Recommended Novels for your Travels
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?
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new zealand and paris
"Come on Shore and we will Kill and Eat You" is a memoir of an American woman who married a Maori man. I read it while visiting New Zealand last year- hilarious!
"The Elegance of the Hedgehog " is a perfect read when visiting Paris.
sue
philadelphia, USA 02/02/2012
Iceland
If you're going to Iceland try to read any novel by Halldor Laxness. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in the 1950s. His novels provide excellent insight into Icelandic culture and lifestyles, from the 1800s to his present time (he died in 1996 I think). "The Fish Can Sing" and "Independent People" are good places to start.
Mabel
Los Angeles, CA USA 01/30/2012
Insights to Tuscany
Isabella Dusi's book, "Vanilla Beans and Brodo" recounts life in both historical and contemporary Montelcino - it's a great lesson of what makes the hill towns of Tuscany so unique and special. Ferenc Mate, author of ""The Hills of Tuscany" and "A Vineyard in Tuscany" vividly describes life in the beautiful wine region as he and his wife created a world recognized winery and joy-filled life from the marvelous terroir.
Bill
Punta Gorda, FL USA 01/15/2012
Spain: Dogs of God
I'd recommend Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors by James Reston. It's historical, but it reads more like a novel. Honestly, I think it would make a great mini-series. It's a fascinating look into the time of the reign of Ferdinand and Isabel. So much happened in the year 1492, and this book explains it all.
Janelle
Olathe, KS USA 01/14/2012
Prague
The novel The Lost Wife (by Alyson Richman) is a fabulous novel to read when visiting Prague. So many of the places I visited a year ago come to life in this moving WWII story. Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, the Terezin children's art exhibit upstairs at Pinkas Synagogue----all of these are in this beautifully written story. Would love to return to Prague and would also add a side trip to Terezin after reading this wonderful work of historical fiction.
Suzanne
Thomasville, GA USA 01/01/2012
Turkey
Going to turkey read Tales From The Expat Harem Edited by Anastasia Ashman and Jennifer Eaton Gokmen.
Each chapter is about a woman who either lived or lives in turkey and her experiences in turkey as a foreigner.
Really intersting and helpful understanding of liife in Turkey and how they veiw foreigners and Americans.
Ann Solazzo
Staten Island, NY USA 11/21/2011
General Europe
While in Germany, Austria and Italy I read A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester, about the Rennaisance. A great read, but even better if you read it there.
Patrick
Chicago, IL USA 11/21/2011
Venice, Italy
When travelling to Venice, Italy take along a copy of the book Venice by Jan Morris - it is part guidebook, part historical and is one of the most interesting books I've read - I'd say it's the definitive work on Venice.
Edna Francis
cape town, RSA 11/10/2011
Milan Kundera in Prague
I spent ten days in Prague at the beginning of the summer, and one day I stumbled upon the bookstore Shakespeare and Sons (yes, there's one in Prague, too)! I bought Laughable Loves, a collection of short stories by Milan Kundera, which I read in one day in gardens on Petrin Hill and Vysehrad. Literally couldn't put it down! The next day I went back and returned it for a little bit of credit and I bought Kundera's masterpiece, The Unbearable Lightness of Being. It was such a joy to read Kundera in his own city, and to feel the main character's tumultuous journey come to life on the streets of Prague.
Michelle Rodriguez
Williamstown, MA USA 10/11/2011
Ireland
If traveling to Ireland, read Trinity by Leon Uris and if you have time, read the sequel, Redemption.
Both are long books, but they are excellent and you really understand the history of Ireland and the Irish people. I read both books before I went to Ireland and it really made the trip so much better in understanding the country.
You will be able to better understand what the guides are telling you with some background of the country.
Ann
Staten Island, NY USA 10/06/2011
Good Book for a trip to Bulgaria
If you are traveling to Bulgaria an excellent book to read is "East of the West" by Miroslav Penkov. It is a series of short stories which take place through out Bulgaria at different historical periods. Great read!
Carolyn Toews
Casper, WY USA 10/06/2011
Ireland
Ireland. Can't recall author' name but about a storyteller that travels on foot through many Irish villages. It was VERY good.
Peggy Burch
New Orleans, LA USA 09/26/2011
City of Falling Angels
The Citiy of Falling Angels by John Berebdt is a great read about Venice..read it anywhere, even if you are not in Venice!
Mary Ann
Ashheville, nc USA 09/20/2011
Reading recs
For place-based recs for novels, articles, podcasts and travel TV for your travels try www.locallibris.com. Daily place-based reading recs on twitter @locallibris Paris? http://www.locallibris.com/France New York? http://www.locallibris.com/new-york/
Local Libris
Boston, MA USA 09/19/2011
Rick Steve's guidebooks
The Rick Steve's guidebook for your destination. I studied mine and knew exactly what I wanted to see. I could even identify who was in the portraits in Buckingham palace better than the guards.
Carol
Annapolis, MD USA 09/11/2011
Good reads on the way to Florence
Heading for Florence? Magdalen Nabb's series of mysteries solved by a marshal of the Carabinieri posted to the Pitti Palace gives a great sense of place. One even uses the Back Door favorite trattoria Casalinga for a scene or two. Nabb lived in Florence many years and knew it well.
Michael
San Mateo, CA USA 09/09/2011
Books
If you are travelling to Budapest, I recommend the novel Prague. This book is totally set in Budapest in the 90's and follows a group of young-ish American expats. The title is a bit misleading, but come from the fact some of the characters are frequently talking about leaving Budapest and moving to Prague.
Jack
Yellow Springs, OH USA 09/05/2011
Paris based novel I liked
An Innocent Addiction by RobertWomack
Sam C.
Atlanta, Ga USA 08/23/2011
Siena
Seven seasons in Tuscany by Robert Rodi gives great info re Siena culture regarding the Polio.
Bob
Gettysburg, PA USA 08/10/2011
Cotswold Novel
For the Cotswold Trail (the Cotswold Ring) try the Agatha Raison novels by M. C. Beaton. I read the first two novels during my trip and kept seeing the settings and names of Inns and Pubs in the novels. Even characters were named after grocery stores in the area. Lots of fun and perfect for the lovely setting of the North Cotswolds.
http://www.agatharaisin.com/
Grace Chimene
Austin, TX USA 08/04/2011
Spain
Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving is fascinating reading for Spain, particularly southern Spain. Written in 1829, it's filled with travel tales and evocative Moorish legends written while Irving was US Ambassador to Spain. It's really enhanced my travels here.
Jill
Seattle, Wa USA 08/03/2011
Pre trip reading
Planning a trip to Israel? I recently re-read The Source by James Michener. Good background material.
James
Ashland, MO USA 07/19/2011
Books to Read in Europe
Choose books with settings in the places you visit. On a trip to Barcelona I read The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon. In Paris I read A Moveable Feast by Hemingway and in England I read Elizabeth George's books; the Inspector Linley series. All perfect. On a tour bus in Barcelona we drove by one of the buildings in Zafon's story. Very exciting!
Sarah
Fallbrook, CA USA 07/07/2011
Turkey
Birds without wings by Louis de Bernières.
The book is set in a small villiage shared by Christians & Muslims who all speak Turkish during the end of the Ottoman Empire.
I haven't finished the book yet (3/4) but I love how it has helped me to understand the mindsets & cultural differences/similarities between the two groups and some of the old customs. There are lots of references to foods and places.
And it is just a damn good read! :)
Rhonda
Missoula, MT USA 06/23/2011
The Paris Wife
My dad, mom, and I have all been reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain while travelling through Paris. It's been very entertaining to learn about Hemingway's Paris through a different set of eyes - his first wife's.
Colleen
Jackson, CA USA 06/15/2011
Mark Twain, of course!
Others have mentioned this, and I'm mentioning it again because it's fantastic: The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain. He wrote about his actual travels on a highly-publicized excursion through Europe and the Middle East. Reading his 19th-century descriptions of places you are seeing with your own eyes is fascinating--and his own opinions/insights are a lot of fun.
Lea
Belle Plaine, MN USA 06/12/2011
Paris
The Good Thief's Guide to Paris, by Chris Ewan. This is a mystery. It's hard to put down. Lots of action in and about Paris apartments, museums and Shakespeare & Company (next door to Hotel Esméralda), etc.
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P. Scott
Pearland, TX USA 05/17/2011
Scotland reading
Ian Rankin's detective Rebus. I had not planned to go to Scotland, but enjoyed it even more having read a number of these books based soley on their own merit.
John
Cleveland, Oh USA 05/12/2011
Dario Castagno's Books
All of Dario's books are great fun to read before or during a tour in Chianti.
My favorite is Too much Tuscan Wine & my husband loves An Osteria in Chianti. Lots of local history including information about the Palio in Siena.
Willie
Eagle, Co USA 05/06/2011
venice-inspector brunetti
if you are planning a trip to venice, i suggest you read the donna leon mysteries, all set in venice, and all with her main character: inspector brunetti. they are all fun reads and give you a distinct flavor of venezia. you will love these books. and , oh by the way, brunetti is really into food!!
david virgilio
brockport, ny USA 05/01/2011
The Botticelli Secret
The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato is a great adventure style historical novel which takes place all over Italy. From Naples to Florence to Genoa the main character and her monk sidekick defuse a eleborate plot by unlocking the secret behind Botticelli's La Primavera. Fun read if you are exploring Italy or have seen Botticelli's works in the Uffizi!
Jenny
Naples, Italy 04/01/2011
Recommended novels
With all the fine Scandinavian mystery writers being published today, the potential traveler has a lot to choose from. I'm particularly fond of the Icelanders Erlendur Indridason and Yrsa Sigurdurdatter, but the old standby Henning Mankell is always good for a somewhat dark view of modern Sweden, and Karin Fossum writes interesting tales about Norway. But be aware that these are rather grim, not "cozies" by any stretch.
Karen
Minneapolis, MN USA 03/24/2011
Florence
Probably been said before, but Hannibal is great for Florence. It gives you a very different perspective.
Alex
Brisbane, QLD AUS 03/23/2011
Paris
Cara Black's novels about tech detective Aimee Leduc take place in 12 arrondissements, and give you much insight to the streets of Paris.
Terry
Prague, CZ 03/03/2011
Irish Historical Fiction
If you're planning a visit to Ireland bring along one of Morgan Llywelyn's "Irish Century" series novels...gives an insider's historical perspective on the Emerald Isle.
Ed
Brandon, FL USA 02/26/2011
Rome
I just read again Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr. Rome such a chaotic wonderful city and Doerr experiences Rome as the new dad of baby twins. Excellent prequel to a Rome trip
beverly
Kenilworth, Illinois USA 02/25/2011
British Mystery novels
The "Inspector Lynley" mystery series by Elizabeth George are a lot of fun to read, before or after a trip to England. Lots of references to things and places that will be recognizable, as well as just plain good reads!
Judith
Philadelphia, PA USA 02/25/2011
paris
Two favorite books about Paris are Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris" which tells so much about architecture and Sharon Upp's "House on the Bridge: Ten Turbulent Years with Diego Rivera" which is like a walking tour of the city.
mike
portland, or USA 02/18/2011
Sinclair Lewis's Dodsworth
Sinclair Lewis's Dodsworth is a great piece of literature. It also explains the European mindset very well, in particular the differences between them and Americans in their outlook on life. Picked it up during some causal browsing but was very happy with the insight it gave me before my trip to Europe.
Preeti
Seattle, Wa USA 12/19/2010
Novels and books on the Mediterranean and Turkey
For a good overview of different Mediterranean cultures, try Paul Theroux's " The Pillars of Hercules". And for lovers of Anatolia, try these out – you won't go wrong!:
For a romantic fiction novel set in Istanbul, read the "Museum of Innocence" by Orhan Pamuk. Try to read "Bliss" by Zülfü Livaneli (the movie is also excellent) for a Turkish fiction on different social values. And my favourite "Bird Without Wings" by Louis De Bernieres is a good fictional book to read that is set in the early days of the 20th century emerging Turkish republic.
For non-fiction on Turkey, Rick Steeves "Istanbul" is a good reference to get past the Byzantine gates and through the "back door" of this ancient city. Rick's "people first" approach to writing travel books – from references on playing backgammon with the locals to eating rice pudding every day to his descriptions of the Turkish culture in "Travel as a Political Act" all help to shed light on the real Turkish experiences that are far past the Kodak moments. To the real jewels of Turkey. Way past any old myths hung over from Billy Hayes and his "The Midnight Express" book (warning: don't even bother seeing this trashy, inaccurate old film or read the book again. )
The Lonely Planet's "Turkey" is still the overall gold standard reference on Turkey, especially once you are truly off the beaten path.
Brian F.
Brian F.
London, ON Canada 12/13/2010
Pili pili bruges
After a needing a slight break from the delicious mussels, Belgian beers and waffles, myself and my child were looking for a" pasta break". Our hotel recommended we try Pili Pili, a so called Italian "twist" bistro. We reserved a table and came right on time, but the couple in front of us, without a reservation, were given a nice table by the window, while we were ushered into the back with a pitiful table for two lookingright into the kitchen. When we asked to move to one of 4 or 5 empty table in the main area of the restaurant (the majority of which remained empty during our stay) , we were told they were already reserved. Already slighted by the sheer lack of effort or interest in trying to make things better, I asked for a coke and was given a flattish glass of lukewarm coke with one ice cube in it. When I asked for more ice cubes, the beyond miserable bartender dissapeared into the kitchen and returned with two cubes in her hand which she petulantly [INVALID]ped into my glass. Only four of the pastas were "available" in child portions (not sure why you can't prepare any pasta dish in child portions as long as it is not baked) so we ordered an adult size pesto pasta for my child and a child size spicy vegetarian pasta for myself. The pesto pasta came as a mound of spagetti, dotted with specs of tasteless green stuff. The cheese on the side was some kind of mild cheese but clearly not parmesian and not fresh. My vegetarian pasta was also a plate of spagetti with some tomato glop which I could not identify. We left with plates two thirds full and an extremely dissapointing experience. If there was only one thing wrong, we would have happily mentioned it to our server. But there were so many things wrong with this place that it was simply not worth saying anything. They are beyond repair. The bartender alone did not break a smile and after the "ice" episode, huffed every time she walked by our table. I would never, ever recommend this restaurant even if you were desperate for a pasta alternative to the traditional food in the area.
Susan Baker
kansas, USA 12/03/2010
Books set in France
On a recent trip to southern France, I re-read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse. The story is set in and around the Cathar country and Carcassonne. I enjoyed seeing some of the sites mentioned in the book.
Another book by Mosse, Sepulchre, uses Rennes les Bain and Rennes le Chateau as settings. Rennes le Chateau has also been used in The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry and in the Da Vinci Code.
If you enjoy romance novels, Light of the Moon (can't remember the author) tells of a French rancher, his daughter and a young woman from the United States. The Camargue is the setting for the story.
In addition, Carol Drinkwater has written a series of books about her life on an olive farm in Provence. She was an actress on the Public Television series, All Creatures Great and Small.
Enjoy!
Bev
Decorah, Iowa USA 11/21/2010
Hamburg, North Germany
For North Germany, the state and city of Hamburg. The detective novel "Brother Grimm" by Craig Russell. The Scottish writer Craig Russell speaks German fluently, but writes in English. It is obvious that Russell knows Hamburg and North Germany very well. The book is a good introduction to this international city, one of the biggest harbours in the world, and maybe the greenest metropolitan city in Europe.
There is only one fault - Russell calls unmarried women "Fräulein" (Fraeulein)!
Never do that, because today to call an unmarried woman "Fräulein" is an insult!!!
Every woman latest from the age of 18 (being of age) is called Frau.
Martina
Hamburg, Hambur Germany 11/16/2010
Swedish book
Read "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" for Sweden. It is not for the sensitive, but has lots of Swedish settings, food, weather, attitudes and a very strong and unusual female lead character.
Grace Chimene
Austin, Texas USA 10/22/2010
Book to read while traveling
The Book Thief. Narrated by death, takes place in Nazi Germany. Meant for young adults, but you won't be disappointed.
MD
the Island, Canada 10/06/2010
Fiction for Barcelona
I read Carlos Ruiz Zafon's books "The Shadow of the Wind" and "The Angel's Game" which are set in Barcelona before traveling there September 21. Visiting the places where the story took place brought the stories to life for me. Zafon's website even has a walking tour based on the novels. So much fun!
Sarah Bates
Fallbrook, CA USA 10/06/2010
Budapest
I just finished reading The Invisible Bridge. It is an incredible Holocaust story that is set in Paris and Budapest. I absolutely loved this book and it was the perfect story to really enrich my recent trip to Budapest. The places were so familiar to me as I read. I recommend getting it on Kindle, however, to keep your packing light. Kindle is FABULOUS for travel.
Suzanne
GA USA 09/26/2010
Keep it Light
I prefer to steer clear of "travel" books when I'm on the road. They make better pre-travel reading to inspire, excite and inform. Imagine tackling Ulysses on a trip to Dublin. You'll still be there 3 years later trying to finish the thing so you can do the Bloomsday tour. On the road I stick to easy to read books that entertain without clogging my brain with heavy thoughts. Melanie La'Brooy writes very funny rom-coms. On my next trip I'm taking some Jasper Fforde (literary comedy)and a book of short stories. I've previously read Jane Austen on my travels because I finished all the books I'd taken and I bought the JA at an English language bookshop. It turned out to be ideal.
SharonL
Sydney, NSW Australia 09/16/2010
On the Road. It's a classic and the ultimate 'energy drink'
USA 09/10/2010
Italy
Iain Pears' art history mysteries surrounding a special Italian Art Theft Squad. They are light weight and combine Italians, well known and not so well known Italian locations, art, mystery and humor. What could be better?
Roger
Encinitas, CA USA 09/06/2010
Italy Reading
I just read "Living in a Foreign Language" by Michael Tucker (actor from LA Law) and it tells of his experience buying a home in Italy. Also "Monster of Florence" by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi who both ended up being investigated for the murders that took place around Florence Italy. I found it interesting as it was happening when I was there and remember see it in the papers/TV. It is interesting side of what happens in the hills after dark
BJW
Philadelphia, NJ USA 08/30/2010
Book / Crossing Borders
Cultural misunderstandings, crazy and dangerous situations, inter-cultural friendships, love and disappointment and the excitement of exploring. "Crossing Borders" tells the story of living and becoming an adult in a foreign country away from friends and family. This narrative is not a simple travel log of pondering curiosities, it unites the weirdest, most interesting and funniest experiences from twelve years living abroad.
The story starts out with the author's experiences of his first adventure in the heart of Europe-in German speaking Austria. Dreams of going to study at the Viennese Academy of Music go up in smoke when the protagonist fails the entrance exam.
The protagonist not only ends up living in a mountain village in the Alps, but also discovers traits and virtues in his new Austrian friends that he never thought possible.
From almost getting shot in Cairo, having his bride kidnapped on their wedding day, to getting blackmailed by a Moroccan snake charmer, each chapter takes the reader on an extraordinary cultural trip, a book for anyone who likes to travel, whether in their mind or reality.
Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble / ISBN 9781602643734
Michael Ferris
Vienna, Vienna Austria 07/26/2010
Paris
First see the movie Julie and Julia before you leave, then read My Life in France, by Julia Child. Gives you an idea of what France was like in 1948 - 1954 the bonus you will know what to order when dineing in France.
Sandy
Penryn, CA USA 06/30/2010
Novels,Movies-Travels
I am reading; Mark Twain,The Innocents Abroad. That man got around but we see more today.Old B movies 20million miles from earth,walked around Collasium there,s where the monster got it and the Roman Zoo.love old movies.lived meany years in Naples Italy Navy Brat.We would watch a movie filmed on location then find it.My mind was full of adventure of sights I saw the Film Stars pass I was there and more they were my play grounds,Bunkers,Cuma Caves,Battilfields Cassino,Jasson an the Argonotts,Spartacus,Cleopatra Isciha-Possulli,It Started in Naples-Caprie the list and memorries go,s on The Human Factor 1974 the millitary bases where I lived and played,later as an adult.Like Ricks shows they make me home sick for Europe Dad took me alot of plases and I did too,in my Fiat-unocs.Spoiled at a young age itche-feet.Now I,m like most Tourist money time dont live there long term have to live a life-time in to weeks.
William A. Stewart
Jacksonville, FL. USA 06/28/2010
The Geography of Bliss
You will love "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner. Subtititled "One Grump's Search for the Happiest Place in the World", it will leave you laughing out loud and rushing to book your next vacation to Iceland, Switzerland, or Moldova. (You'll have to read the book to find out why you should visit those places!)
Mary Segall
Toronto, Ont. Canada 06/25/2010
Reading for Travellers
There is a new mystery novel out that might be of interest to someone travelling to the Netherlands. It's "The Tulip Virus" by Danielle Hermans. It alternates between modern times and the 1600s concerning the tulip bulb bubble. Very readable.
Toni Burke
Hellertown, PA USA 06/19/2010
Book to read before Paris
Before Paris, read "A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway. When you arrive you can trek to all the spots he visited; even have a drink in Harry's Bar.
Sarah Bates
Fallbrook, CA USA 06/15/2010
Travel Books
"Innocents Abroad" by Mark Twain
Woody
Wimberley, Texas USA 06/13/2010
Literature for Travel
Recommend The Sahara Unveiled if going to Northern Africa/Morocco/the Sahara. Incredibly fascinating and very worthwhile reading. If going to Greece, do not miss reading Henry Miller's "The Colossus of Maroussi". Also for Greece "Sailing the Wine Dark Sea" by Thomas Cahill.
PD Clare
USA 06/10/2010
books to take with you
Anything by Patrick Leigh Fermor, the best travel writer ever.
Thea Montandon
Walnut Creek, CA USA 06/04/2010
What NOT to read
I try to stay away from action novels/murder mysteries while traveling. Remind me too much of home! (don't need "ripped from the headlines" froth while I am trying to relax)
I also dislike them for the precise reason I like them when home - I don't like getting pulled so deeply into the story that I can't set it down.
What I DO like are "thinky" books like the traditional classics - books that slow me down, make me muse, can be read in small bites and are enjoyable that way.
These can range from Ezra Pounds poetry (or any good Penguin book dedicated to a single poet, with a nice intro and good footnotes), to a Shakespeare play or too (articles and footnotes please!), to a fun read like the 3 Musketeers....
Downer or edge-of-my-seat books - please, no!
Mark Mia
Burbank, CA USA 06/01/2010
Florence, Italy
non-fiction, Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King is a fast, interesting read. Then be sure to climb the dome when you visit Florence.
Katrina
Phoenix, AZ USA 05/26/2010
Books for Trips
"The Histories" by Herodotus was a great read when I was traveling around Greece and Turkey.
I recommend "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine Saint-Exuperay for anyone going to North Africa.
Mark
Houston, TX USA 04/29/2010
Cultural and Historical Books for Travel
Beneath The Lions Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
A vivid account of the Ethiopian revolution in the seventies and its consequences.
Bright Dark Madonna by Elizabeth Cunningham Mary of Magdala brought to life in a funny and rebellious manner.
The Twentieth Wife Indu Sundaresan The complex royal court politics and romance of the near past in India.
Hand of Isis by Jo Graham Ancient Egypt through the back door.
The Arms Maker of Berlin by Dan Fesperman Solving mysteries of recent German history illustrating the toll this history has taken on the German people.
Eve: A Novel of the First Woman Elissa Elliot Near the intersection of the Tigris and Euphrates the first woman of the Bible tells her story of heartbreak and survival.
Drawing in the Dust by Zoe Klein Opening Pandoras panty drawer while digging down into history.
Hot House Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin Wisdom, sex, and smart plants on a journey into the Yucatan Peninsula.
Picking Bones From Ash by Marie Mutsuki Mockett Seeing Japanese culture from the inside and outside.
Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin Third World challenges met with inspiring humor and wisdom.
Born Under a Million Shadows by Andrea Busfield A boy takes us through the heartbreaks and joys of contemporary Afghanistan.
21 by Roslund and Hellstrom Human Trafficking and the dark underbelly of Swedish society.
The Lazarus Covenant by John Fenzell A U S special forces commander takes us through the cultural minefields of the Balkans.
Travel as a Political Act by Rick Steves
Different ways to see and think while you travel.
Bill
USA 03/28/2010
Recommened Non-Fiction
I'd like to recommend this book by an Australian journalist who moved to Italy to be with his Italian girlfriend. Its funny and illuminates the realistic challenges of living in Italy rather than simply being a tourist. Head Over Heels: Seduced by Southern Italy (2009) by Chris Harrison
Cristina Della Rosa
Juneau, AK USA 03/19/2010
Rome and Environs
Last spring I made my first trip to the eternal city and apart from my well-worn copy of Rick's guide book I also brought a copy of Filippo Coarelli's "Rome and Environs: An Archaeological Guide to Ancient Rome". As a student of Archaeology I found it immensely helpful, furthermore, casual travelers should also find it helpful as it provides detailed maps and walks of the major and obscure sites in Rome and the surrounding area. The Ostia section is particularly good.
Ken
Calgary, AB Canada 03/13/2010
Irish mysteries
I can highly recommend Tana French's mysteries. She only has two out thus far and they're fun. They take place in Dublin.
Kathy S
Charleston, SC USA 03/09/2010
Sicily
May I recommend the little book,"Dreaming of Sicily" by Betsy Hoffman.
This is a humorus book of the travel experiences to the beautiful island of "Sicilia". Fully illustrated by me. Betsy and I are both second generations Sicilians.
Kathleen Citrolo Gwinnett
Burlington, NC USA 03/05/2010
N. Ireland
Before my first trip to N. Ireland, I enjoyed the Mobile Mystery series by Ian Sansom. Now I read the books to remember the wonderful people and sights.
Dianne
San Antonio, TX USA 02/13/2010
Paris
I really enjoyed Vanina Marsot's Foreign Tongue, a contemporary novel set in Paris. Lots of information about the cultural and linguistic difference between French and English. Takes place mostly in the 11th district.
Foreign Tongue
Santa Monica, CA USA 02/09/2010