Londoners and visitors can't do without today.
Acme
Indiana USA 02/27/03
For Central Europe
"A Time of Gifts" and "Between the Woods and the Water" — Patrick Leigh
Fermor, already mentioned by some posters. Wonderful books that evoke a
time gone past.
"A Nervous Splendor" and "Thunder at Twilight," both by Frederic Morton. Fascinating fictionalized historical accounts of two important two-year periods in Viennese history: 1888-1889, leading up to the Crown Prince's mysterious death at Mayerling in the first case; and the assassenation of the next Crown Prince in Sarajevo and the beginning of World War I in the second case.
"Kaffeehaus," Rick Rodgers. A huge coffeetable-like recipe book. With both recipes, photos and historical info, it's just the thing to put you in the mood for outings to warm and cozy cafes in Budapest, Prague and Vienna.
"The Sign of the Cross: Catholic Travels in Europe," by Colm Toibin, vignettes from a number of countries.
Anything by Timothy Garton Ash, particularly "The Magic Lantern," for the heady days of revolution in CEE in late 1989, or "The File," for his story of his return to Germany to examine the files the Stasi had created on him .
"The Fig Eater," a mystery novel set in 1910 Vienna and loosely based on Freud's patient Dora.
Of course any trip to Prague wouldn't be complete without your having read Kundera, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" especially.
And finally for a book that's combination travel book/history/architecture/social insights, Andras Torok's "Budapest" is fantastic. I've lived in Hungary twice before and took this book with me on my most recent trip — Torok's book opened my eyes to many new things.
Sitting in a cafe in Mitteleuropa with a good book
in hand is one of the great joys in life!
Elaine
VA USA 02/17/03
For the journey
A Cook's Tour — by Anthony Bourdain
Susan
USA 02/10/03
Kurt never fails!
You can never go wrong with Vonnegut, and when you want to trade with other
backpackers, anything of his is worth at least two or three other books.
Those of us who are eccentric, and most backpackers are, like a good Kilgore
Trout read.
Brittany JW <email>
Hemet, CA USA 02/04/03
Russia
"Peter the Great" by Robert Massey brings Russian history to life. Peter
Westernized Russian, established its navy, and built St. Petersburg. Fascinating
how he did it all.
Tim
CA USA 02/01/03
Tuscany-Umbria
There was a book on the bedside table of the B & B in Nantucket where we
were staying. The title was "A Summer in Tuscany." My wife learned Italian
phrases and words from the book and taught them to me. We spoke Italian
together, sitting in a restaurant, and the waiters thought we were Italian.
Then I read the book and made notes about where to go and my wife made reservations.
We went to Italy; it was a gift. We had not travelled there before, and
we highly recommend it.
John Money-Collins <email>
New Orleans, LA USA 01/21/03
Two more I forgot before!
I would also like to recommend two mystery series. The first is the Anne
Perry series about Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. The books take place in Victorian
London. Thomas is a detective, and his wife Charlotte helps him solve his
cases (often against his wishes!) by infiltrating the homes of the well-to-do,
whom the cases revolve around, while Thomas speaks to the servants and regular
townspeople. The books offer a wonderful view of "above stairs/below stairs" life in Victorian-era England.
The second series is by Lindsey Davis and focuses on a private detective
in Ancient Rome whose name is Marcus Didius Falco. These books are very
witty, and follow Falco and his dysfuntional family, his best friend,
and his upper-class girlfriend (who is behaving quite scandalously by
associating herself with a private eye!) on their adventures. They offer
a great view of Rome in the 1st century AD, especially the lower-class
areas that are often not the focus of other movies and books. As well,
they often take place in other parts of the Roman Empire. A warning: the
books are written in chronological order, so try to start at the beginning
("Silver Pigs"). You won't be lost if you don't, but it's always nice
to start at the beginning.
Rebecca M <email>
Kingston, ON Canada 01/17/03
Two marvellous books to read
I would like to recommend two books by Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder.
The first is called "Sophie's World" about a young girl who receives an
interesting letter in the mail one day from a stranger, the first of many.
The letters are lessons in the philosophy of the Western world, beginning
with Socrates, Plato, and other Greeks and covering the Renaissance, and
so on. The ending of the book is fantastic, and the book and letters themselves
are a bit of a philosophic puzzle. (Who is writing them? Who is reading
them?) I think it would be great for a European trip!
Gaarder also wrote "The Solitaire Mystery," about a young boy and his father who travel from Norway to Greece in search of the boy's mother (and father's wife). The father is a bit of a philosopher, but the real focus is on the boy and a few simple items he discovers at rest stops during the trip. The items are a sticky bun, a tiny book, and a magnifying glass. The tiny book is another story within the original novel, and the way the two weave together is fantastic.
These two books make you look at the world just
a bit differently, enough to turn you into an amateur philosopher yourself!
Happy reading!
Rebecca <email>
Kingston, ON Canada 01/14/03