Good books take you places and expand your horizons. The same could be said of travel. Two of our obsessions come together in this “suggested reading list” for summer.
The Dud Avocado
By Elaine Dundy
If you… are feeling French. Protagonist Sally Jay Gorce has been described as the Bridget Jones of 1950s Paris, though a bit smarter.
The King’s Song
By Geoff Ryman
If you… are venturing to Siem Reap & Ankor Wat. Ryman’s historical novel jumps between the 21st century present and 12th century past, creating a richly detailed portrait of Cambodia’s political and cultural history.
The Shadow of the Sun
By Ryszard Kapuscinski
If you… are a first-timer to Africa. This collection of travel essays by the Polish journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski is impressive for its geographic scope as much as its perspicacity, the perfect introduction to the continent.
Jar City
by Arnaldur Indridason
If you… cashed in on those insane flight deals to Reykjavík. This Icelandic murder mystery will fill this summer’s Steig Larsson gap quite nicely.
The Leopard
By Giuseppe Di Lampedusa
If you… are headed to the Med. The Leopard recounts the life of a noble Sicilian family in the mid-19th century. With Lampedusa’s masterful command of language, this modern classic is a must-read .
Just Kids
By Patti Smith
If you… booked a room at The Bowery. Just Kids is Patti Smith’s evocative account of the New York of her youth and the origins of her friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
The Way of the World
By Nicolas Bouvier
If you… are road-tripping. This is the story of one Fiat, two friends, and 18 months of travel across Greece, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan during the late 50s.
In Morocco
If you… are trading in your walk-up for a riad. Edith Wharton was invited to travel through Morocco after the first World War as the guest of a French Army general. In 1919, she published In Morocco, which was the first guide book to the country, and probably the best to date.
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