1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

OK, let’s begin with #1. (Ha, just kidding!) Seriously, this is an enormous treat for armchair travelers as well as seasoned globetrotters. The content is first organized by continent and then further breakdowns. After that, each place has a description, a color photograph, and then a “must do” section. There is a thematic index if … Continue reading →

The White Darkness by David Grann

From the author of “Killers of the Flower Moon” comes a story of determination, exploration, love and loss on Earth’s most unforgiving continent:  Antarctica.  In “The White Darkness,” author David Grann follows the efforts of modern day explorer Henry Worsley as he seeks to recreate the historic expeditions of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Though, perhaps, … Continue reading →

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Allison

In my last blog post, I lamented all the time I lost while trying to read the book “No Touch Monkey” by Ayuun Halliday.  I promised that there were far better travel books out there, that were much more worth your while, so today, please allow me to introduce you to one such book:  “Whatever … Continue reading →

No Touch Monkey by Ayun Halliday

No touch monkey???  Yikes!  No touch book! I generally enjoy reading fun and crazy travel books, so how could I pass up the opportunity to pick up a book called “No Touch Monkey”?  Unfortunately, for a book that seems to bill itself as a humorous compilation of comical misadventures and innocent faux paus, the author … Continue reading →

Almost French by Sarah Turnbull

Almost French was the pick for the non-fiction book discussion in February. So let me sum up the evening for you: If you loved Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert there is a slight, and I mean slight chance you may like Almost French. Lots of comparisons here: finding yourself, finding love, finding and eating … Continue reading →

The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino

“The Only Street in Paris” is a quaint retelling of author, Elaine Sciolino’s, experiences while living on the Rue des Martyrs.  Amidst an onslaught of modern conveniences and big box stores, the Rue des Martyrs is a charming slice of Paris that still strives to maintain its traditional, and sometimes quirky, French identity.  Throughout the … Continue reading →

Almost French by Sarah Turnbull

“Almost French” is a wonderful travelogue that chronicles the (mis)adventures of author, Sarah Turnbull, as she attempts to adjust to a move from her home in Australia, to a new life abroad in France.  While this book is light and warmhearted, with plenty of laughs and smiles along the way, Turnbull also makes some very … Continue reading →

The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

The non-fiction book group’s selection this quarter was the classic The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. There has always been debate in the library world as to whether this book is non-fiction (travelogue) or fiction. It is a true story, but it seems pretty clear Twain embellished quite a bit in his writing. Does anyone … Continue reading →

Carsick by John Waters

Carsick is not a book for the easily offended, and it has enough bizarre material in it to possibly get under the skin of the not-so-easily offended as well. If you are familiar with the movies of John Waters, the book’s author, let’s just say that Carsick is much closer to Waters’ older, weirder movies … Continue reading →

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

David Sedaris is the type of essayist that you either hate or love, are offended by or understand, and either make you gasp or squeal in delight. Well, I am the latter. His latest, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, was exactly what I hoped for and expected. Once again, he writes about his everyday life … Continue reading →